Review: Devil's Cut by J.R. Ward

Devil's Cut by J.R. Ward

Book Three of the Bourbon Kings series

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Publication Date: August 1, 2017

Rating: 5 stars

Source: Review copy sent by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

In #1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward s thrilling finale of the Bourbon Kings series, the Bradford family dynasty teeters on the edge of collapse after the murder of their patriarch and a shocking arrest. 

At first, the death of William Baldwine, the head of the Bradford family, was ruled a suicide. But then his eldest son and sworn enemy, Edward, came forward and confessed to what was, in fact, a murder. Now in police custody, Edward mourns not the disintegration of his family or his loss of freedom . . . but the woman he left behind. His love, Sutton Smythe, is the only person he has ever truly cared about, but as she is the CEO of the Bradford Bourbon Company s biggest competitor, any relationship between them is impossible. And then there s the reality of the jail time that Edward is facing. 

Lane Baldwine was supposed to remain in his role of playboy, forever in his big brother Edward s shadow. Instead he has become the new head of the family and the company. Convinced that Edward is covering for someone else, Lane and his true love, Lizzie King, go on the trail of a killer only to discover a secret that is as devastating as it is game-changing. 

As Lane rushes to discover the truth, and Sutton finds herself irresistibly drawn to Edward in spite of his circumstances, the lives of everyone at Easterly will never be the same again. For some, this is good; for others, it could be a tragedy beyond imagining. Only one thing s for certain: Love survives all things. Even murder.

What I Liked:

I thought I loved The Bourbon Kings. I thought I loved The Angels' Share. I was wrong. I loved Devil's Cut so much and as much as I loved the previous two books, I loved this one more. So much love making the rounds. This final book in the Bourbon Kings series was absolutely stunning. Ward has written a true masterpiece to close out a fantastic series.

This novel picks up just about wear The Angels' Share left off. Edward has been arrested and is in jail for the murder of William Baldwine. Miss Aurora is fighting for her life in the hospital, due to cancer. Gin has married Richard Pford in a haste. And Lane - Lane is trying to dig Bradford Bourbon Company out of its current mess, though it has fallen so far, it may not be salvageable. Meanwhile, it remains unclear if Edward is actually the killer, even if he confessed to the murder. Secrets will be uncovered, revelations will be unveiled, scales will be tipped.

I don't even know where to begin with how much I loved this book. From start to finish, it captured my attention and I didn't put the book down until I was finished. Heck, I think I only shifted around to find a more comfortable position once, which is pretty rare (we bookworms know!). I was completely engrossed, desperate to know what would happen next. Ward has a way of weaving several plots together, ending one chapter on a mini cliffhanger and starting the next chapter in another character's POV. In other books by other authors, this could be distracting, but I loved how Ward set up the story. She kept me invested and wanting more!

This book is written in third-person, each chapter limited to one character's POV. Lane, Lizzie, Gin, Samuel T., Edward, Sutton, and Max are the main characters whose minds we get to peer into - though it is mostly Lane. This series has a large cast of characters but you won't ever get confused or forget a character - I don't know how Ward does it but she makes her characters (primary or secondary) seem larger than life, and unforgettable.

Lane is my favorite, though I adore Lizzie, and Edward. Lane is the former player, now the family's patriarch, the hero trying to save his family and the bourbon company from falling apart. He is stretched thin, with everything pulling him in all directions. Lane is a good Southern man with a good heart. I love how fiercely loyal and protective he is of his family, his legacy, and his love. Lane is the type of guy that makes me wish I could meet an old-fashioned yet progressive Southern boy who would sweep me off my feet. Good manners, selfless, with a little confidence and a lot of charm mixed in. Lane may have come from a super rich family, but he is good people.

Lizzie was part of the "help" - one of the gardeners of the Baldwines' estate. So in many ways she is the opposite of Lane, with a poorer upbringing and penchant for working with her hands. Lizzie is a sweetheart who doesn't like all of the drama that the Baldwine family has, but she would never leave Lane. She is perfect for him, and he her.

Their romance is so sweet and they had me sighing happily so many times. I love the direction of their relationship and the good things they have to look forward to in the future. Other romances that weren't huge in this book but got a resolution/HEA were Edward and Sutton's, Samuel T.'s and Gin's, and Max's (I won't specify his lady, but I loved this pairing!). And there was another but I won't say because that's a major spoiler. But good for her! She deserved it. I love how Ward put that relationship in this book as subtle as it was.

There is a lot of craziness that happens in this book, from abusive husbands to crazy ex-wives to shocking evidence from the murder to high-speed car chases to things involving babies/pregnancies. I hesitate to use the word "drama" but I've been throwing around the term "soap opera" when describing the other two books, so I guess "drama" does fit. It's the kind of drama that is riveting, not the kind that makes you want to scream and choke something. I was cheering for Lane to figure things out, about the company and the real murderer. I was cheering for Gin to stand up and leave her horrible new husband. I was cheering for Samuel T. for growing a backbone but also being a good man. I was cheering for Max for staying. I was cheering for Edward for doing what he did, though I wanted to shake him. You know what I mean? The drama was very good, even though sometimes it was sad (like Gin's situation).

I don't want to say more so as not to risk seriously spoiling things. But I will say that the ending is so perfect. Everything wraps up precisely and neatly, with HEAs for... most people. Well, 99% of the people. I love how Ward has set some things in place for these characters' futures, but not everything. That won't make sense unless you read the book, but basically, we get a peek into everyone's futures without seeing everything. I do hope Ward writes some sort of check-in epilogue in the future though. I adore these characters and I have a hard time letting go!

What I Did Not Like:

I can't think of anything specific!

Would I Recommend It:

I recommend this book for anyone who likes this kind of contemporary romance - it's not sexy adult romance (though there is romance, and there is vague sex). There is soap-opera-level drama in this series and it's a series set in the South dealing with bourbon, so it's not a feel-good yummy romance series . It's sometimes dense and heartbreaking, but such a good series overall. If you've read either of the previous books in the series, definitely keep going. Ward finishes off the series in a very strong way. This book is easily my favorite, with how well Ward handles the story and treats her characters (both good and bad). 

Rating:

5 stars. Anyone who knows me knows that I rarely give out a five-star rating. But this book was so wonderful and I honestly can't think of a single thing I didn't like or wanted more of. Ward has outdone herself with this book. I'm glad this series is only a trilogy (not like her other series!) because I hate waiting for books to publish, but I'm also so sad to say goodbye to these characters. A true sign of an excellent series!

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Review: The Angels' Share by J.R. Ward

The Angels' Share by J.R. Ward

Book Two of The Bourbon Kings series

Publisher: NAL

Publication Date: July 26, 2016

Rating: 4 stars

Source: ARC sent by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

#1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward delivers the second novel in her Bourbon Kings series—a sweeping saga of a Southern dynasty struggling to maintain a façade of privilege and prosperity, while secrets and indiscretions threaten its very foundation…

In Charlemont, Kentucky, the Bradford family is the crème de la crème of high society—just like their exclusive brand of bourbon. And their complicated lives and vast estate are run by a discrete staff who inevitably become embroiled in their affairs. This is especially true now, when the apparent suicide of the family patriarch is starting to look more and more like murder…

No one is above suspicion—especially the eldest Bradford son, Edward. The bad blood between him and his father is known far and wide, and he is aware that he could be named a suspect. As the investigation into the death intensifies, he keeps himself busy at the bottom of a bottle—as well as with his former horse trainer’s daughter. Meanwhile, the family’s financial future lies in the perfectly manicured hands of a business rival, a woman who wants Edward all to herself.

Everything has consequences; everybody has secrets. And few can be trusted. Then, at the very brink of the family’s demise, someone thought lost to them forever returns to the fold. Maxwell Bradford has come home. But is he a savior...or the worst of all the sinners?

What I Liked:

For some reason, I was a little surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I was so nervous, when I started it! I had been excited, but anxious. I don't usually like or read the soap opera types of contemporary fiction, so it was unusual for me to be reading this series at all. But I liked The Bourbon Kings, and I think I might even like The Angels' Share more.

This book is told in third person, from a multitude of perspectives. And yet, the changes in perspectives was never overwhelming. The main POV is Lane Bradford, one of the four Bradford children, and the youngest son. We also have Lizzie's POV, Lizzie being Lane's love and girlfriend. Gin (Lane's sister), Mack (Lane's friend and company distiller), Edward (Lane's oldest brother), Sutton (Edward's love interest and head of the rival bourbon company). Other characters are Samuel T (Gin's former love), Jeff (Lane's old roommate and an accountant helping him), John Lenghe (an interesting and very nice billionaire), Ramsey (deputy in the police force), Shelby (works for Edward), Richard (Gin's finance). 

You'd think one would get overwhelmed by the sheer number of primary and secondary characters running around, but they are all SO different and play such different roles in the book. It's hard not to know who is who, and it's hard to forget names. Ward really does a great job of crafting her characters, even with the most minor of details!

This book is all about what happens after Lane's father's death. It's currently known as a suicide, but was it really? Lane is now responsible for the company, and Easterly, and everything associated with the Bradford name and money. But he's quickly realizing that there IS no money, and that the family has millions of dollars in debt. In this book, we see what happens when the son that was never supposed to be the one in charge and taking care of the family is left to investigate and scheme and clean up the messes his father made.

Going into this series, I thought it was strictly romance. And there is a lot of romance in this book, in terms of relationships. Lane and Lizzie and sweet and sizzly together. The Bourbon Kings focused on the "chase", the two of them getting together, but this sequel novel features them together and content. They are so well-matched and so in love, and so strong and solid.

There are other ships in this series, but the rest of the ships are so complicated and probably will never happen. Edward has left the Bradford life behind, and while he loves Sutton and vice versa, he knows he has to say good-bye to her. And Gin - she loves Samuel T. (and vice versa), but they are so toxic together, and she needs to marry the obscenely rich Richard Pford.

Back to what I was saying about this series being strictly romance. It's not! This story reads more like a contemporary fiction novel, with the occasional kiss and fade-to-black sex scene. There are no explicit steamy scenes, no blatantly written oozing chemistry. But you can tell how steamy Lane and Lizzie's relationship is, for example, even if it isn't shown directly. So this series isn't strictly a romance series! Which was surprising and kind of refreshing. I'm a romance novel junkie!

Maxwell is a new player in the series. He is the wilder Bradford son, the one that disappeared years ago, and has entered the picture to pay his respects to his father. He and Edward are up to something, in this book, and we'll have to wait until book three to find out what it is...

My favorite character was probably Lane. He is determined to do everything in his power to protect and save his family, as well as all those employed at the company, and the mansion. Lane has grown into the role he was forced upon, and he is showing that he is a strong and capable leader. I like what I see, in the development of his character. I like how faithful and kind he is to Lizzie (especially knowing what kind of poor example his father was).

I mentioned this series being a little soap-opera-y, which it is. There are all kinds of crazy things happening in this book - cheating spouses, surprise pregnancies, massive amounts of money being handled, bribery, threats, possibly murder... the Bradfords are a messed-up family, that's for sure. But Lane and Lizzie are so solid, and totally devoted to each other. Everyone else... fair game.

We're left with a rather shocking final scene! We finally have an answer, in terms of who killed the Bradford patriarch. Lane has had so much to process, and it seems to get pretty rough at the end (not specifically for him, because there were some really great things that happened to him in the end). There is no way this is the last book in the series! I can't wait to read the next installment. Hopefully it is forthcoming!

What I Did Not Like:

One thing I would have liked to see is more of a progression with the plot involving Lane's ex-wife (or whatever), Chantel. The woman needs to be out of the picture. I wanted to see a more concrete direction in terms of her. But I suppose that will happen in future books!

Would I Recommend It:

Steer clear of this series is you can't handle a little drama. No drama touching our main couple (Lane and Lizzie) in this book, but the other protagonists (Edward, Gin, etc.) go through some drama. I like the setting of this book, and the story, and the conflict (I've never read a story quite like this one!), so I'm enjoying the ride so far. 

Rating:

4 stars. So far, I'm impressed! This is only my second Ward novel, and I'm liking this series. Needless to say, I will definitely be keeping up with this series. I can't wait for book three!

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Review: The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward

The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward

Book One of The Bourbon Kings series

Publisher: NAL

Publication Date: July 28, 2015

Rating: 4 stars

Source: eARC from NetGalley

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood delivers the first novel in an enthralling new series set amid the shifting dynamics of a Southern family defined by wealth and privilege—and compromised by secrets, deceit, and scandal.... 

For generations, the Bradford family has worn the mantle of kings of the bourbon capital of the world. Their sustained wealth has afforded them prestige and privilege—as well as a hard-won division of class on their sprawling estate, Easterly. Upstairs, a dynasty that by all appearances plays by the rules of good fortune and good taste. Downstairs, the staff who work tirelessly to maintain the impeccable Bradford facade. And never the twain shall meet.

For Lizzie King, Easterly’s head gardener, crossing that divide nearly ruined her life. Falling in love with Tulane, the prodigal son of the bourbon dynasty, was nothing that she intended or wanted—and their bitter breakup only served to prove her instincts were right. Now, after two years of staying away, Tulane is finally coming home again, and he is bringing the past with him. No one will be left unmarked: not Tulane’s beautiful and ruthless wife; not his older brother, whose bitterness and bad blood know no bounds; and especially not the ironfisted Bradford patriarch, a man with few morals, fewer scruples, and many, many terrible secrets.

As family tensions—professional and intimately private—ignite, Easterly and all its inhabitants are thrown into the grips of an irrevocable transformation, and only the cunning will survive. 

What I Liked:

Huh. This book was not what I expected. You know I have not read a single J.R. Ward book? I really want to try her Black Dagger Brotherhood series, but it's just so long...  I'm not sure I have the attention span for that many books, companions or sequels. In any case, I really liked this book, and I'm glad it was my first Ward read.

The Bradford family are not entirely who they appear to be. Kings of the bourbon industry, yes, but there is more going on behind closed doors than one could ever imagine. Lane Baldwine has not been at Easterly in two years, not to see his cold wife, or his cruel father, or his listless mother, or the horticulturist he once loved. Lizzie loved Lane too, but she is determined to forget him. Two years later, Lane comes back to Easterly, after receiving distressing news about someone he loves. The arrival of Lane not only brings back memories for Lizzie, but stirs up secrets - past and present - that shake the family and nation to the core.

This book reminds me of daytime soap operas, a bit. My mom watches Days of Our Lives and One Life To Live (though I think the latter is no longer airing), so I know all about daytime soaps. This book rivals one of those shows. Unfaithful partners, cold heartless women sleeping with anyone and everyone, cold heartless men sleeping with anyone and everyone, cold heartless people using sex with anyone and everyone to get back at each other, rich spoiled princesses, underhand deals, paternity in question... this book has it ALL, in terms of soap opera madness.

Luckily, Lane and Lizzie are not the crazy ones of this book. Lane wants to stay in New York, rather than live in Kentucky with his wife. He doesn't love her, hasn't touched her in years, but he's married to her... so I guess that his soap opera claim-to-fame. Lane is such a good guy though. He cares about Miss Aurora, who practically raised him. He cares about Lizzie, his former lover. He doesn't hide the fact that he cares about people, which makes him strong. I love his strength, also his protectiveness, and persistence, his intelligence.

Lizzie is a very independent woman, having worked as a horticulturist (head gardener) in the Bradford home for a decade or so. She has her own farm that she is paying off, and she's doing her best to forget Lane and their history. But easier said than done, because he comes back to Easterly, and the memories are still there. Throw in the fact that he will be divorcing his wife (but not because of Lizzie. That wife, Chantal, needed to go from the start). 

This book also follows other characters. Edward, the older brother, who was kidnapped in South America and ransomed, but not before being tortured and injured and scarred beyond measure. Edward lives on a horse farm, breeding horses. Gin, the youngest child of the Bradford family and only girl, is a weird one. I actually hate her, I think. She sleeps with EVERYONE, mercilessly. She does NOT care who lifts her skirts. I'm sorry, I know we're all for feminism, but, um, not classy? Anyone, I felt back for her towards the end. She didn't deserve what was happening, but in the end, she chose it. She's a dumb woman (said so herself), but no one deserves that. Samuel T is the family's lawyer and Lane's friend. He's mixed up with the Bradford family as well, and knows all their crap. Samuel is in deeper than he knows, thanks to a little secret someone kept from him.

This story follows what happens when a little secret unravels into a bigger one into an even larger one. Lane discovers things about his father and the bourbon business that he never would have known. I was riveted with and fascinated by the story. Ward takes this filthy rich, snobby family, and packs more drama and shenanigans than a soap opera. Lots of OMG and WOAH happening in this book! 

I liked the romance. There was a lot of romance going on, not just with Lizzie and Lane. Not in a love triangle way though. Lizzie and Lane are a pair, and no one, not even Lane's wife, can touch that. I had my doubts, because Lane is married in the beginning, but it becomes obvious what kind of marriage that is. Lizzie and Lane have history, so this particular story was a slowburn romance for them. They are angry with each other, yet desperate for each other. Love! The romance was sweet and steamy, though I was surprised by the scant amount of sexy scenes. If you know what I mean,

Other romance - well, there's Gin and a certain someone, but that certain someone keeps his distance from her because he knows her game. The two of them are the exact same person, just different sexes. They make the perfect couple, yet Gin did something foolish at the end of this book. And then there's Edward - he's a dummy too.  The only smart Bradford/Baldwine is Lane.

Anyway. I really liked this book. I liked Lane a lot - I wanted to hug him at most times! I liked Lizzie, despite her lapse in judgment towards the end of the book (it's all good though!). This book wrecked me, had me going through all kinds of emotions. I had to stop reading and process things very often, because my heart was racing and my brain was in shock mode. Ward definitely knows how to write a great story, and a satisfying romance! I can't wait to read the next book.

What I Did Not Like:

The one thing I didn't like about this book is the lack of resolution we get, in the end. Like, we're left hanging a bit, in terms of Gin's future, or Samuel T's relationship with his girl, or the aftermath of a death that was unexpected, or Chantal's next move. Even Lane and Lizzie's relationship - it's solid, but I wish we had a fireworks scene at the end. Basically, this book ended a bit abruptly, and it could have done well with an epilogue. I know this is a series - it looks like it isn't a companion series, likely a sequel type of series? That bothers me a wee bit because with romance novels, I like a happily-ever-after with each book. But. I guess I will have to suffer and wait for the next book.

Would I Recommend It:

I loved this book, so I would totally recommend it! I am quite sure Ward fans will enjoy this book, and anyone looking for a fun (and terrifying) dramatic contemporary novel with a lovely side of romance. The romance is important, but not the focus of the book. So you don't even have to be a romance fan to enjoy this book!

Rating:

4 stars. I haven't been really enjoying the books I've read recently, so this book was a welcome change. I could not read it fast enough! I was literally rushing through some pages at times because it could not be read fast enough! The story was so engrossing and so intriguing and I want more. Give me the sequel or give me, well, I'll settle for only the sequel!

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