173 reviews for:

The Angels' Share

J.R. Ward

3.96 AVERAGE


This was an enjoyable second book in The Bourbon Kings series and I am already pumped for the next one. I love reading about my home state, Kentucky, and am especially fascinated by the bourbon industry. But this series is more about family drama, full of greed, pain, revenge, love, regret, and even murder. You name it...the book series has it covered! I will definitely be recommending The Bourbon King series to just about everyone. My thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.

The second in Ward's Bourbon Kings series this is definitely one that you can't read as a stand alone... in fact it had been so long since I read the first in the series that I had to do a re-read before starting this one! Man, am I glad that I did... this one pretty much picks up where the first finished - scandal, intrigue, murder (and horses) this book had it all!

It made me eager to read the conclusion in this epic tale (mainly to find out who actually killed Papa Bradford - and yes I know this is not his given name, or even the name they call him in the book but that's his name in my head!)
challenging dark funny hopeful mysterious slow-paced

This was a great book, reminds me of the BDB in how she writes it, following the various story lines. I hated that it ended on a cliffhanger! Can't wait for book 3!

2.5 stars

Up, down, up , down - this book is a bit bipolar. I liked this first book a lot...this one not so much.

This story is like Gossip Girl, grown up and in he South. I get that people really like like this but my gawd

My only regret is that there weren't many scenes with Sutton and Edward but I understand why Mrs. Ward did it. Good sequel and I hope to see more of Amelia and Samuel T.

BORING. No delicious smut. No guilty pleasure. Just vapid characters doing vapid things with lots of Jesus (!) and good ol' Southern molasses dripped on everything.

I love J.R. Ward's Brotherhood series. This series? Nope. Won't be bothering with book 3. I don't even care who the murderer is. They can all jump off a bridge for all I care.

as always, J R Ward doesn't disappoint! The bourbon Kings series has such diverse and deep characters that you can't help but be intrigued by their suffering and their successes. If you're looking for a very well paste, exciting, and character-driven novel, this is it!

Did you read and love The Thorn Birds? Where you a fan of the television show Dallas or Dynasty? Then I recommend the Bourbon Kings series. It weaves all the elements that made those tales addictive with Ward's impressive ability to tell a story. Ward takes us to Charlemont, Kentucky, There we enter the lives of the Bradford family who built their dynasty on bourbon. We enter through the elaborate front doors and become intimate with Lane, Edward, Max and Gin. We see their reclusive mother, spend time with their staff and learn of their father’s betrayals. Brilliantly told from several perspectives one as addictive as the next we learn their secrets, fears and struggles. For the best reading experience read the series in order beginning with the Bourbon Kings.

A suspected suicide by the family patriarch hints to murder after a gruesome discovery and a full-scale murder investigation begins. Lane fears it may have been Edward. The family’s finances are in serious trouble and Lane is working to keep everything from falling apart. Maxwell, their brother returns. Gin makes plans to marry a man who is all wrong for her. Weaved into this are love stories, losses, friendships, betrayals and deals that kept me happily engaged. Ward is a masterful storyteller allowing me to become completely swept up in this sage.

Ward allowed us to spend time with each character in Angel's Share giving us their history and connecting them to us. Each is realistic and yet over the top. The Bradford's are cocky and self-assured yet vulnerable and raw. Max appears at the big house and we even a little time with him. I am curious and want to know more. Our spunky, stubborn girl Gin sees tremendous growth even as we witness her mistakes. Lane and Lizzie strengthen their romance as he words to hold the family together. Lane continues to be the glue that holds this family together and Ward showed his determination, love for his family and ruthless strength. Edward’s story tore me apart and we watched him tango with a woman who will always hold his heart. We see growth and perhaps peace in Edward even as we witnessed his softer side.

Romances finds its way on to the pages of Angel’s Share but it is subtle and only a part of this complicated symphony. Ward creates a world with characters that becomes real to the reader.

Of course, Ward gives us others stories in Angel's Share, like those of Jeff, Lane’s best friend, the family’s cook, fondly referred to by the Bradford children as Momma. We also get those of Lane’s lawyer and friend. He has always love the complicated and vivacious Gin. Chantal rears her ugly head but has shifted away from the story for now.

Ward wove threads together delivering a flawlessly executed tale. She gave us twists and turns that kept me riveted. She endeared the reader to these characters pulling them into the story. Ward’s ability to pull you in, change your opinion of characters and remember the butler's name provided was magical.

While Bourbon Kings left us with a cliffhanger, The Angel’s Share leaves us in more of an emotional place and eager to return. It has been a long time since I have found myself so wrapped up in a dysfunctional family and the Bourbon Kings is thrilling to read.

Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer