The Angels' Share

A Bourbon Kings Novel

By: J.R. Ward

Narrated by: Alexander Cendese

#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?

Critic reviews

Praise for The Bourbon Kings

“Get ready for summer’s most sinful indulgence. The drama never stops in this tale of family secrets, lost love found, rivalries, delightfully nasty villains, and deliciously appealing heroes. The clothes, the whiskey, and the gorgeous Kentucky backdrop will sweep you away. The privileged and the downtrodden never had it so good. Put on your derby hat and join in the fun.”—New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs

“Breathless fun! J. R. Ward moves her trademark dark and sexy from the world of warrior vampires to the halls of the Kentucky elite, where the family members’ claws are just as sharp and the consequences just as deadly. I couldn’t stop turning the pages!”—New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner

“The setting is 80's TV soap opera Dallas meets Downton Abbey...This is high drama, and it’s mesmerizing.”—Fresh Fiction

“I want my Bourbon in bed! J. R. Ward delivers a sweeping saga where family roots run deep and passion sizzles hotter than a Kentucky summer. Potent and heady, one taste just isn’t enough.”—New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter

“The drama and dark secrets behind the Bradford family’s empire propel this irresistible story of high-society scandal . . . a read that’s rich, smooth, and satisfying as a glass of Kentucky bourbon.”—New York Times bestselling author Susan Elizabeth Phillips

“Soapy elements abound in this Dynastyesque tale, from lavish wealth to feuds, dirty secrets, and forbidden love…Ward is a master of pacing and world building, and readers will love that the cliff-hanger ending guarantees at least a second helping of the Bradfords.”—Booklist (starred review)

Loved it.

I want to follow the story of Edward. I want to know how Jen turns out.

So Amazing!

I find myself at the end of book 2 so completely invested in this family and all of its characters. J.R. Ward has a magnificent way with words and coupled with that talent is the talent of Alexander Cendese; his narrating is absolutely engrossing and rich!

Truly enjoying this series.

When it comes to J.R. Ward, and her writing, I keep thinking nothing can be as good as the BDB, but every time I've read one of her books she has proved me wrong. The Angels' Share is no exception.

It has been one year since The Bourbon Kings hit the shelves and one would think it would require a re-read to refresh the memory, bring the family dynamics back into focus, and make the transition into Book 2 a seamless one. Nope, by the end of the first page of Chapter One I was totally immersed, back in Charlemont, KY and the daily lives of the Bradford family. It was as if I had just read the last page of the Bourbon Kings.

Lane and Lizzie, finally where they belong, Miss Aurora handing out her sage advice to her ‘children’ at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, always moving stalwartly forward, in spite of her own mortality. Edward, coming awake, finding a true friend in Shelby Landis, confronting his life at last, and acknowledging his life-long love for Sutton. Gin, trying her damnedest to help save her family and in doing so falls into the clutches of a man who would only use her to avenge his past. She finally confronts Samuel T., and he her, bringing clarity at last to what she truly wants out of life. Will they each find what they seek? Who knows?

I greedily absorbed more knowledge of the family matriarch, Virginia Elizabeth Bradford Baldwine. What brought her to the place she now resides in her battered mind, bits and pieces of the life of the privileged few. Finally, the middle son, Maxwell, makes an appearance bringing more intrigue and unanswered questions into the mix.

Turns out William’s death was not a suicide after all. I am now totally invested in this series and will wait, impatiently, for Book 3. I originally listened to this book on Audible and Alexander Cendase is superb at bringing all these characters to life, and superbly yummy to listen to. That being said, as I wait for Book 3 I’m going to go buy myself a hard copy of this book to re-read and refer back to in the future as the Baldwine’s story unfolds.

If you have not been reading this series, I highly encourage you to go get these first two books and join me in this unforgettable journey into the lives of the Bourbon Kings.

Angels

With a great book read . I hope book 3 is as good all in

perfect sequel!

I love JR Ward books. This book as twists in it that I didn't see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the third one.