The Angels' Share

A Bourbon Kings Novel

By: J. R. Ward

Narrated by: Alexander Cendese

Length: 12 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Number-one New York Times best-selling 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?

©2016 J. R. Ward (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“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 best-selling 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 best-selling author Lisa Gardner)

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

Soap Opera for sure

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Maybe and only if I knew they were a fan of 80's style soap operas and never ending drama. Not the typical JR Ward novel for sure.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I had a "Gone Girl" moment, where I decided I didn't really like most of the people in this story. She doesn't do very much to make them like able and if so, not for long. I wanted to strangle Jen/Gin and her louse of a husband. What despicable people. Her attempt to make her even slightly likable, fell flat on me. Least interesting was the mom finally coming out of her room. I expected more from her being in attendance, yet I yawned.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The male voices were done best, with the exception of the Banker. That was just horrible. He sounded like Nacho Libre. She needs more than one narrator, there are two many characters and at many times, I had to rewind to make sure I knew who was talking, because outside of Nacho Libre, the men sounded the same. Not a fan of the female voices either. Again, I recommend he get some help next time.

Was The Angels' Share worth the listening time?

Yes, fairly so.

Any additional comments?

Not the typical. JR Ward story (i.e. BDB and the crazy Fallen Angels). I may read the next edition, but for sure will not pre-order. I may just wait until the library has it. Soap Operas annoy me somewhat, so I don't want to pay to continue the series. Only committed since I am such a JR Ward fan.

MAYBE A 5 STAR SERIES... BUT SADLY IT'S NOT FOR ME

I had this book on pre-order as I thought the first book in JRW's new series was off to a fairly good start... however, as much as I tried, I really couldn't get into this second slice of the Bradford family. This is not to say that it's not any good - as it will be a 5 star listen for a lot of listeners but I now know that I just don't like the 'soap' style of fiction so this series isn't for me I'm afraid.

There a lots of characters each with their own dramas going on in their lives and so lots of POV's and the Kentucky family are trying to come to terms with the death of their Father, why he killed himself.... or was it murder and the financial ruination that he left behind. There was a bit of romance, a 'snap-shot' description of a sex scene and lots of varying family interactions as they try to recover their Bourbon business and whatever else is going on in their lives. However, I only made it through part 1 so there would have been more.

Worth a credit? I love all of J.R. Ward's other books - especially her Black Dagger Brotherhood of Vampires so I'm disappointed with myself for not being able to get into this series.... but you like what you like I guess. It's a real shame but I'm going to have to say something that I thought I'd never ever say about one of her books... IMO, no, for me I regret using a credit on this listen as I now realize that I like one-on-one (or even two-on-one!!) love stories and I'll happily stick to them from now on..

this was one of her books I just couldn't do

JUST couldn't get into it. I read the first book, but this book was just not for me.

Waste of money

The story was bad. The performance of woman's voices was horrible. I'm ashamed I got both books. Once I start a book/series I have to finish don't follow my footsteps.

Loving this series, BUT.....

If not for the ending of this book, which I didn't care for, it would have gotten 5 stars.

Love everything about the narrator. Except for his Lizzie voice :(

Wonder when then next book in the series is coming out?

Fun beach read

Would you listen to The Angels' Share again? Why?

A qualified yes. I would but only if a female narrator would voice the female characters. Cendese did a great job with the male characters but I wasn't a fan of his female voice narration.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Angels' Share?

The opening scene with Lane at the bridge.

Which scene was your favorite?

Too many to choose one.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reactions but it did make me feel sympathy for several characters at one time or another.

Any additional comments?

Just a fun read/listen.

you just have to read this book

narrator was awesome, storyline excellent. you won't be able to put it down.

Loved it.

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

Great Story Line

I have read the first two books in this series, as well as listening to the second. The story is wonderful, and I have loved the books. The audible book...not so much. I did not like the narrator, Alexander Cendese. Being southern myself, I can detect a fake southern accent; and Mr. Cendese has one. I did not like any of his character interpretations, especially the women. I will not buy another audiobook which he narrates.

save your audible credit

I love Ward's writing and while this isn't her best work, it's still a good story. unfortunately, the narration is God awful. save your credits and read the actual book.