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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

regret

wish I hadn't wasted the money. j r ward normally blows my mind but I wish I could get my credit back for this one. I can't stand the narrator. And the whiney sounding female voices, let alone the annoying voice of the male characters that all sound the same. refund my credit please. I'm not even more than a couple chapters in. ugh.

horrible and flat

that made the book boring and predictable. I am used to so much more from the author and was highly disappointed.
The first one was iffy but I thought I give this second one a chance. My mistake.
I would never buy this book again

RIVETING AND REDEMPTIVE

This is the perfect though bittersweet ending to a beautiful family saga of bad guys, good guys and those who are sometimes both. The story draws the reader in for a wonderfully complex emotional journey. I really enjoyed the ride!