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The Bourbon Kings #3
Devil's Cut
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 Love survives all things. Even murder.
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 Love survives all things. Even murder.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2017
757 people are currently reading
6626 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Ward
228 books52k followersJ.R. Ward is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. She lives in the South her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 945 reviews
August 10, 2017
4.25 stars!
The Bourbon Kings is a series that will take you on a ride. All of these books were completely addictive for me, and the finale was just as great as the first two books. I loved that all my questions got answered and seeing how everything worked out for these characters in the end.
The Baldwine family is a complex one. Every one of them has something going on right now. Something big. Samuel T and Gin’s story was probably my in this one. I loved the way things worked out for them and the direction the story took. I also loved seeing more of Lane and Lizzie, Edward, Max, and even some that weren’t technically family (I loved Jeff!)
These books are highly entertaining. JR Ward took us on a journey through some of the hardest times in a families life. Her storytelling is magnificent, and I will read anything this woman writes! Devil's Cut captivated me. I didn’t want to put it down. Mystery, drama, romance… this one has it all. I highly recommend this series!
“Love survives all things, time, marriages, deaths. It is more what makes us immortal than even the children we leave in our wake to our graves.”
The Bourbon Kings is a series that will take you on a ride. All of these books were completely addictive for me, and the finale was just as great as the first two books. I loved that all my questions got answered and seeing how everything worked out for these characters in the end.
The Baldwine family is a complex one. Every one of them has something going on right now. Something big. Samuel T and Gin’s story was probably my in this one. I loved the way things worked out for them and the direction the story took. I also loved seeing more of Lane and Lizzie, Edward, Max, and even some that weren’t technically family (I loved Jeff!)
These books are highly entertaining. JR Ward took us on a journey through some of the hardest times in a families life. Her storytelling is magnificent, and I will read anything this woman writes! Devil's Cut captivated me. I didn’t want to put it down. Mystery, drama, romance… this one has it all. I highly recommend this series!
August 4, 2017
I finished Devil's Cut this morning ... and I cried.
Cried, because after having waited for this final installment for an entire year [almost to the day!], it met and exceeded every single expectation I had for it!
Cried, because I was blown away, once again, by J.R. Ward's ability to tell a story in a way so few authors can: poetic and full of soul.
Cried, because I was overwhelmed by the amount of emotion the story sprung on me. As a reader, I can't help but always look for HEA type ending. In this case, we got multiples.
Cried, because this series coming to an end truly feels like the end of an era. They don't write sagas like this any more. So smart without being pretentious. So sexy without being vulgar. So decadent. So full of pride of the place you hail from.
Cried, because I know that I'll never be able to express properly everything I feel for this series.
This book was my most anticipated read of 2017 and it delivered in spades, as I knew it would. When it comes to J.R. Ward, quality is never in question. Even though the ending was bittersweet (because it was the ending, you see), it was glorious! I am looking forward to many, many rereads of the series that captured my heart.
Cheers!
September 1, 2017
The Devil’s Cut by J.R. Ward is a 2017 Ballantine publication.
A fantastic conclusion to the Bourbon Kings series-
I have loved, loved, loved this trilogy! The series was inspired by the author’s love for those scandalously delicious nighttime soap operas like ‘Dynasty’.
This trilogy has been like a guilty pleasure, totally sudsy, very dramatic, and wildly entertaining. I loved the family saga which is centered around the Bradford's, an uber wealthy Kentucky family who made their fortune with their own brand of Bourbon.
This last installment finds Edward, the eldest son, sitting in jail after having confessed to murdering his father. Facing a long prison sentence, Edward will have to put aside any chance he may have had with Sutton, who is the CEO of his family’s strongest competitor.
Meanwhile, Lane has taken over the family business, struggling to find a way to keep the company alive after his father’s death.
And then there is Gin- trapped in a cruel marriage, believing money defines her, who has lost, once and for all, the love of her life- Samuel T., but, is secretly working to leave a legacy for her daughter and is finally ready to step up and do what is right.
I could have handled a few more chapters in this series, but if it had to end, this was the perfect way to tie everything up.
I cheered for those who finally broke through, cried over inevitable developments, and sighed over those wonderfully tender moments between lovers and family.
I have enjoyed all the juicy scandals, the biting dialogue and watching from the sidelines while this crazy mess of a family rose to the occasion, showing true grit and determination and proving they had more substance than what you might see on the surface, and that with or without money, this family is loyal despite the obstacles in their way.
There are still many dark secrets and shocking revelations to uncover in this installment and of course it's not short on drama!! The author did an amazing job of wrapping everything up, giving each character a chance to make their own way on their own terms.
At the end of the day, this series has been about family, about facing adversity, about making sacrifices for those you love, and how evil and malice is no match for true love!!
The Bradford’s will land on their feet and will be stronger than ever before!!
Overall, this is a rousing and inspirational conclusion to this amazing family saga!! Bravo, J.R. Ward, Bravo!!
4.5 stars
A fantastic conclusion to the Bourbon Kings series-
I have loved, loved, loved this trilogy! The series was inspired by the author’s love for those scandalously delicious nighttime soap operas like ‘Dynasty’.
This trilogy has been like a guilty pleasure, totally sudsy, very dramatic, and wildly entertaining. I loved the family saga which is centered around the Bradford's, an uber wealthy Kentucky family who made their fortune with their own brand of Bourbon.
This last installment finds Edward, the eldest son, sitting in jail after having confessed to murdering his father. Facing a long prison sentence, Edward will have to put aside any chance he may have had with Sutton, who is the CEO of his family’s strongest competitor.
Meanwhile, Lane has taken over the family business, struggling to find a way to keep the company alive after his father’s death.
And then there is Gin- trapped in a cruel marriage, believing money defines her, who has lost, once and for all, the love of her life- Samuel T., but, is secretly working to leave a legacy for her daughter and is finally ready to step up and do what is right.
I could have handled a few more chapters in this series, but if it had to end, this was the perfect way to tie everything up.
I cheered for those who finally broke through, cried over inevitable developments, and sighed over those wonderfully tender moments between lovers and family.
I have enjoyed all the juicy scandals, the biting dialogue and watching from the sidelines while this crazy mess of a family rose to the occasion, showing true grit and determination and proving they had more substance than what you might see on the surface, and that with or without money, this family is loyal despite the obstacles in their way.
There are still many dark secrets and shocking revelations to uncover in this installment and of course it's not short on drama!! The author did an amazing job of wrapping everything up, giving each character a chance to make their own way on their own terms.
At the end of the day, this series has been about family, about facing adversity, about making sacrifices for those you love, and how evil and malice is no match for true love!!
The Bradford’s will land on their feet and will be stronger than ever before!!
Overall, this is a rousing and inspirational conclusion to this amazing family saga!! Bravo, J.R. Ward, Bravo!!
4.5 stars
May 21, 2018
This trilogy has a continuing story arc and should be read in order.
The final book in the trilogy picks up right where the last ended and it didn’t disappoint. While Lane and Lizzie’s relationship has settled in, Max is still stubbornly distancing himself from Sutton (thankfully she’s tenacious) and Gin’s loveless marriage to the abusive Richard seems hopeless with Samuel T. having mixed feelings about her predicament. Youngest brother Max is in town but just barely interacting with his family. Hanging over all of them is the fate of the family business, in dire financial straits because of their late father’s shenanigans.
This was pure guilty pleasure and my rating reflects more my opinion of the entire trilogy than this last story. There was quite a bit of drama here, lots unforeseen. The relationship I was most intrigued by was that between Gin and Samuel T., as she had the biggest hole to dig out of and managed to do so but it wasn’t easy. He was my favorite character and managed to be inserted in most of the storylines.
While everything wrapped up pretty neatly, as it should, I could have used an epilogue or a couple of more chapters to really tie up more loose ends. But, I’m satisfied where things landed. The narrator was outstanding in telling the story and capturing the dialects for the male characters but pretty awful for most of the women. However, his overall performance was really good. I loved this soapy drama and hate that it’s over. 4.5 stars
The final book in the trilogy picks up right where the last ended and it didn’t disappoint. While Lane and Lizzie’s relationship has settled in, Max is still stubbornly distancing himself from Sutton (thankfully she’s tenacious) and Gin’s loveless marriage to the abusive Richard seems hopeless with Samuel T. having mixed feelings about her predicament. Youngest brother Max is in town but just barely interacting with his family. Hanging over all of them is the fate of the family business, in dire financial straits because of their late father’s shenanigans.
This was pure guilty pleasure and my rating reflects more my opinion of the entire trilogy than this last story. There was quite a bit of drama here, lots unforeseen. The relationship I was most intrigued by was that between Gin and Samuel T., as she had the biggest hole to dig out of and managed to do so but it wasn’t easy. He was my favorite character and managed to be inserted in most of the storylines.
While everything wrapped up pretty neatly, as it should, I could have used an epilogue or a couple of more chapters to really tie up more loose ends. But, I’m satisfied where things landed. The narrator was outstanding in telling the story and capturing the dialects for the male characters but pretty awful for most of the women. However, his overall performance was really good. I loved this soapy drama and hate that it’s over. 4.5 stars
September 25, 2017
I was concerned about a few of the Happily Ever Afters. The book starts out with Edward in jail, Miss Aurora is in a coma, Max is deep in the drunk and disorderly and Gin is still in an abusive marriage. Even Lane and Lizzie hit some rough spots.
This is the end to a wonderful trilogy along the lines of Falcon's Crest, Dynasty and Dallas from the eighties. Epic stories with larger than life characters. It reminds us that even rich kids can have abusive fathers who beat them and mothers who ignore them. And whether the father gambles the family grocery money at the track or embezzles the families fortune so he can gamble on companies, it still sucks.
Great series with excellent characters. Ward has written the state of Kentucky as a character and given it a wonderful life. Excellent book!!😊💕📖
This is the end to a wonderful trilogy along the lines of Falcon's Crest, Dynasty and Dallas from the eighties. Epic stories with larger than life characters. It reminds us that even rich kids can have abusive fathers who beat them and mothers who ignore them. And whether the father gambles the family grocery money at the track or embezzles the families fortune so he can gamble on companies, it still sucks.
Great series with excellent characters. Ward has written the state of Kentucky as a character and given it a wonderful life. Excellent book!!😊💕📖
August 1, 2017
How often do you see me give a five-star rating? Less than 10% of the books I read every year get this rating. Translation: THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
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!
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
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!
August 16, 2017
Devil's Cut is the third installation in J.R. Ward's adult contemporary trilogy titled The Bourbon Kings. This ongoing story is a drama-filled family soap opera of epic proportions. Ms. Ward started out comparing it to Downton Abbey and ended it with comparisons to the 1980's TV series Dynasty...which is much more fitting. The first book sparked my interest with family/world building, the second book felt a bit like filler while relationships shifted and found footing, and this last one tied up every little lingering question/suspicion/revelation with a tidy little bow. All in all, this trilogy is worth a look at. Check it out!
My favorite quote:
"After all, money could come and go, so could health and wellness, and destiny was a fickle master, for sure. But to be loved by the one you loved? It was the optimism in the midst of crisis, it was the food when you were starving, it was the air when you could not breathe, and the light that led you from the darkness."
My favorite quote:
"After all, money could come and go, so could health and wellness, and destiny was a fickle master, for sure. But to be loved by the one you loved? It was the optimism in the midst of crisis, it was the food when you were starving, it was the air when you could not breathe, and the light that led you from the darkness."
August 3, 2017
Spent the day with baby and I can't believe its over. I may need to start the series all over.
February 11, 2019
*sigh*
Not the gripping finale I was hoping it would be.
I still stand by the opinion that this series was not suited for a 3 part trilogy. Not even close. There was no way to resolve all the drama and story threads Ward started in the very first book and wrap everything up in a realistic and satisfying fashion 2 books later. Each character deserved their own book IMO. This book is perfect example of why.
My first and probably biggest problem: Where was the romance?
This was the initial debate when Ward first announced this series, readers were questioning if this series was full on "romance" or just contemporary fiction. When I started the first book I did struggle with the beginning a bit but once things kicked off I got sucked in. The characters and some of the couples really captured my interest and heart. However, that did not happen for me in The Angels' Share and unfortunately it did not happen for me here either. For a finale, this was incredibly anticlimactic.
Ward got so bogged down and focused on unnecessary specifics like the surrounding environments, world building and business politics etc., that the characters were completely drowned out. The primary players who needed the most focus disappeared and became total afterthoughts and treated like footnotes. Gin, Samuel T., Amelia, Edward, Sutton, Maxwell, Mac should have been ALL over this book. Instead I saw more of Lane, Lizzie and Lane's friend Jeff (who is a passable secondary character) than I wanted to. Why Lane and Lizzie were treated as leads through all 3 books is beyond me. 😕 I didn't understand this approach and felt it was a big mistake and missed opportunity on Ward's part. If anything all this did was just reaffirm my opinion on Lizzie King. I still don't like her. And no I still do not get WTF Lane sees in this vanilla, sniffy, emotionally-stunted, selfish, judgmental goody goody who has a stick up her butt 90% of the time. But that's a rant for another time......
The couples that really needed more page time, focus and more development were treated like B characters with rushed resolutions.
My other issue: The killer's reveal. Was it shocking? Kinda. Surprising? No. And a bit too contrived to be completely honest. But ok let's just go with it. For me the issue wasn't necessarily the sketchy unrealistic specifics but the overall shock factor was completely missing. And then to have Edward willing to throw his whole life away to cover for this person only to act so fucking put out & disappointed when he finds out this person confessed and he's getting freed was the extra cherry on top of this mucked-up plot. I mean......really? WTF Edward? His careless disgruntled attitude after the truth came out bothered me the most because it really seemed like he would rather stay in jail than go free and you know....be with the people he loved. This made no damn sense. His "eh it is what it is" dismissiveness I found completely out of character for him, it came off so ungrateful and tacky as fuck considering the situation .
The HEA payoffs: Not satisfying enough for me. Ward created all these great complex characters with drama that is intense and twisted that you wonder how these couples will ever get out of it. But the payoff for me wasn't really there. Did my faves get their HEA? Yes. But just barely. The emotional payoff certainly wasn't there. Everything felt hurried and rushed. In fact, everything in this book that was important and vital just seemed FTB (fade to black) or zoomed through in the last 20%.
Samuel T/Gin/Amelia: I love these two so much and I wanted great things for them. And I will say the winner for the biggest breakthrough and character growth in this series goes to Gin Baldwine. 👏 Going from a selfish, vain, destructive, spoiled, hell raiser to a humble mature woman who owns up to her mistakes was gratifying and probably the most-if not *only*- believable thing out of this entire book. As for the rest, yes I'm happy things worked out for her and Samuel T. but to wait to the very end of the book to get any kind of actual payoff is ridiculous and falls so short. I mean, after aaaaaaall that, that's it? All the drama, strife, anger, manipulation and hate that has been yo-yo'ed between these two for years and all that history only for them to come together at the end because of parental feels? Seriously? It just seemed so sloppy and superficial to me. Once again, the emotional depth and slow build up to a big payoff was missing for me. And that goes back to the lack of romance. Ward focused too much on the murder arc and Lane's mama issues with Miss Aurora for me to even care about the other couples. And what a shame.
Edward and Sutton were another example of that. I was such a diehard fan of these two from the beginning. I loved their potential. But my interest started to slowly wane and sputter off in the last book with the endless foot dragging and nothing happening. Pretty much the same thing here. And let's not forget Edward's incredibly unenthusiastic reaction to getting out of prison. Gosh, I'm sure Sutton would be swooning and so flattered if she saw that no? 😒 I just....nothing about this book made sense to me. It's like all the characters are thrown in scenes and saying the same thing over and over until a resolution pops up. The forward movement that does start to happen, happens too late and ended up being choppy. Edward's complete 180 in this was so jarring it gave me whiplash. It's like you could tell the author was rushed for time and was cutting out chunks of the story (and characters) to meet her page count or deadline. That's what it felt like. There is literally no gradual build up in any part of this story. Instead we get 3 pages worth in every chapter of describing interiors of office buildings, hospitals and the Easterly mansion as if readers would ever forget that or if it's even important. Seriously Ward I don't need to fucking know how big a parking lot is for Christ's sake. Why I had to constantly read pages worth of passages of Lane just meandering around, walking on foot through a Hospital campus and taking mental notes of everything he sees is beyond me. WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT? Give me my damn story. Not B-roll scenery foot shuffling.
As for Maxwell, the black sheep rebellious brother, what a huge letdown. HUGE. What was the point of him? For a rushed family reunion? I wanted to dropkick him through a majority of this book with how useless, selfish and cowardly he was coming off. He didn't care for anyone so it was hard for me to connect or care for him in return. There are a lot of grey characters in this series but good POV and development is what counts. Ward completely dropped the ball on this character to the point I didn't understand the point of even bringing him into the fold? And I hate that because he did have sparks with Tanesha Nyce, but again Ward treated the relationship like a complete footnote and had them sparking way too late in the book. Like at the 90% mark. 😩 Such wasted potential.
And as for Mack? Remember him? The Master Distiller that was so charming and endearing and had a thing for his new assistant Beth? They only show up for 2 damn pages in this book. 2 pages?! I WANTED PAYOFF. I wanted the rest of their story dammit. Not off the page HEA. I'm happy they are together and in love but damn....talk about dropping the ball completely. 😔
So yes while everyone got happy happy and (easy) resolutions at the end, I still wasn't satisfied with how Ward handled things. And what little I did enjoy was way too late in the game to effect my rating or overall enjoyment. Too little too late. 😕
I'm sorry to say this but this series was an overall FAIL for me. The potential and launch was all there but the effort and execution was poor.
August 5, 2017
Originally posted at Booklovers For Life
Devil’s Cut is without doubt my favorite of the Bourbon Kings series. I’ve struggled with the previous two books, mainly because of how long and drawn out the story is, but everything finally comes together in this masterpiece of an ending. I loved every part of this conclusion – there was never a dull moment, and I actually liked the characters by the end. For those of you who have been eagerly waiting to see just how the Baldwine children and their glorious fortune, estate, and company end up, along with who gets together with who (like I did), then you absolutely must read this epic finale!
Picking up right where The Angels’ Share left off, the death of William Baldwine, former CEO of Bradford Bourbon Company and father of Edward (the eldest), Max (the black sheep), Lane (the reformed playboy), and Gin (the only daughter), has been changed from being one of suicide to one of murder. Edward Baldwine confesses to killing his father, the man who hated his existence from the moment he was born and had his son kidnapped, tortured, and almost killed. Edward certainly had motive to kill William, right? But with secrets slowly being revealed and revelations being uncovered, it remains uncertain if Edward was the killer. And if he’s not, who is he protecting?
I don’t want to mention much about Edward and his love, Sutton, because spoilers, but I do want to say how much I adore their Romeo-and-Juliet-esque love story. As the heads of rival bourbon-making companies, theirs was a star-crossed love that could have been… but Edward returned from his almost-death broken. Now, with him in jail, is it possible for these two star-crossed lovers to have their HEA?
Lane has stepped up in his role of being the head of the Bradford household, trying to keep his family together and regain back their assets that his father embezzled away. With his momma, Miss Aurora, in the hospital dying of cancer, one brother in jail, an almost ex-wife pregnant with his dead father’s child, and virtually no money to support the estate, Lane is at the end of his rope. The one constant in his life is Lizzie, Easterly’s horticulturalist, the love of his life, who is sick of all the drama but there to support him no matter what. I was so thankful for Lane and Lizzie – they’ve been a constant for each other and for the series. I could always count on them to NOT create any drama between themselves, unlike all the other couples in the series. I love Lane and Lizzie so much!
Gin has married the abusive Richard Pford – but she’s no longer the dramatic, conniving, manipulate woman she was in the beginning of the series. With the loss of the Bradford fortune, she’s at a loss – is she anything without her money? She too, steps up to the plate by cutting out the drama with Samuel T., the love of her life. She will always love him, but her daughter, their daughter, comes first for her now. She endures Richard’s abuse so that she can provide Amelia with a better childhood than she had up until that point. I ended up completely loving Gin and the transformation she experiences throughout the series. I was rooting for her with not only Samuel T., but also her daughter. Their relationship is definitely the most addictive for me and was one of the main reasons why I kept reading these books.
With Edward in jail and the black sheep of the family back in town, there seems like no end to the mess that is the Baldwine childrens’ lives. I kept thinking, will any of them ever get a happy ending? But if there’s one thing I learned, it’s that I should always trust J.R. Ward because she’ll always do right by the end. The conclusion to the series was exactly what I was hoping for – we get a solid finish for every one of the characters and couples (well, most couples). I do admit I had to skim some parts that seemed to drag, but otherwise, I enjoyed this book immensely. I almost wish we could see more into the Balwine’s lives, but I wouldn’t want to ruin the perfect ending!
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me a copy to review.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/2gUwOad
Amazon Hardcover: http://amzn.to/2i25tIh
Audible: http://amzn.to/2qsKBu5
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Devil’s Cut is without doubt my favorite of the Bourbon Kings series. I’ve struggled with the previous two books, mainly because of how long and drawn out the story is, but everything finally comes together in this masterpiece of an ending. I loved every part of this conclusion – there was never a dull moment, and I actually liked the characters by the end. For those of you who have been eagerly waiting to see just how the Baldwine children and their glorious fortune, estate, and company end up, along with who gets together with who (like I did), then you absolutely must read this epic finale!
Picking up right where The Angels’ Share left off, the death of William Baldwine, former CEO of Bradford Bourbon Company and father of Edward (the eldest), Max (the black sheep), Lane (the reformed playboy), and Gin (the only daughter), has been changed from being one of suicide to one of murder. Edward Baldwine confesses to killing his father, the man who hated his existence from the moment he was born and had his son kidnapped, tortured, and almost killed. Edward certainly had motive to kill William, right? But with secrets slowly being revealed and revelations being uncovered, it remains uncertain if Edward was the killer. And if he’s not, who is he protecting?
I don’t want to mention much about Edward and his love, Sutton, because spoilers, but I do want to say how much I adore their Romeo-and-Juliet-esque love story. As the heads of rival bourbon-making companies, theirs was a star-crossed love that could have been… but Edward returned from his almost-death broken. Now, with him in jail, is it possible for these two star-crossed lovers to have their HEA?
Lane has stepped up in his role of being the head of the Bradford household, trying to keep his family together and regain back their assets that his father embezzled away. With his momma, Miss Aurora, in the hospital dying of cancer, one brother in jail, an almost ex-wife pregnant with his dead father’s child, and virtually no money to support the estate, Lane is at the end of his rope. The one constant in his life is Lizzie, Easterly’s horticulturalist, the love of his life, who is sick of all the drama but there to support him no matter what. I was so thankful for Lane and Lizzie – they’ve been a constant for each other and for the series. I could always count on them to NOT create any drama between themselves, unlike all the other couples in the series. I love Lane and Lizzie so much!
Gin has married the abusive Richard Pford – but she’s no longer the dramatic, conniving, manipulate woman she was in the beginning of the series. With the loss of the Bradford fortune, she’s at a loss – is she anything without her money? She too, steps up to the plate by cutting out the drama with Samuel T., the love of her life. She will always love him, but her daughter, their daughter, comes first for her now. She endures Richard’s abuse so that she can provide Amelia with a better childhood than she had up until that point. I ended up completely loving Gin and the transformation she experiences throughout the series. I was rooting for her with not only Samuel T., but also her daughter. Their relationship is definitely the most addictive for me and was one of the main reasons why I kept reading these books.
With Edward in jail and the black sheep of the family back in town, there seems like no end to the mess that is the Baldwine childrens’ lives. I kept thinking, will any of them ever get a happy ending? But if there’s one thing I learned, it’s that I should always trust J.R. Ward because she’ll always do right by the end. The conclusion to the series was exactly what I was hoping for – we get a solid finish for every one of the characters and couples (well, most couples). I do admit I had to skim some parts that seemed to drag, but otherwise, I enjoyed this book immensely. I almost wish we could see more into the Balwine’s lives, but I wouldn’t want to ruin the perfect ending!
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me a copy to review.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/2gUwOad
Amazon Hardcover: http://amzn.to/2i25tIh
Audible: http://amzn.to/2qsKBu5
Liked this review? Subscribe to Booklovers For Life for more!
August 8, 2017
Just PERFECT!!!!
This was the most amazing ending for this epic Bourbon saga!
I loved every moment of it!
It was exciting and mysterious and moving and adorable and I cried a lot!
I just loved it!
I hope Hollywood will hurry with making a TV or big screen thing out of it!
I also still think that Ms. Ward accidentally used a lot of Black Dagger talk in this series. Or is that just me? Read it again and I'm sure you'll find those vampires in Lane's words and thoughts!!!☺☺☺
♡
♡
♡
♡
August 9, 2017
“After all, money could come and go, so could health and wellness, and destiny was a fickle master, for sure. But to be loved by the one you loved? It was the optimism in the midst of crisis, it was the food when you were starving, it was the air when you could not breathe, and the light that led you from the darkness.”
As one of the most anticipated books of my entire life—and that is not an overstatement—my expectations of The Bourbon Kings finale were sky high. This is a series that, even with instalments coming a whole year apart, has kept me so unbelievably invested, that every detail of this great saga stayed at the forefront of my mind regardless of how much time had elapsed. So I was not surprised when I found myself sobbing uncontrollably through the last few chapters of this book, overwhelmed by the storyline, the characters, the flawless way the puzzle pieces all finally came together, but above all, by J.R. Ward’s commanding prose and vivid atmospherics that held me rapt until the very end. Returning to Charlemont, Kentucky for the very last time has been a bittersweet experience, but one I wouldn’t have missed for the world.
Continue reading this review...
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August 1, 2017
EPIC! That's the word I keep coming back to when I think of this story with all its amazing conclusions and the trilogy itself. It was an epic adventure with so many twists and turns into the land of bourbon that's full of lies, deceit, hope, and love. It was truly a phenomenal story!
Devil’s Cut is the final book in The Bourbon Kings trilogy and I was on the edge of my seat digesting everything I learned, absorbing all the answers that were given. I loved all the little breadcrumbs that were coming into play. My emotions where everywhere. Shock and awe, anger. Heat. Love. Sadness. I was so very choked up because some of these characters truly go through a metamorphosis. Watching this very broken family, heal and endure and stand up and be strong has been a true pleasure. Every single person was just full and rich, making them come alive on the page. The world the author has created is full of so much depth, steeped in history and tradition. It was breathtaking!
There was a lot happening since so many stories are woven together but it was not overwhelming to me. There were so many things in play. Edward. The Bourbon Bradford Company. The different romantic relationships and friendships. It was just so incredibly full. Every descriptions was perfect to me. The pace was amazing. The build spot on and at times, heart stopping. I wanted all these answers and got them, so many amazing happily ever after's and some sad ones too. Twice I flat out bawled. There was so much intrigue and drama intertwined. As I read and all these details unfolded and loose ends where tied up, as happy as I was, I didn't want it to end. This crazy, privileged family and their friends, all the turmoil they went through was just so amazingly entertaining in a I-can't-get-enough-of-this-saga-and-these-people kind of way.
The writing was incredible. The attention to detail was stellar. J. R. Ward is an exceptional storyteller. It's like I could picture it all playing out in my head, so very Dynasty-esq. I loved the different POVs, all the storylines happening and overlapping culminating into one amazing ending. I also appreciated the timing of each POV and how they were presented. I loved the fullness of the story, and the richness of the characters truly amazed me. I was rooting for them and cheered for them, my heart broke for them and I cried for them. It was just amazing.
From the bourbon to family, all the answers were given and I am beside myself with the conclusion. I want to go back and reread it and experience it all again. A must read story and series!!!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
Devil’s Cut is the final book in The Bourbon Kings trilogy and I was on the edge of my seat digesting everything I learned, absorbing all the answers that were given. I loved all the little breadcrumbs that were coming into play. My emotions where everywhere. Shock and awe, anger. Heat. Love. Sadness. I was so very choked up because some of these characters truly go through a metamorphosis. Watching this very broken family, heal and endure and stand up and be strong has been a true pleasure. Every single person was just full and rich, making them come alive on the page. The world the author has created is full of so much depth, steeped in history and tradition. It was breathtaking!
There was a lot happening since so many stories are woven together but it was not overwhelming to me. There were so many things in play. Edward. The Bourbon Bradford Company. The different romantic relationships and friendships. It was just so incredibly full. Every descriptions was perfect to me. The pace was amazing. The build spot on and at times, heart stopping. I wanted all these answers and got them, so many amazing happily ever after's and some sad ones too. Twice I flat out bawled. There was so much intrigue and drama intertwined. As I read and all these details unfolded and loose ends where tied up, as happy as I was, I didn't want it to end. This crazy, privileged family and their friends, all the turmoil they went through was just so amazingly entertaining in a I-can't-get-enough-of-this-saga-and-these-people kind of way.
The writing was incredible. The attention to detail was stellar. J. R. Ward is an exceptional storyteller. It's like I could picture it all playing out in my head, so very Dynasty-esq. I loved the different POVs, all the storylines happening and overlapping culminating into one amazing ending. I also appreciated the timing of each POV and how they were presented. I loved the fullness of the story, and the richness of the characters truly amazed me. I was rooting for them and cheered for them, my heart broke for them and I cried for them. It was just amazing.
From the bourbon to family, all the answers were given and I am beside myself with the conclusion. I want to go back and reread it and experience it all again. A must read story and series!!!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
August 16, 2017
The epic conclusion of The Bourbon Kings. Devil's Cut answered questions, healed all the main characters and once again transported me to Kentucky, to the middle of the Bradford Bourbon Company at Easterly.
JR Ward and her magical words. They are vivid and completely capture the culture. I have listened to this series and the narrator is spot on!! The accent transports the listener straight to Kentucky where listening to this series makes it even better!!
Lane and Lizzie, Gin and Samuel T, Amelia, Edward and Sutton, Miss Aurora, Jeff, Ramsey, Gary, Max, VE.......all these characters are all amazing and all intertwined beautifully. These characters get engrained into your psyche and you just want the best for all. There are crazy moments, there are loving moments, there are dysfunctional moments and there are entertaining moments. It would make a great mini series. It would be like those wonderful Dynasty or Dallas days!! (Those of you old enough know what I'm talking about)
If you love series full of drama, mystery, angst, dysfunction, love and most of all real southern charm......The Bourbon Kings are a must read or better yet, A MUST LISTEN!!!
JR Ward and her magical words. They are vivid and completely capture the culture. I have listened to this series and the narrator is spot on!! The accent transports the listener straight to Kentucky where listening to this series makes it even better!!
Lane and Lizzie, Gin and Samuel T, Amelia, Edward and Sutton, Miss Aurora, Jeff, Ramsey, Gary, Max, VE.......all these characters are all amazing and all intertwined beautifully. These characters get engrained into your psyche and you just want the best for all. There are crazy moments, there are loving moments, there are dysfunctional moments and there are entertaining moments. It would make a great mini series. It would be like those wonderful Dynasty or Dallas days!! (Those of you old enough know what I'm talking about)
If you love series full of drama, mystery, angst, dysfunction, love and most of all real southern charm......The Bourbon Kings are a must read or better yet, A MUST LISTEN!!!
August 5, 2017
This final book would be a page-turner if the author steered the story away from Lizzie and Lane, trimmed the repetitive internal dialogues and long-winded descriptions, and placed the focus on the drama between Samuel and Gin or Edward and Sutton.
August 8, 2017
*****Spoilers ahead if you haven’t read the previous Bourbon Kings books.*****
Devil’s Cut was the perfect ending to J.R. Ward’s Bourbon Kings series. I loved how everything turned out for all couples, and the overall mystery of who killed William Baldwine.
Lizzie and Lane are the heart and very center of the story, and I was pleased they faced all the problems as a united couple. They had a personal issue that stirred up a little uncertainty between them, but nothing too worrisome.
I wasn’t really thrilled with Gin in the first book; she had so much opportunity with the wealth and privilege she grew up in and yet didn’t take responsibility or initiative in her own life. By the second book Gin started making some positive changes, maturing, and I started to like her. No longer was she just thinking of herself, or shallow vanities, her daughter become her priority, and she was finally willing to face the music with her past mistakes. I really hoped for a HEA for her and Samuel T, but there was some danger due to her unfortunate marriage to Richard Pford in this installment, and I worried for Gin’s safety. Gin and Samuel T’s storyline was the most exciting of the three couples to me.
With Edward in jail for the murder of his father, William, a future with Sutton seems impossible. But I had faith J.R. Ward wouldn’t leave us hanging. I really liked Sutton’s assertiveness, which is exactly what Edward needed.
J.R. Ward’s love of the 80’s soap opera, Dynasty, inspired her to write this riveting trilogy. Devil’s Cut was addictive, each chapter sort of ending in a little mini cliffhanger/hook so you want to keep reading to find out what happens. Very reminiscent of Sandra Brown’s writing, or a TV commercial break during Dynasty. I’ve enjoyed Ms. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series, but this series was a fun departure from what I’m used to with her.
A copy was kindly provided by Ballantine Books in exchange for an honest review.
Devil’s Cut was the perfect ending to J.R. Ward’s Bourbon Kings series. I loved how everything turned out for all couples, and the overall mystery of who killed William Baldwine.
Lizzie and Lane are the heart and very center of the story, and I was pleased they faced all the problems as a united couple. They had a personal issue that stirred up a little uncertainty between them, but nothing too worrisome.
I wasn’t really thrilled with Gin in the first book; she had so much opportunity with the wealth and privilege she grew up in and yet didn’t take responsibility or initiative in her own life. By the second book Gin started making some positive changes, maturing, and I started to like her. No longer was she just thinking of herself, or shallow vanities, her daughter become her priority, and she was finally willing to face the music with her past mistakes. I really hoped for a HEA for her and Samuel T, but there was some danger due to her unfortunate marriage to Richard Pford in this installment, and I worried for Gin’s safety. Gin and Samuel T’s storyline was the most exciting of the three couples to me.
With Edward in jail for the murder of his father, William, a future with Sutton seems impossible. But I had faith J.R. Ward wouldn’t leave us hanging. I really liked Sutton’s assertiveness, which is exactly what Edward needed.
J.R. Ward’s love of the 80’s soap opera, Dynasty, inspired her to write this riveting trilogy. Devil’s Cut was addictive, each chapter sort of ending in a little mini cliffhanger/hook so you want to keep reading to find out what happens. Very reminiscent of Sandra Brown’s writing, or a TV commercial break during Dynasty. I’ve enjoyed Ms. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series, but this series was a fun departure from what I’m used to with her.
A copy was kindly provided by Ballantine Books in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2017
i wish Edward Baldwine, Samuel Theodore Lodge III and Gin, and Max have their book story...
October 11, 2018
4 "You win." Stars
A wonderful conclusion to a great saga. Still wordy and quite descriptive in spots but I could hardly wait to find out what would come of the Baldwine family, their intriguing crew, and their twisty lives at Easterly. I'd love for a bonus epilogue or something to see beyond the last chapter. If you enjoy family sagas you're sure to love this.
A wonderful conclusion to a great saga. Still wordy and quite descriptive in spots but I could hardly wait to find out what would come of the Baldwine family, their intriguing crew, and their twisty lives at Easterly. I'd love for a bonus epilogue or something to see beyond the last chapter. If you enjoy family sagas you're sure to love this.
August 9, 2017
Ward delivered twists and turns as this family tries to pull themselves back together. For fans of the television drama, Dallas, this series is a must read. The Bourbon Kings was a stunning, poignant and addictive series.
Ward begins DEVIL'S CUT immediately following the draw dropping events at the end of ANGEL'S SHARE. The story follows the Bradford children; Lane, Edward, Max, and Gin. Their mother never leaves her rooms, preferring to live in medicated bliss. Their father had betrayed them all before being murdered. Edward is in jail after confessing to the crime. The rest of the siblings are trying to hold the family dynasty together. On the brink of bankruptcy, Lane with the help of the woman he has alway loved is seeking to keep the company afloat. Gin wanting to secure her future married a man who sees her as a possession and is determined to control her. Max cannot wait to leave, and the one woman who held them altogether lies dying in a hospital bed.
Ward completely pulled me into this saga from the very first pages as she revealed the families tragedies, successes, and struggles. I was desperate for a happily ever after but unsure if it was even possible. They grew up in a dysfunctional home with a father who ruled with an iron fist, scaring each with his controlling ways. Through it, all the siblings were loyal to each other.
From the beginning, this tale has been addictive with its southern drama, twists, betrayals and jaw-dropping reveals. Do you know the expression, "You cannot make this shit up?" Well apparently you can, and Ward was brilliant at it. I found myself caught up in the suspense, heartbreak and tender moments. I became emotionally attached and felt passion, anger, nervous, excited and even shed a tear or two. It delivered that book high we as book addicts are forever chasing.
Separate threads and perspectives from each of the siblings and a few key players fueled the tale and created suspense in this contemporary story. Ward allowed us to understand, sympathize and become emotionally connected to each. While I didn't always approve of their actions, Ward allowed me to understand them.
DEVIL'S CUT was a real page-turner, and I devoured it. She rewarded readers with answers, conclusions, and hope. The ending was both open and closed, wrapping up some romantic threads and hinting at others. For me, it was entirely satisfying, but it also left the door open to revisit.
Copy provided by the publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Ward begins DEVIL'S CUT immediately following the draw dropping events at the end of ANGEL'S SHARE. The story follows the Bradford children; Lane, Edward, Max, and Gin. Their mother never leaves her rooms, preferring to live in medicated bliss. Their father had betrayed them all before being murdered. Edward is in jail after confessing to the crime. The rest of the siblings are trying to hold the family dynasty together. On the brink of bankruptcy, Lane with the help of the woman he has alway loved is seeking to keep the company afloat. Gin wanting to secure her future married a man who sees her as a possession and is determined to control her. Max cannot wait to leave, and the one woman who held them altogether lies dying in a hospital bed.
Ward completely pulled me into this saga from the very first pages as she revealed the families tragedies, successes, and struggles. I was desperate for a happily ever after but unsure if it was even possible. They grew up in a dysfunctional home with a father who ruled with an iron fist, scaring each with his controlling ways. Through it, all the siblings were loyal to each other.
From the beginning, this tale has been addictive with its southern drama, twists, betrayals and jaw-dropping reveals. Do you know the expression, "You cannot make this shit up?" Well apparently you can, and Ward was brilliant at it. I found myself caught up in the suspense, heartbreak and tender moments. I became emotionally attached and felt passion, anger, nervous, excited and even shed a tear or two. It delivered that book high we as book addicts are forever chasing.
Separate threads and perspectives from each of the siblings and a few key players fueled the tale and created suspense in this contemporary story. Ward allowed us to understand, sympathize and become emotionally connected to each. While I didn't always approve of their actions, Ward allowed me to understand them.
DEVIL'S CUT was a real page-turner, and I devoured it. She rewarded readers with answers, conclusions, and hope. The ending was both open and closed, wrapping up some romantic threads and hinting at others. For me, it was entirely satisfying, but it also left the door open to revisit.
Copy provided by the publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
August 4, 2017
My greatest frustration with The Bourbon Kings will forever be the fact that it is a trilogy when it could have been a series of 8 books or so, one for each major character.
This book frustrated me. I can't say I hated it, because the fate of my beloved characters was that which I hoped for, for the most part, yet it didn't leave me completely satisfied either.
I think there were quite a few characters such as Max Baldwine, Jeff, Mack, Shelby and even Amelia Baldwine whose importance and potential was diminished in a certain way exactly because there wasn't time to do more.
I also didn't quite like the way how the major problems of the Bradford/Baldwine family were solved. I mean, so much time was spent around them and then all of a sudden they were solved.
For example, I don't think Richard Pford would have given up that easily on making Gin's life a living hell. And the real killer of William Baldwine? It makes sense except for a little tidbit. I really don't see that person cutting down a man's finger, after his death, no matter how much of a bastard he was.
All in all, I guess it all felt a bit anticlimactic to me. I am certain that if there had been more books all of these issues would have been taken care of in a different way.
However, this book was still a solid 4 stars. It's J. R. Ward we're talking about and she has a talent for drama and creating tortured characters with hidden layers, which makes it impossible for you to be indifferent to them.
Recommended.
This book frustrated me. I can't say I hated it, because the fate of my beloved characters was that which I hoped for, for the most part, yet it didn't leave me completely satisfied either.
I think there were quite a few characters such as Max Baldwine, Jeff, Mack, Shelby and even Amelia Baldwine whose importance and potential was diminished in a certain way exactly because there wasn't time to do more.
I also didn't quite like the way how the major problems of the Bradford/Baldwine family were solved. I mean, so much time was spent around them and then all of a sudden they were solved.
For example, I don't think Richard Pford would have given up that easily on making Gin's life a living hell. And the real killer of William Baldwine? It makes sense except for a little tidbit. I really don't see that person cutting down a man's finger, after his death, no matter how much of a bastard he was.
All in all, I guess it all felt a bit anticlimactic to me. I am certain that if there had been more books all of these issues would have been taken care of in a different way.
However, this book was still a solid 4 stars. It's J. R. Ward we're talking about and she has a talent for drama and creating tortured characters with hidden layers, which makes it impossible for you to be indifferent to them.
Recommended.
August 1, 2017
The final installment in the Bourbon Kings trilogy is finally here. I cracked this open with anticipation because I was anxious to find out how it would all end. Hopeful it would have a happy ending. And I'm please to say DEVIL'S CUT delivered on everything I was hoping this book would be and then more.I didn't breeze through this read because I wanted to savor it but it was so entertaining. There's no dull moment and the pacing is so great that you're always engaged. With several POVs, this book closes out all the lose ends on this series and finalizes everyone's HEA. We started Lanes' and Edwards' in the previous books and we are here to make sure those will stick. But what I was really looking forward to reading about was Gin and Samuel T. I'm not going to lie, I've had a fascination with the spoiled little brat since the first book and my heart went out to her in the second book. I wanted something good to come to her after all that, while I also wanted her to grow up and show that's she's learned from all her mistakes. Every bit of her storyline in this book had me glued to the pages, even holding my breath at some parts. It was grand and over the top and I loved every second. Her story with Samuel T. is perfect for them and I'm completely satisfied with it.
While that was my main focus with this book, I also wanted to find out the truth about who killed William Baldwine. Suspicions have flown around in this series, and there's even someone behind bars. But who really did it? Oftentimes with mysteries and whodunnoits, I tend to figure things out pretty quick because there's usually one logical way to go about doing it that would make it shocking. But this book had so many revelations that I didn't see coming towards the end that I was even a bit speechless. So cudos to Ms. Ward for that. I really was taken by surprise. While there are some sad moments, there's also a sense of happiness and closure that wraps up this series so well.
My only complaint with this book is that there is one HEA that is left a bit half-assed and maybe not addressed. I was hoping that could've had just a little more page time so it's not just a "maybe something will happen" in the end. But I get there were other things to focus on.
Overall, this book was exactly the drama-filled, juicy story that I was anticipating. For sure one that I highly recommend you check out this summer and a series that is bound to entertain with great flare.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
August 3, 2017
I feel like I have been waiting FOREVER for the conclusion to this series. It is so easy to get sucked into this series and I couldn't wait to find out what was really going on with this crazy bourbon family.
Normally here I give a synopsis, but seeing as this is book three in the series, I don't want to spoil anything that happens earlier on in they series for those of you who haven't picked it up yet. Just know this deals with a wealthy family who owns a Bourbon company who are entangled in lies, drama, and serious inabilities to have healthy relationships.
As the third and final book in the series, I had some serious expectations. The last book had a lot more business talk than I would have liked because some serious drama went down with their business, but I wanted more relationship and family drama than business drama. I'm so happy to say that this book was everything I wanted and more! Some characters who annoyed me grew so much in this book, specifically Gin, Samuel T, and Edward. I also liked how we got to see so much more of certain characters, like Max and Amelia, when I wanted more of them in the previous books.
And talk about secrets! So many truths were finally revealed and I was on the edge of my seat as each one was revealed. I was definitely not expecting some of the surprises thrown at us. And, like I said, I really loved how certain characters changed so much since book one and how Lane and Lizzie's relationship only grew stronger. With this book, all of the characters were so important to the central story that it didn't feel like one couple or character outshone any of the others, which I really appreciated. Overall, I was so satisfied with this conclusion!
If you want a series that reads like a soap opera and is impossible to put down because of the secrecy and lies, you HAVE to pick up The Bourbon Kings series!
Normally here I give a synopsis, but seeing as this is book three in the series, I don't want to spoil anything that happens earlier on in they series for those of you who haven't picked it up yet. Just know this deals with a wealthy family who owns a Bourbon company who are entangled in lies, drama, and serious inabilities to have healthy relationships.
As the third and final book in the series, I had some serious expectations. The last book had a lot more business talk than I would have liked because some serious drama went down with their business, but I wanted more relationship and family drama than business drama. I'm so happy to say that this book was everything I wanted and more! Some characters who annoyed me grew so much in this book, specifically Gin, Samuel T, and Edward. I also liked how we got to see so much more of certain characters, like Max and Amelia, when I wanted more of them in the previous books.
And talk about secrets! So many truths were finally revealed and I was on the edge of my seat as each one was revealed. I was definitely not expecting some of the surprises thrown at us. And, like I said, I really loved how certain characters changed so much since book one and how Lane and Lizzie's relationship only grew stronger. With this book, all of the characters were so important to the central story that it didn't feel like one couple or character outshone any of the others, which I really appreciated. Overall, I was so satisfied with this conclusion!
If you want a series that reads like a soap opera and is impossible to put down because of the secrecy and lies, you HAVE to pick up The Bourbon Kings series!
August 4, 2017
I can't even handle how good this book was. The Bourbon Kings saga has been a beautifully addictive, deliciously scandalous, emotionally tortuous but altogether unforgettable journey from beginning to end. This finale was not only one of my most anticipated reads of 2017, it turned out to be exponentially better than anything I could've imagined. Hands down, Devil's Cut is the best book of this series, a series, mind you, I already loved beyond words. I couldn't put this book down. I never wanted it to end. I could read about the Bradford Baldwine family, their floundering bourbon company, their troublesome relationships and their haunting family secrets forever and I'd never, ever tire of any of it. From beginning to bittersweet end, this entertaining, exciting, suspenseful family drama has CONSUMED me and the reality that it's reached the end is one I'm not yet willing to accept.
I can't tell you how many cups of coffee went cold as I read this book. I imagine I looked like some kind of wide-eyed crazy person as I read, clutching the book with white knuckles, turning pages hungrily as the twists and turns of Devil's Cut completely captivated me. I simply could not tear myself away. The way JR Ward laid out this story, from The Bourbon Kings through The Angels Share right up to the very last page of Devil's Cut, creating an intricately woven, fully immersive, sweeping story, was just BRILLIANT. And to my utter delight, this finale was everything I could've ever hoped for and so much I never expected. It was so satisfying, this ending, so full of surprises and heartache and healing and hope. It's truly the PERFECT finale to a wholly unforgettable series.
I was beyond lost in this story, this family, these characters, the scandal, the secrets, the suspense, the love and hope and heart stopping memories... ALL. OF. IT. I couldn't get enough. There's truly nothing I can say that will do this book justice. I'm not a reader that needs my books adapted onto a screen, but I will pray everyday that this saga comes to life. It already has, truthfully. The manner in which Ward breathes so much life into these pages, squeezing out exquisite emotion and illustrating such lush imagery on every page, it plays out in my mind as clear as if I were watching it happen before me. This family in all of their dysfunction and all of their shared heartache captured me within the snare of their bonds and I never want to be let go.
There isn't a more perfect way this series could've ended. Devil's Cut fills in every hole, turns over every stone, answers every question, heals every single open wound left throughout the series. I felt everything a reader can feel in these pages. Ward carries her reader through the intricately woven storylines of each of the characters in this vast ensemble and she ensures her reader feels every thing they feel. Despair. Heartache. Hope. Fear. Joy. Devastation. Loss. Fury. Contentment. Every single emotion a reader can feel is demanded of them in this book. Devil's Cut had my chin on the floor at times, had my eyes filled with tears (both from sadness and utter joy), had my heart leaping with joy just as often as it pounded relentlessly through agonizing memories and heartbreaking longing. This is a series I'll reread and I'll do it often. This is a series I'll never forget. This is a series I never wanted to end but I'm so over the moon with how it did. Devil's Cut is the most superb ending to a PHENOMENAL series and there simply aren't enough words to adequately express how much I absolutely, wholeheartedly LOVED it.
I can't tell you how many cups of coffee went cold as I read this book. I imagine I looked like some kind of wide-eyed crazy person as I read, clutching the book with white knuckles, turning pages hungrily as the twists and turns of Devil's Cut completely captivated me. I simply could not tear myself away. The way JR Ward laid out this story, from The Bourbon Kings through The Angels Share right up to the very last page of Devil's Cut, creating an intricately woven, fully immersive, sweeping story, was just BRILLIANT. And to my utter delight, this finale was everything I could've ever hoped for and so much I never expected. It was so satisfying, this ending, so full of surprises and heartache and healing and hope. It's truly the PERFECT finale to a wholly unforgettable series.
I was beyond lost in this story, this family, these characters, the scandal, the secrets, the suspense, the love and hope and heart stopping memories... ALL. OF. IT. I couldn't get enough. There's truly nothing I can say that will do this book justice. I'm not a reader that needs my books adapted onto a screen, but I will pray everyday that this saga comes to life. It already has, truthfully. The manner in which Ward breathes so much life into these pages, squeezing out exquisite emotion and illustrating such lush imagery on every page, it plays out in my mind as clear as if I were watching it happen before me. This family in all of their dysfunction and all of their shared heartache captured me within the snare of their bonds and I never want to be let go.
There isn't a more perfect way this series could've ended. Devil's Cut fills in every hole, turns over every stone, answers every question, heals every single open wound left throughout the series. I felt everything a reader can feel in these pages. Ward carries her reader through the intricately woven storylines of each of the characters in this vast ensemble and she ensures her reader feels every thing they feel. Despair. Heartache. Hope. Fear. Joy. Devastation. Loss. Fury. Contentment. Every single emotion a reader can feel is demanded of them in this book. Devil's Cut had my chin on the floor at times, had my eyes filled with tears (both from sadness and utter joy), had my heart leaping with joy just as often as it pounded relentlessly through agonizing memories and heartbreaking longing. This is a series I'll reread and I'll do it often. This is a series I'll never forget. This is a series I never wanted to end but I'm so over the moon with how it did. Devil's Cut is the most superb ending to a PHENOMENAL series and there simply aren't enough words to adequately express how much I absolutely, wholeheartedly LOVED it.
September 27, 2017
I didn't want this to end. This was EPIC! This series was my first JR Ward story and I'm sure to pick up more. If you love family sagas with rich family history, some scandal and passion, YOU MUST READ THIS. I'm going to miss the Baldwine's and every single one of the characters in this series!!
August 2, 2017
Well,?for a messy love story(ies) everything was wrapped up neatly, maybe too neat.
What can I say, Lane was my favorite guy, though I rooted for all the brothers to find happiness. For this book, I was mostly concerned about Gin and Samuel T.
JR Ward uses misunderstanding (or lack of communication) as a conflict device in most of her romance plots. While I enjoy the drama it creates, it also frustrates me. I think in this case, it was overused to the detriment of how I felt about the characters and their outcome. (Gin and Sam T)
The Who done it (who killed JR - circa Dallas) fell flat for me. It wasn't that I wasn't surprised. More so, I just didn't care.
I do think the Richard storyline was built up and based on his previous actions, I felt the resolution came way too easy. I waited for a blackmail to happen based on a voicemail. Yet no. He just went gently into the goodnight. And that just didn't compute and felt like the author was done with the story and tied things up in as few words as possible.
I also think Max was a waste of space. Again as above, the mystery surrounding him overshadowed what we ultimately learned. I feel like the author took the easy route with him too.
Still, I enjoyed it, glued to my earbuds (I listened to audiobook). So there is that.
What can I say, Lane was my favorite guy, though I rooted for all the brothers to find happiness. For this book, I was mostly concerned about Gin and Samuel T.
JR Ward uses misunderstanding (or lack of communication) as a conflict device in most of her romance plots. While I enjoy the drama it creates, it also frustrates me. I think in this case, it was overused to the detriment of how I felt about the characters and their outcome. (Gin and Sam T)
The Who done it (who killed JR - circa Dallas) fell flat for me. It wasn't that I wasn't surprised. More so, I just didn't care.
I do think the Richard storyline was built up and based on his previous actions, I felt the resolution came way too easy. I waited for a blackmail to happen based on a voicemail. Yet no. He just went gently into the goodnight. And that just didn't compute and felt like the author was done with the story and tied things up in as few words as possible.
I also think Max was a waste of space. Again as above, the mystery surrounding him overshadowed what we ultimately learned. I feel like the author took the easy route with him too.
Still, I enjoyed it, glued to my earbuds (I listened to audiobook). So there is that.
October 5, 2018
3.5 It’s OVER stars
Devil’s Cut is the conclusion for the Bourbon King series. I thought this series would focus on each brother for each book, but it didn’t. I was really disappointed with Angel’s share considering I gave Bourbon King, the first book, five stars. I Loved Lizzy and Lane’s happy ending and I wanted that for each brother for each book.
So when Angel’s Share ended with Edward getting arrested for his father’s murder I was NOT happy that Sutton and Edward didn’t their happy ending. I’m not sure if I like J.R. Ward’s writing style, at least not for this series.
I wouldn’t call this series romantic, but a dramatic fictional read. There is a lot of drama, descriptive writing and slow moving parts. Oh my goodness this book was slow going for me. I hate descriptive writing and there were chapters of it, I just skimmed through to get with the dialogue.
There’s three main stories in this book.
1.) Who killed the Daddy?
2.) What will happen to Edward in jail, will Sutton and him get their happy ending?
3.) What will happen to Samuel T and Gin, will she tell him about their daughter?
The biggest surprise in the book was the fourth brother, Max. he got his story. But after two books of not reading anything about Max, I didn’t care for him anymore. Just being honest.
I felt like the foundation for all relationships were already laid out by the second book so this book didn’t really build on anything other than cleaning up everyone’s messes and giving us the conclusion we have been waiting for.
It’s a bittersweet ending for me. I had such high expectations for this series, but it fell flat for me. The writing style simply wasn’t my cuppa.
Devil’s Cut is the conclusion for the Bourbon King series. I thought this series would focus on each brother for each book, but it didn’t. I was really disappointed with Angel’s share considering I gave Bourbon King, the first book, five stars. I Loved Lizzy and Lane’s happy ending and I wanted that for each brother for each book.
So when Angel’s Share ended with Edward getting arrested for his father’s murder I was NOT happy that Sutton and Edward didn’t their happy ending. I’m not sure if I like J.R. Ward’s writing style, at least not for this series.
I wouldn’t call this series romantic, but a dramatic fictional read. There is a lot of drama, descriptive writing and slow moving parts. Oh my goodness this book was slow going for me. I hate descriptive writing and there were chapters of it, I just skimmed through to get with the dialogue.
There’s three main stories in this book.
1.) Who killed the Daddy?
2.) What will happen to Edward in jail, will Sutton and him get their happy ending?
3.) What will happen to Samuel T and Gin, will she tell him about their daughter?
The biggest surprise in the book was the fourth brother, Max. he got his story. But after two books of not reading anything about Max, I didn’t care for him anymore. Just being honest.
I felt like the foundation for all relationships were already laid out by the second book so this book didn’t really build on anything other than cleaning up everyone’s messes and giving us the conclusion we have been waiting for.
It’s a bittersweet ending for me. I had such high expectations for this series, but it fell flat for me. The writing style simply wasn’t my cuppa.
September 9, 2019
An awesome ending to a phenomenal series! (The audiobooks are amazing, btw.)
July 27, 2017
“Bad fortune, as with good, was not always driven by virtue or free will, and it was best to remember these things were not personal. Otherwise, you were liable to lose your damn mind.”
I'm a huge fan of JR Ward's paranormal books. I have also read and loved her Jessica Bird's Moorehouse Legacy books she wrote, so I already knew she could do contemporary romance. This Bourbon Kings series feels like more then that though. I know some people have a problem with the way she has multiple POVs in her books but I really enjoy that about her writing. That kind of story telling is more engrossing and for me it really rounds it out. The Devil's Cut has this overwhelming under current of hope but it is still chocked full of drama that seems to follow the family. I couldn't put this book down. There was so much revealed and resolved in this last installment of the series, some of this I was expecting and some of it shocked me on a number of levels. I laughed, I cried, I cheered along side them. I loved this family so much. I hope she writes more series like this, along with her paranormal books. I think she does contemporary romance as well as she does paranormal romance. I'm hooked and I need more from her!
“So what do you say, Gin? You ready to be a grown up with me? Because I’m ready to be one with you.”
ARC in exchange for honest review
I'm a huge fan of JR Ward's paranormal books. I have also read and loved her Jessica Bird's Moorehouse Legacy books she wrote, so I already knew she could do contemporary romance. This Bourbon Kings series feels like more then that though. I know some people have a problem with the way she has multiple POVs in her books but I really enjoy that about her writing. That kind of story telling is more engrossing and for me it really rounds it out. The Devil's Cut has this overwhelming under current of hope but it is still chocked full of drama that seems to follow the family. I couldn't put this book down. There was so much revealed and resolved in this last installment of the series, some of this I was expecting and some of it shocked me on a number of levels. I laughed, I cried, I cheered along side them. I loved this family so much. I hope she writes more series like this, along with her paranormal books. I think she does contemporary romance as well as she does paranormal romance. I'm hooked and I need more from her!
“So what do you say, Gin? You ready to be a grown up with me? Because I’m ready to be one with you.”
ARC in exchange for honest review
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