TBR Pile Review: The Angels' Share by J.R Ward

 

In Charlemont, Kentucky, the Bradford family is the crème de la crème of high society—just like their exclusive brand of bourbon. And their complicated lives and vast estate are run by a discrete staff who inevitably become embroiled in their affairs. This is especially true now, when the apparent suicide of the family patriarch is starting to look more and more like murder…

No one is above suspicion—especially the eldest Bradford son, Edward. The bad blood between him and his father is known far and wide, and he is aware that he could be named a suspect. As the investigation into the death intensifies, he keeps himself busy at the bottom of a bottle—as well as with his former horse trainer’s daughter. Meanwhile, the family’s financial future lies in the perfectly manicured hands of a business rival, a woman who wants Edward all to herself.

Everything has consequences; everybody has secrets. And few can be trusted. Then, at the very brink of the family’s demise, someone thought lost to them forever returns to the fold. Maxwell Bradford has come home. But is he a savior...or the worst of all the sinners?

This series is shaping up to be amazing. As a huge fan of her BDB series, it is quite different and for once, different is a good thing. The Bourbon Kings series is almost an episodic soap opera that in a different form of media. While the first book introduced us to the Baldwine family and all their problems, The Angels’ Share showcases the aftermath of the Baldwine family’s patriarch and his betrayal. Lane’s father was not the man that their high society status leads the world to believe. He is as corrupt as they come, and it has come at the express of his family’s legacy.

I know so many people are disappointed that this one is centered around a particular couples romances, but I find that refreshing. Lane and Lizzie’s relationship is still there as they struggle to keep the business and family afloat, but there’s so much more. You are allowed glimpses into all of the Baldwine siblings, friends, and even their employees’ lives. That right now shows how brilliant this book series is because their stories are so entwined not only with the business, but with their family structure. Edward’s story appealed to me the most because even with the shocking twist at the end, I still feel like we’re only scratching the surface of his layers. His past makes his character complex and I just want to know more about him. Actually, I just want more. More of this series, more of these characters, and more books.

The Angels’ Share is a fascinating and deceitful world filled with complex characters and plot twists around every turned page. This is the kind of book that’s differences will draw you in and leave you anticipating the next book for over a year.