The Angels' Share

A Bourbon Kings Novel

By: J.R. Ward

Narrated by: Alexander Cendese

#1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward delivers the second novel in her Bourbon Kings series—a sweeping saga of a Southern dynasty struggling to maintain a façade of privilege and prosperity, while secrets and indiscretions threaten its very foundation…

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

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

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

Critic reviews

Praise for The Bourbon Kings

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

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

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

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

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

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

Very Enjoyable

I enjoyed the southern accent the narrator added to the reading. I didn't love his attempts at a female voice as they were a bit shrill and overly high pitched. But overall it was a good story and a good narrator which made for a highly enjoyable read.

Great series; and you'll want all 3 books

The saga continues. There's plenty of action so I never got bored. As I pointed out in my review of the first book in the series, I first listened to the book as a digital download from the public library; liked it so much I bought it. Some loose ends from the first book are tied up, but there's more to come. If you're not a fan of cliffhangers, you won't like this series as you have to read all three to get to the bottom of everything.

In this book and the next, Gin shows signs of maturity and the most growth of all the characters in this book. Nice to see the spoiled little rich girl take the reality check and try to make the best of things.

Now the cons. As some reviewers have pointed out, the narrator's female voices were sometimes annoyingly shrill. However, his southern accent more than made up for this in my opinion.

What I liked least was Samuel T's sexual exploits. My favorite fiction genre is romance, so once someone knows he/she loves someone, he/she doesn't feel inclined to have sex with anyone else. An argument can be made that Gin was married to someone else so Samuel T was free to do as he pleased, but these two had a history of using sex as a weapon against each other. Just wasn't my cup of tea. Still, I had hopes that they would wake up and smell the coffee.

Overall, I was lost in the story of the Bradfords. Not a light beach listen by any means. Yes, I'm sure I'll listen to the series again and get my money's worth out of it.

She has done it again!

She had done it again!
I love the way the author creates the characters and makes them come to life. I find myself cheering them on and having hopes and dreams for their future.
The twists and turns always keep me surprised, enthralled and praying she finishes the next book in series. I truly have to say that JR Ward is hands down my favorite author. I have never enjoyed books like i do hers. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Ok now keep writing!!

different but not bad at all

Any additional comments?

I love JR Ward but was hesitant about this one ... it's different than what I've read from her

I was surprised and delighted by this audiobook

jr ward rocks

Itbwasba little challenging to identify with the character from the readers voice. but it was 👍