When I read the first book in the Bourbon Kings series, I found it to be too much like going back in time to an 80's nighttime soap opera. Seriously I compared it to a mix-up of Dynasty, Dallas, and Falcon Crest with a little Knots Landing thrown in for good measure. While I loved each of those shows when they first aired, it was hard to read the first book because some of the characters were not likable. However, I adore JR Ward with everything in me, so I had to give The Angels’ Share a chance, and I'm glad I did.
I found the Bradford siblings to pretty much be spoiled rotten brats in the first book. However, as I read The Angels’ Share, I started to see growth with the characters. Lane, who has to step up way more than he ever expected when it came to the family business, actually has grown up so much since the first book. I also enjoyed seeing him with Lizzie, who was one of my favorite characters in the first book. I honestly thought we might see focus on one of the other Bradford siblings, but The Angels’ Share still focused mostly on Lane and Lizzie with glimpses of the other siblings. I did like seeing Lane finally start to grow up and take care of business, and really enjoyed seeing him reach out to his brother Edward. I really liked Edward in The Bourbon Kings, and was honestly hoping he would play a bigger role in The Angels’ Share. I found myself liking him more and more as I saw him interact with his family. I thought we might get more time with Gin, and though I have to say she is taking way longer to grow up than her siblings, I did like the changes she made for herself and her daughter. Maxwell Bradford returned towards the end of the book, and I feel like he might play an important role in the next book.
There are so many twist and turns in The Angels’ Share, some I saw coming others totally threw me for a loop. I really enjoyed The Angels’ Share and am looking forward to the next installment in the Bourbon King's series, which I'm pretty sure won't be out until next summer.
Rating: 3.75 Stars (B-)
Review copy provided by publisher
1