Hi guys!! Is summer going fast or what? I missed this place but I’ve got good news, I am not gone, I am coming back and despite the fact that I have not had time to blog - I have been reading. Oh and to start off this with a bang I have Sophia back from her summer vacation with another lovely review. Make sure to leave this girl some love <3
Devil's Cut by J.R. Ward Series: The Bourbon Kings #3
Published by Ballantine Books on August 1st 2017
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 432
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
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I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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.
And now, we come down to it. The final pages of this addicting family saga romance about the wealthy and tumultuous, fast living Baldwines of Western Kentucky where horseracing and bourbon is king. Each book has drawn me into the world, the characters, and of course the tension-laden plot. Devil’s Cut delivered on all the early promise of The Bourbon Kings’ series.
Devil’s Cut is the third and final leg in the trilogy and follows the ongoing storyline began earlier in the series so it is not standalone or good out of order.
As I noted in the opening, this ongoing story follows the Baldwine-Bradford family and those close to them. There are multiple narrators and a few different plot paths that keep the readers on their toes without being utterly confusing. The pace of the story has picked up because of the plot points.
There are so many curious and captivating moving parts to the plot, but with a veteran move, the author controls the reins and ties each thread up neatly by the end. Relationships, character growth, and a few secrets along with the big murder mystery all resolve in what I thought was a satisfying way.
All in all, I loved my time with this series and all, but devoured this last book in a day. I enjoyed all the emotions I felt including being surprised over some twists and sad over a loss. I can highly recommend this book/trilogy for those who enjoy a blend of contemporary romance, family saga and suspense.
About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
Back in the olden days maybe for me
It does have the old night-time soap opera feel and she said that she got inspired from the old show, Dynasty. I get not being into that style anymore as tastes change. 🙂
Yay for reading! If you can’t blog/don’t have time, at least its good to be able to read 🙂 I’ve only heard good things about this series. I really need to sit down and pick up the first book. Ward is a wonderful writer 🙂
Oh yes, Sarah! These are definitely proof of Ward’s writing ability. Hope you get the chance.
I liked the first book but I think it was a little too much soap opera-ish for me. I love that the second book was fabulous for you though! It does seem like a good series.
Yeah, it does have a kissing kinship with soap opera since that’s what inspired her. I do like that the angst was fairly low much of the time.
This series sounds so good. I can’t wait to start it. I am so glad you enjoyed this one, Sophia Rose 🙂
I’m excited that you have this series to look forward to, Carole. I had a good time with all three books.
The UK publisher sent me the whole trilogy to review, and now I have a strong feeling I should immerse myself in it sooner rather than later! I do love when a book has the kind of power to make us devour the read in just one day, and the fact that this one gave you so many emotions says it’s more than good. And I like this author, so why wasting more time, right? 😉
Oh, verra nice, Sylvia. It was probably a good thing I didn’t have them all at the same time or I’d have been absent from life for days. LOL
Hope you end up loving them.
This was such a fantastic series, Sophia. I hope Ward explores more in this genre.
I do, too. She definitely had the knack for place and people and large plot work.
I need to start this series 😀
Yes, you really do, Lily! 😉
YAY! I’m so glad to see that you loved this book! It was definitely my favorite of the series, though I enjoyed all of the books. I definitely want to reread the series now. 😀 wonderful review, Sophia!
Have a great day. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Yes, a re-read will be in order for the future. It was a great series.
You have a good one, too, Alyssa! 🙂