The Bourbon Kings by J.R. WardMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well, JR Ward does it again!!!
Whether you like it, love it or hate it…..there’s no denying that it will have people talking and discussing her latest book, The Bourbon Kings!!! Oh,
I think the book title is totally brilliant!!!! Sexy, mysterious and so totally delicious!!!
So what category do I fall into? Well, let’s just say that it’s between I liked it and I loved it!!
Being an undying fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, I was keen to find out what the author could do with a modern day version of Gone with the Wind!!!!!
An epic family saga set in the beautiful state of Kentucky, of southern drawls, rich and gorgeous men and beautiful women, bourbon and horses!!!! Of course, the lives of the Bradford’s also have a lot more!!!
The story started a bit slow for me….I wondered if I was going to continue or just give up like I did with The Shadows….but then my interest perked up….in fact, so much so that I found myself totally immersed into this world and couldn’t put the book down….kept me up until 4am, when I realized I had to sleep …just a few hours and then it was back to the world of the Bradfords!!! Was I sucked in??? You bet!!!
Drama..lots of it! Feuds, dirty family secrets, villains, tension, murder, betrayals, madness, power, greed….it’s a never ending soap opera!
What I loved
Lane Baldwine – this is a guy that has seen rock-bottom. Discarded, betrayed, lied to and who has made some really stupid decisions. But then, we see the side of him that made me really like him. He’s actually a good person, who has seen some really bad things in his life but ultimately makes the decision to take control of his life again. He’s the genuine hero. Kind, caring and dependable. And all he wants his to get back the women he has always loved and never forgotten…
Ms Aurora, who has been an anchor in Lane & Edward’s life. I was a bit puzzled why she didn’t have the same connection with the other brother, Max and the sister, Gin!!
Edward Baldwine– this is really a broken man in every way. What he endures in his life is beyond belief and yet, something deep inside his soul …..is still fighting to make sense of his situation. He got to me…the scene where he takes a bath …almost brought tears to my eyes. How does one survive the pain and torture he experienced and come through the other side!!! I can’t wait to learn about him.
Sutton Smythe, Edward’s lifelong friend and who he’s loved all his life. I want so much for them to be together….if anyone can heal Edward, it will be her….
Gin Baldwine, the only daughter in the Baldwine family – self-destructive, spoilt, lost, sad…..my heart bled for her. The scene where she’s packing her bags and pulling her bag….such desolation and loneliness. In love with a man who rejects her, despite his feelings for her. And the secret she carries……can’t wait for the fall-down when it’s revealed. Her life is unraveling before her very eyes.. she feels powerless and afraid.
“until this moment, she had assumed her family’s position was set in stone. now, she feared it might be sand.”
Shelby Landis – daughter of Jeb Landis, who arrives at Edward’s horse farm unexpectedly. Amazing character. I hope you get lots of her in the future. And I’m wondering what role is she going to play in Edward’s life!!!
The multi-POV’s gives you an insight into each character.
Loved how the author intertwines the multiple characters and subplots in the book.
The Kentucky setting was gorgeous, elegant, rich and steamy that had me dreaming of hot and languid summer days, mint juleps and bourbon naturally!!
The intrigues and shenanigans in the lives of privilege and wealth and how true the saying is that money does not bring happiness…well, at least not for
the Bradford dynasty!!
What didn’t do it for me
Lizzie King – So it’s like the movie Sabrina….gardener falls in love with employee’s son…..Okay, I didn’t exactly hate her but I found her distant and cold and too wrapped in herself….and I hated how she behaved towards Lane… after the manner in which she treated Lane and never gave him the benefit of the doubt…she continued doubt him and his love, even after all those times they shared since his return. She rejects him again….oh yes, when the truth is revealed, she offers to help him…even going as far as giving him her dearly beloved farm so he can have some money….plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz She better “jack” up in the next book or I will personally knock her down and beg Lane to get a woman who deserves him.!!!!!!
The lack of romance – did not feel an emotional a strong bond between Lane and Lizzie - it’s more one-sided. Lack of warmth and connection. I hope that these two characters will develop something deeper in the future.
The beginning of the book was a bit slow and I struggled with the first few chapters.
What am I WAITING for
What a cliffhanger!!!! How long do I have to wait for the revelation????
Chantal Baldwine (Lane’s evil ex-wife) to get what she deserves.
The evil and immoral Baldwine patriarch….let karma pay him a visit please!!
Edward’s book
More, More Bradfords!!
And…
THE NEXT BOOK
View all my reviews
No comments:
Post a Comment