The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward

Description: The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood delivers the first novel in an enthralling new series set amid the shifting dynamics of a Southern family defined by wealth and privilege—and compromised by secrets, deceit, and scandal….

For generations, the Bradford family has worn the mantle of kings of the bourbon capital of the world. Their sustained wealth has afforded them prestige and privilege—as well as a hard-won division of class on their sprawling estate, Easterly. Upstairs, a dynasty that by all appearances plays by the rules of good fortune and good taste. Downstairs, the staff who work tirelessly to maintain the impeccable Bradford facade. And never the twain shall meet.

For Lizzie King, Easterly’s head gardener, crossing that divide nearly ruined her life. Falling in love with Tulane, the prodigal son of the bourbon dynasty, was nothing that she intended or wanted—and their bitter breakup only served to prove her instincts were right. Now, after two years of staying away, Tulane is finally coming home again, and he is bringing the past with him. No one will be left unmarked: not Tulane’s beautiful and ruthless wife; not his older brother, whose bitterness and bad blood know no bounds; and especially not the ironfisted Bradford patriarch, a man with few morals, fewer scruples, and many, many terrible secrets.

As family tensions—professional and intimately private—ignite, Easterly and all its inhabitants are thrown into the grips of an irrevocable transformation, and only the cunning will survive.

Review:I have mixed feelings about this book. I loved J.R. Ward’s earlier Black Dagger Brotherhood books but the more recent ones have been hit or miss with me. So I was hesitant to pick up this book. The plot was fast-place and the characters quickly drew you in. This book was very much like later Black Dagger Brotherhood books with the focus on multiple characters and plots, not just the main couple. I did like the trope- gardener, Lizzie, falls in love with son of the house, Lane. While they were a good couple, I did have a few issues with their relationship. I wasn’t a fan of the fact that the hero didn’t have a job. I also didn’t like that their relationship started again while he was still married to someone else. Despite my reservations about the book, I am excited to read the new one in the series. And I can easily see how this series would become a TV show.

Rating: 3 out of 5. 

Published by SomewhereLostInBooks

I’m Melisa! I’m an avid reader. I love romance novels and decided, hey, why not write about what I love and hate about the genre. And my favorite books. And when I get to meet authors. And all round why romance novels are awesome. Expect a lot of fan-girling, laughter, and some tears. View all posts by SomewhereLostInBooks