The Angels' Share J. R. Ward

Published: Hachette NZ
Date: July 26th 2016
Format: Paperback
Pages: 414
Genre: Fiction
Source: Thanks to Hachette NZ
Rating:
                    

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.

                                              
I couldn't wait to find out all the scandal that has gone on since last year's book The Bourbon Kings. Of course I had to wait! A whole year, but it has passed and I eagerly began this book. I might even have peeked at the end - although it didn't tell me that much. This is a book that you have to read every line because you just might miss something of one of the characters evolving story.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips says of The Bourbon Kings....
   "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 a glass of Kentucky bourbon"

The same can be said for The Angels' Share. The story takes up straight away from the previous book and jumps right in to the death of of William Wyatt Baldwine, the outstandingly horrible father and instigator of the downward spiral of the family bourbon company. Over a week or so there is much that happens that I loved and ... also wanted to shout "Nooooooooo..............."

Lane the youngest son steps up and really develops, helped by his beloved Lizzie. Max the oldest brother returns, but he is still very much a shadowy figure. Edward develops in ways I wanted so much but still my heart wants so much more for him.  Gina goes ahead with her plan to ensure she is not destitute... and yet she too begins  to awaken. They have all been so wounded by the shocking deeds of their father.

J. R. Ward says in the forward words I loved....
   " As the heat and cold of our experiences, our destinies, expand and contract our emotions, our thoughts, our memories, we are, like fine bourbon, a different product at the end - and there is a sacrifice involved. We are made of the same core elements we were first constructed of , but we are never the same afterward. We are permanently altered. If we are lucky and we are smart and we are freed at the right time, we are improved. If we are aged too long, we are ruined. Timing, like fate, is everything.

While there is a satisfying conclusion to the book I do so hope we are going to get at least one if not more in this very engaging contemporary family drama. Yes that is what it is. If you thought this is a paranormal ... no its not. Don't worry though, you are not alone, I did see the first one on the paranormal book shelf in a local book store!