Devil’s Cut by J.R. Ward

August 2nd, 2017 Kimberly Review 51 Comments

2nd Aug
Devil’s Cut by J.R. Ward
Devil's Cut
by J.R. Ward
Series: The Bourbon Kings #3
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

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.

Family Southern 2017 fave SUSPENSE

DEVIL’S CUT by J.R. Ward brilliantly concludes the Bourbon Kings series. This beautiful, page-turning saga held me captive. It features the Bradford family and their Bourbon dynasty which is poised to collapse amidst scandal, murder, and betrayal.

Ward delivered twists and turns as this family tries to pull themselves back together.  For fans of the television drama, Dallas, this series is a must read. The Bourbon Kings was a stunning, poignant and addictive series.

Ward begins DEVIL’S CUT immediately following the draw dropping events at the end of ANGEL’S SHARE. The story follows the Bradford children; Lane, Edward, Max, and Gin. Their mother never leaves her rooms, preferring to live in medicated bliss. Their father had betrayed them all before being murdered. Edward is in jail after confessing to the crime. The rest of the siblings are trying to hold the family dynasty together. On the brink of bankruptcy, Lane with the help of the woman he has alway loved is seeking to keep the company afloat. Gin wanting to secure her future married a man who sees her as a possession and is determined to control her. Max cannot wait to leave, and the one woman who held them altogether lies dying in a hospital bed.

Ward completely pulled me into this saga from the very first pages as she revealed the families tragedies, successes, and struggles. I was desperate for a happily ever after but unsure if it was even possible. They grew up in a dysfunctional home with a father who ruled with an iron fist, scaring each with his controlling ways. Through it, all the siblings were loyal to each other.

From the beginning, this tale has been addictive with its southern drama, twists, betrayals and jaw-dropping reveals. Do you know the expression, “You cannot make this shit up?” Well apparently you can, and Ward was brilliant at it.  I found myself caught up in the suspense, heartbreak and tender moments. I became emotionally attached and felt passion, anger, nervous, excited and even shed a tear or two. It delivered that book high we as book addicts are forever chasing.

Separate threads and perspectives from each of the siblings and a few key players fueled the tale and created suspense in this contemporary story. Ward allowed us to understand, sympathize and become emotionally connected to each. While I didn’t always approve of their actions, Ward allowed me to understand them.

DEVIL’S CUT was a real page-turner, and I devoured it. She rewarded readers with answers, conclusions, and hope. The ending was both open and closed, wrapping up some romantic threads and hinting at others. For me, it was entirely satisfying, but it also left the door open to revisit.

Devil's Cut by J.R. Ward delivered a page-turning conclusion to the Bourbon Kings saga. Share on X

 

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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51 Responses to “Devil’s Cut by J.R. Ward”

  1. Darlene

    I have only read Ward’s BDB series, which I love. I was on the fence with this series but, seeing how much you loved it, I think I need to try it! Great review, Kimberly.

  2. Ben Warren

    Some books are really out there, and this sounds like one such book. But crazy stuff happens in real life, and the things you describe in the review actually do happen a whole lot more often than ‘normal’ people like to think they do. I’m about 80% interested in reading this now…maybe I’ll have time soon.

  3. Katherine

    I’ve heard amazing things about all of Ward’s books but this series especially appeals to me. I can’t wait to see all that shit she managed to make up! This sounds like a really entertaining addition to a series that already sounded like a must read!

  4. Naomi Hop

    Sounds like I am missing out, because I haven’t read any of the books in this series! I need to fix that!

  5. Tanya

    I agree, this book was just phenomenal. There is just so much story between those covers but you just can’t put it down!

  6. Carole

    This is the second 5 star review that I have seen for this book. I just bought the first one in the series a couple of months ago and now I am really excited to start reading. Great review!

  7. Debbie Haupt

    Oh Kim I have this waiting for my in my audible library. I can’t agree with you more about this series. I’m always wary of an author I love who changes things up be it with genre/tropes etc… But this trilogy will no doubt go down as one of my all time favorites and one of the very few things I will ever revisit. Can’t wait to compare notes girlfriend!!! Hope you doing well xo

  8. Angela

    I’m so excited to start this series. They’ve been sitting in my TBR pile just waiting to be read.

  9. verushka

    From your review, it’s clear Ward has one of the best imaginations around indeed lol! Awesome review!

  10. A Belle's Tales

    Ohhh, this series has been on my list! I am SO thrilled that it concluded so brilliantly and that you enjoyed it so much. Thank you for the wonderful review and for making me bump this up my list 🙂

  11. Paij

    I just added it to my audible wish list! I want to see what this series is all about. It sounds a lot like the show Dynasty…..and Dallas :). I am probably dating myself but that is what the descriptions reminded me of. It’s a good thing. I loved both of the shows 🙂

  13. Nadene

    I have been contemplating about starting this series. Your review has convinced me that I need to get these books.☺

  15. Kristin

    I never got to the second one but the first one tore up my heart pretty good! Ms. Ward is such an awesome writer!!! I’m glad she totally delivered throughout the trilogy!!

    *sigh* poor Edward… 🙁

  16. Quinn's Book Nook

    You know, I’ve never ever read JR Ward. She also has a paranormal series, right?

    Anyway, I’m so glad you really enjoyed this one.

  17. Heidi

    I think I need to try this series, maybe some binge reading is in order. It sounds so enthralling.

  18. Melanie Simmons

    This sounds really good. I didn’t pick up this series because I was a little burnt out on Ward (it happens sometimes, I just needed a break). I keep hearing great things about this and I love the narrator for this series. I’m going to have to add it to my list, sooner rather than later.

  20. Lover Of Romance

    I can’t wait to read this trilogy…I have the first two books on my Kindle that I haven’t picked up yet. I love the whole idea behind this family.

  23. Jenea

    Sounthern drama, betrayals and murder, jeez, I need this series and now! Wonderful review Kim. I will be checking to see if our local library has the first books.

  24. Sarah

    It’s over and I never even started it! I don’t know about you, but it can be intimidating to read books when an author goes in a different direction. I’ve heard so many great things, though so its on my TBR list! I love how shocking and suspenseful this book sounds. 🙂

  25. Nick

    I love family sagas as you know, so I’m excited to give this series a try now that it’s all wrapped up. I love the sound of these characters. So glad the series ended on such a high note for you, Kim!

  26. Silvia

    Woot, the UK publisher sent me this book yesterday! I actually have the whole trilogy, so it should make for a pleasant reading time 🙂 Really glad to know you loved it so much, hope it’s going to work like that for me as well!