A Bourbon Kings Novel (The Bourbon Kings) - Devil's Cut

Devil’s Cut is without doubt my favorite of the Bourbon Kings series. I’ve struggled with the previous two books, mainly because of how long and drawn out the story is, but everything finally comes together in this masterpiece of an ending. I loved every part of this conclusion – there was never a dull moment, and I actually liked the characters by the end. For those of you who have been eagerly waiting to see just how the Baldwine children and their glorious fortune, estate, and company end up, along with who gets together with who (like I did), then you absolutely must read this epic finale!

Picking up right where The Angels’ Share left off, the death of William Baldwine, former CEO of Bradford Bourbon Company and father of Edward (the eldest), Max (the black sheep), Lane (the reformed playboy), and Gin (the only daughter), has been changed from being one of suicide to one of murder. Edward Baldwine confesses to killing his father, the man who hated his existence from the moment he was born and had his son kidnapped, tortured, and almost killed. Edward certainly had motive to kill William, right? But with secrets slowly being revealed and revelations being uncovered, it remains uncertain if Edward was the killer. And if he’s not, who is he protecting?

I don’t want to mention much about Edward and his love, Sutton, because spoilers, but I do want to say how much I adore their Romeo-and-Juliet-esque love story. As the heads of rival bourbon-making companies, theirs was a star-crossed love that could have been… but Edward returned from his almost-death broken. Now, with him in jail, is it possible for these two star-crossed lovers to have their HEA?

Lane has stepped up in his role of being the head of the Bradford household, trying to keep his family together and regain back their assets that his father embezzled away. With his momma, Miss Aurora, in the hospital dying of cancer, one brother in jail, an almost ex-wife pregnant with his dead father’s child, and virtually no money to support the estate, Lane is at the end of his rope. The one constant in his life is Lizzie, Easterly’s horticulturalist, the love of his life, who is sick of all the drama but there to support him no matter what. I was so thankful for Lane and Lizzie – they’ve been a constant for each other and for the series. I could always count on them to NOT create any drama between themselves, unlike all the other couples in the series. I love Lane and Lizzie so much!

Gin has married the abusive Richard Pford – but she’s no longer the dramatic, conniving, manipulate woman she was in the beginning of the series. With the loss of the Bradford fortune, she’s at a loss – is she anything without her money? She too, steps up to the plate by cutting out the drama with Samuel T., the love of her life. She will always love him, but her daughter, their daughter, comes first for her now. She endures Richard’s abuse so that she can provide Amelia with a better childhood than she had up until that point. I ended up completely loving Gin and the transformation she experiences throughout the series. I was rooting for her with not only Samuel T., but also her daughter. Their relationship is definitely the most addictive for me and was one of the main reasons why I kept reading these books.

With Edward in jail and the black sheep of the family back in town, there seems like no end to the mess that is the Baldwine childrens’ lives. I kept thinking, will any of them ever get a happy ending? But if there’s one thing I learned, it’s that I should always trust J.R. Ward because she’ll always do right by the end. The conclusion to the series was exactly what I was hoping for – we get a solid finish for every one of the characters and couples (well, most couples). I do admit I had to skim some parts that seemed to drag, but otherwise, I enjoyed this book immensely. I almost wish we could see more into the Balwine’s lives, but I wouldn’t want to ruin the perfect ending!

Book #3 in The Bourbon Kings trilogy
DEVIL’S CUT
JR Ward

The final installment of JR Ward’s The Bourbon Kings trilogy is akin to a mangled train wreck, it’s not pretty, it’s painful to experience but you have no choice but to watch it unfold. It’s a heady mix of Dallas and Dynasty and book three is all about solutions, closures and new beginnings of a family who easily puts the D in dysfunction.
The absolute mastery of her storytelling is clearly evident in this finale by the way she puts a solid conclusion to a story still so up in the air when it started. The eloquent narrative will take readers back to a more “gentile” time but with all the present day toys, vices and technology plus the constant play on words dialogue give the read a certain timely realism. Her characters run the gamut from over-the-top to salt of the earth, and each and every one is absolutely necessary to the telling of the tale.
Book three picks up right where book two left off so this is NOT a story you can skip around with, and is a trilogy I will definitely revisit.
This series/trilogy is a must read for all lovers of family dynamics, dysfunction and those who love a good mystery. And is a yet another impressive work from an author I love and respect.
One footnote; do not pass over the JR’s dedication at the beginning of the book. It’s amazing.

Narration:
I was fortunate enough to listen to each of the novels in the trilogy and whoever chose Alexander Cendese for the narrator outdid themselves.
His southern drawl-y baritone is unmatched and I could easily picture him reciting these novels with a cigar in one hand and a neat glass of Bradford reserve in the other. He’s dots every i and crosses every t and perfects, men, women, Kentucky drawl, NYC banker, drunk, sober, high-class or blue collar and does it with style. Even if you read these novels don’t ever pass the chance to experience the mesmerizing voice of this über-talented narrator.

SUMMARY:
The four Bradford/Baldwine siblings have a lot on their plate these days at their family estate in Charlemont, Kentucky. Funds are dwindling. Except for the bare minimum the staff has been let go. The family’s bourbon empire is in dire straights. And if that isn’t enough their father’s death was not a suicide.
The youngest son of the family Tulane (Lane) has finally after years of being a playboy grown up and is trying to keep the family’s failing Bourbon business solvent while keeping his true love, the estate’s former gardener, Lizzy happy and the rest of the family close and safe. And on top of that the woman who raised him, the woman who’s more a mother to him than the woman who birthed him, is dying and he doesn’t think he can go on without her.
The oldest, Edward has confessed to his father’s murder, will not accept any form of legal help or aid from his family or his long suffering love and business competitor, Sutton.
The baby, Virginia Elizabeth (Gin) is starting to rethink her decision to marry an ogre just to keep her in Armani and Pearls, starting to regret the bad decisions her entire life is made up of. Is it too late to change or is it easier just to stay the same shallow, selfish debutante she’s always been?
The middle son Max, a grubby, bearded, tatted mess couldn’t run far or fast enough away from his family and the stars in all of his nightmares. After making this short appearance his only thought is when can I get the hell out of out Dodge.

This series was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!

Entertainment of its finest!!

I hate drama, I hate soap operas but OMG I loved The Bourbon Kings.

In the foreword JR WARD mentioned that she loves TV shows like Dynasty and Dallas - and that's exactly what you got with this series. The entertainment value was HUGE.

Devil's Cut couldn't have been a better ending to an absolutely amazing series. The anticipation was HUGE. A yearlong wait and finally I would find out if the siblings would get their HEA and WHO killed the patriarch. Such tension!!!

I'm happy to announce that the ending deserves a toast!!! It was MARVELOUS!

I loved this book as much as I did The Bourbon Kings and The Angel's Share. I don't think there are words to describe this astounding feat. JR WARD managed to deliver a series where each an every single book was as outstanding as the one before. With each installment my love for this series grew and grew.

The characters, but especially the masterful storytelling which is such a trade mark of JR WARD, captivated and enchanted me. I didn't want to stop listening. With each chapter I got sucked deeper and deeper into the shenanigans of a family that I had fallen in love with two years ago.

I thought it was a genial idea to keep Lane and Lizzie the main couple throughout the entire series and have Edward and Sutton as well as Gin and Samuel T. as supporting cast. I never felt they were slighted at all. Actually I thought that Lane and Lizzie were the glue that kept them all together, but the book wouldn't have been as AMAZING as it was without the others.

I know I'm gushing but this book deserves every single OMG, AMAZING, and AWESOME!! Because it was all of that and so much more. The author is rightly so the creator of a hugely popular series. She knows how to spin a riveting and thrilling tale. I just think this series is her best to date!!! And I promise, you won't regret reading it.

If you like to be entertained by a genius of an author you need to read these books. They were the BEST of the BEST.

Knowing that this series has finally found it's conclusion, I feel bittersweet to say goodbye. But all I need to remember is that I can revisit this series again and again, and I already know that I'll enjoy it as much as I did the first time. :D

4.5 Stars
The final installment in the Bourbon Kings trilogy is finally here. I cracked this open with anticipation because I was anxious to find out how it would all end. Hopeful it would have a happy ending. And I’m please to say DEVIL’S CUT delivered on everything I was hoping this book would be and then more.

I didn’t breeze through this read because I wanted to savor it but it was so entertaining. There’s no dull moment and the pacing is so great that you’re always engaged. With several POVs, this book closes out all the lose ends on this series and finalizes everyone’s HEA. We started Lanes’ and Edwards’ in the previous books and we are here to make sure those will stick. But what I was really looking forward to reading about was Gin and Samuel T. I’m not going to lie, I’ve had a fascination with the spoiled little brat since the first book and my heart went out to her in the second book. I wanted something good to come to her after all that, while I also wanted her to grow up and show that’s she’s learned from all her mistakes. Every bit of her storyline in this book had me glued to the pages, even holding my breath at some parts. It was grand and over the top and I loved every second. Her story with Samuel T. is perfect for them and I’m completely satisfied with it.

While that was my main focus with this book, I also wanted to find out the truth about who killed William Baldwine. Suspicions have flown around in this series, and there’s even someone behind bars. But who really did it? Oftentimes with mysteries and whodunnoits, I tend to figure things out pretty quick because there’s usually one logical way to go about doing it that would make it shocking. But this book had so many revelations that I didn’t see coming towards the end that I was even a bit speechless. So cudos to Ms. Ward for that. I really was taken by surprise. While there are some sad moments, there’s also a sense of happiness and closure that wraps up this series so well.

My only complaint with this book is that there is one HEA that is left a bit half-assed and maybe not addressed. I was hoping that could’ve had just a little more page time so it’s not just a “maybe something will happen” in the end. But I get there were other things to focus on.

Overall, this book was exactly the drama-filled, juicy story that I was anticipating. For sure one that I highly recommend you check out this summer and a series that is bound to entertain with great flare.

I feel like I have been waiting FOREVER for the conclusion to this series. It is so easy to get sucked into this series and I couldn't wait to find out what was really going on with this crazy bourbon family.

Normally here I give a synopsis, but seeing as this is book three in the series, I don't want to spoil anything that happens earlier on in they series for those of you who haven't picked it up yet. Just know this deals with a wealthy family who owns a Bourbon company who are entangled in lies, drama, and serious inabilities to have healthy relationships.

As the third and final book in the series, I had some serious expectations. The last book had a lot more business talk than I would have liked because some serious drama went down with their business, but I wanted more relationship and family drama than business drama. I'm so happy to say that this book was everything I wanted and more! Some characters who annoyed me grew so much in this book, specifically Gin, Samuel T, and Edward. I also liked how we got to see so much more of certain characters, like Max and Amelia, when I wanted more of them in the previous books.

And talk about secrets! So many truths were finally revealed and I was on the edge of my seat as each one was revealed. I was definitely not expecting some of the surprises thrown at us. And, like I said, I really loved how certain characters changed so much since book one and how Lane and Lizzie's relationship only grew stronger. With this book, all of the characters were so important to the central story that it didn't feel like one couple or character outshone any of the others, which I really appreciated. Overall, I was so satisfied with this conclusion!

If you want a series that reads like a soap opera and is impossible to put down because of the secrecy and lies, you HAVE to pick up The Bourbon Kings series!

I can't even handle how good this book was. The Bourbon Kings saga has been a beautifully addictive, deliciously scandalous, emotionally tortuous but altogether unforgettable journey from beginning to end. This finale was not only one of my most anticipated reads of 2017, it turned out to be exponentially better than anything I could've imagined. Hands down, Devil's Cut is the best book of this series, a series, mind you, I already loved beyond words. I couldn't put this book down. I never wanted it to end. I could read about the Bradford Baldwine family, their floundering bourbon company, their troublesome relationships and their haunting family secrets forever and I'd never, ever tire of any of it. From beginning to bittersweet end, this entertaining, exciting, suspenseful family drama has CONSUMED me and the reality that it's reached the end is one I'm not yet willing to accept. 

I can't tell you how many cups of coffee went cold as I read this book. I imagine I looked like some kind of wide-eyed crazy person as I read, clutching the book with white knuckles, turning pages hungrily as the twists and turns of Devil's Cut completely captivated me. I simply could not tear myself away. The way JR Ward laid out this story, from The Bourbon Kings through The Angels Share right up to the very last page of Devil's Cut, creating an intricately woven, fully immersive, sweeping story, was just BRILLIANT. And to my utter delight, this finale was everything I could've ever hoped for and so much I never expected. It was so satisfying, this ending, so full of surprises and heartache and healing and hope. It's truly the PERFECT finale to a wholly unforgettable series. 

I was beyond lost in this story, this family, these characters, the scandal, the secrets, the suspense, the love and hope and heart stopping memories... ALL. OF. IT. I couldn't get enough. There's truly nothing I can say that will do this book justice. I'm not a reader that needs my books adapted onto a screen, but I will pray everyday that this saga comes to life. It already has, truthfully. The manner in which Ward breathes so much life into these pages, squeezing out  exquisite emotion and illustrating such lush imagery on every page, it plays out in my mind as clear as if I were watching it happen before me. This family in all of their dysfunction and all of their shared heartache captured me within the snare of their bonds and I never want to be let go. 

There isn't a more perfect way this series could've ended. Devil's Cut fills in every hole, turns over every stone, answers every question, heals every single open wound left throughout the series. I felt everything a reader can feel in these pages. Ward carries her reader through the intricately woven storylines of each of the characters in this vast ensemble and she ensures her reader feels every thing they feel. Despair. Heartache. Hope. Fear. Joy. Devastation. Loss. Fury. Contentment. Every single emotion a reader can feel is demanded of them in this book. Devil's Cut had my chin on the floor at times, had my eyes filled with tears (both from sadness and utter joy), had my heart leaping with joy just as often as it pounded relentlessly through agonizing memories and heartbreaking longing. This is a series I'll reread and I'll do it often. This is a series I'll never forget. This is a series I never wanted to end but I'm so over the moon with how it did. Devil's Cut is the most superb ending to a PHENOMENAL series and there simply aren't enough words to adequately express how much I absolutely, wholeheartedly LOVED it. 

J R Ward can drop the Mic and walk away with this one. The buildup throughout the series and throughout this story was exhilarating, who need exercise? Even though I had taken a good guess at who the murder was, I mean it could only be…. I could just see it, because “only one thing is for certain: Love survives all things even murder” or better said who would you murder for love?
The plotting and timing in the series takes me back to Dynasty and Dallas, as well we know she is a fan of. These nighttime soaps brought this type of drama to life and J R Ward does a fantastic tribute to the heart and soul of what they were.
Everything that was twisted in the first two stories slowly unwinds itself. Gin has always been the one I wanted to b*+ch slap, that girl needed to be cut off! Gin is the one that suffers, what I believe to be the biggest change. She changes from a spoiled rich girl unwilling to give up her lifestyle to a caring mother. I see future potential with Samuel T (my favorite character), if she continues down the same path she is on.
Max, our little mystery bad boy, well at some point I wanted to bend him over my knee and just spank away. Pretty much a little Chicken Sh*t. But he does develop some cojones and comes clean.
Edward, always misunderstood. We find out why and we find out his connection to the real murder. I do not think I am giving anything away by saying he is not the murder, having scarified himself due to his love for the real murder and his poor self-esteem. I’m glad all resolved in a happy ending for him.
Lane…. Our protagonist. Honestly, I do not know how he hasn’t had a heart attack yet. While this may have taken 3 years for us, the story takes place over a matter of weeks. The fast pace, alone would’ve given me heart failure with all the problems financial, personal, and public that this poor man has had to endure. Lane deserves a standing ovation for surviving.
J R Ward never disappoints me. I hope this series opens up a new genre for her to entertain us with. Her writing is impeccable and her imagination endless. I hope to have thousands upon thousands of her future stories in my library.
The Oracle Reviews gives only honest reviews

When you anxiously await the finale of a series for over a year, there is no better feeling than that sweet satisfaction of finding everything you could possibly ask for in its conclusion. Then again I don't remember ever being disappointed by a J.R. Ward book so this complete and utter happiness and gratification you find in this last book should really come as no surprise. Nowhere near the scandal of the first two books, you can never get too far from shock and drama when it comes to the Baldwine family. In Devil's Cut there may not be an abundance of sordid behavior, but this time around our curiosity of the family's most confounding siblings, Gin the fiercely independent, proudly promiscuous vixen with a backbone of steel and Maxwell the black sheep, bad boy that everyone, his own family included, has yet to figure out, is finally satisfied. With still plenty of surprise, this book becomes almost a murder mystery as we have still another sibling sitting in prison after confessing to murder and more than a few people lobbying for his innocence and trying to piece together the real story.

When you say drama the first Baldwine name that should come to mind is definitely Gin and this time we have the privilege of learning more about the immensely complicated relationship she has had for years with one Samuel T. After some much needed insight into the inner workings of their connection, their feelings, and their secrets, we begin to see a, dare I say, softer, more maternal side to Gin that is sure to win over even her biggest hater. If you are a lover of the bitchy heroine, you are going to love Gin as she has been in the previous books and fall head over heels for the vulnerable, caring, reformed woman she begins to evolve into.

If I had one inkling of disappointment it would be that I needed way more Max. But while I loved getting to know him a bit better, understanding more about him and the way that he is as well as where he came from and what has molded him into the detached rebel he has become, I actually quite enjoyed the hint of mystery we are left with in his case. It seems only fitting to still have unanswered questions about the man that was absent for most of the story and is still an enigma to even his closest family.

One can never stray too far from Lane though, and while this book does not have the slap-you-in-the -face, knock-you-off-the-edge-of-your-seat type of shockers that the last two books did, it certainly has its fair share of struggle, angst, and revelation especially where Lane and those he cares the most about are concerned.

A book written partially out of pure love of the author's home state of Kentucky, the vibrant and eloquent description of the sprawling stables atop rolling fields covered in Kentucky bluegrass, the craggy cliffs of the vast estate overlooking the city and the Ohio River, and the majestic Appalachian Mountains is guaranteed to give you a whole new appreciation of the state. While I would be extremely wary of the heat and near tropic humidity that is described so vibrantly I found myself wiping my brow more than once, at times this emotional story reads like a tourism guide beckoning you to fall just as madly in love with this regal state as the author once did.

Not at all the ending I was expecting for this sinful, sexy, scandalous journey, yet I can't think of a single thing that was missing or that could make me feel even the tiniest bit more fulfilled. Devil's Cut is packed with liars and cheats, sinners and saints, love and war, hostility and forgiveness, triumphs and turmoil. So much more than a sensational and salacious story, this conclusion is full of heartache and heartbreak, new leaves and total transformation, passion and adoration, hope and joy. With an unlikely savior and growth everywhere you turn, this is truly a culmination of epic proportions.

4.25 stars-- DEVIL’S CUT is the third and final installment in JR Ward’s dramatic, contemporary, adult THE BOURBON KINGS series focusing on the uber rich Bradford/Baldwine family of Charlemont, Kentucky- a bourbon dynasty whose beautiful façade hides many dark and dangerous secrets. Like the previous installment-The Angel’s Share-Devil’s Cut is an ensemble story line that looks at the aftermath of William Baldwine’s death and the investigation into millions of dollars in missing money. The entire series covers little more than a week in the life of the Baldwine/Bradford family.

Told from several third person points of view DEVIL’S CUT continues to focus on the Bradford/Baldwine family as they struggle to come to terms with the death (murder) of their father- a man despised by both family and employees-and a man who spent the final months of his life wiping out the family fortune. With eldest brother Edward Baldwine confessing to the murder of the family patriarch, Lane Baldwine struggles to keep the Baldwine Bradford Bourbon Company from declaring bankruptcy in the face of a growing list of bank loan defaults. Prodigal son Max returns only to come face to face with the woman he has always loved, and daughter Virginia ‘Gin’ embarks on a dangerous journey with a man she knows will destroy her life.

DEVIL’S CUT follows several paths as each of the Baldwine siblings battles demons from the past. With their ailing mother little more than a shadow of her former self, Max reveals to Lane a long kept family secret that will change the siblings dynamics as a new perspective on past events begins to unfold. A death-bed confession; heartbreaking confessions; and the discovery of a well-timed investment find each of the siblings focusing on a possible future with the man and women they love.

If you are a fan of the author’s Black Dagger Brotherhood you can’t help but notice a few similarities especially as it pertains to some of the individual characteristics, peculiarities and talents of the story line characters. e.g. singing voice of Max vs Zhadist

DEVIL’S CUT is a story of drama, betrayal, heartbreak and revenge. The dysfunctional Baldwine/Bradford family must face the media, the police, and the truth as to the extent of damage one man was willing to inflict upon the people he should have loved. Years of emotional and physical pain have taken their toll. The premise is dramatic, revealing and intense; the characters are broken, rebellious but strong; the romances are fated-five second chances at love, and a future free of trauma and guilt. JR Ward’s amazing THE BOURBON KINGS is an engaging, fascinating and passionate series that will leave you breathless, and wanting more.

There is never a dull moment when you are heirs to the bourbon fortune that rivals all others. Edward has certainly shocked his siblings with the confession that he is responsible for the death of their father. While the evidence is definitely stacked against Edward, those that know him begin to doubt the validity of the infamous confession. Family and friends are determined to uncover the secrets that Edward is protecting so hard, even at the risk of spending his life in jail.

Lane finds himself in situations he never planned. The notorious playboy fighting to save the company that is the key to his family’s bourbon fortune. The one constant that keeps Lane pushing on is that one love that surpasses all others…..Lizzie. As the horticulturist on the grounds of the Baldwine estate, Lizzie knows first hand the struggles that Lane is facing. Will they find a way to overcome all of the obstacles threatening the very existence of their love?

The trials and tribulations that Gin has faced are now rearing their head. With a marriage of convenience on the line, Gin must decide what means the most to her in this life. Her track record as a parent has long been riddled with a lack of accountability. Will it be too late for Gin to make up for the poor choices she has made in life? Only time will tell if the only daughter of Virginia and William Baldwine will find the happiness she so desperately deserves.

What a wild ride that is riddled with secrets!! Devil’s Cut is the final installment in the Bourbon Kings series, and it certainly packed a punch!! So many secrets have plagued the Baldwine family. Each sibling living with their own personal torment. It’s a mystery that unravels page by page. One thing is certain….the Baldwine legacy has never hovered in such a precarious place in the family history. Discover the sordid tale of greed, hidden lovers, and death in this compelling series!!

EPIC! That's the word I keep coming back to when I think of this story with all its amazing conclusions and the trilogy itself. It was an epic adventure with so many twists and turns into the land of bourbon that's full of lies, deceit, hope, and love. It was truly a phenomenal story!

Devil’s Cut is the final book in The Bourbon Kings trilogy and I was on the edge of my seat digesting everything I learned, absorbing all the answers that were given. I loved all the little breadcrumbs that were coming into play. My emotions where everywhere. Shock and awe, anger. Heat. Love. Sadness. I was so very choked up because some of these characters truly go through a metamorphosis. Watching this very broken family, heal and endure and stand up and be strong has been a true pleasure. Every single person was just full and rich, making them come alive on the page. The world the author has created is full of so much depth, steeped in history and tradition. It was breathtaking!

There was a lot happening since so many stories are woven together but it was not overwhelming to me. There were so many things in play. Edward. The Bourbon Bradford Company. The different romantic relationships and friendships. It was just so incredibly full. Every descriptions was perfect to me. The pace was amazing. The build spot on and at times, heart stopping. I wanted all these answers and got them, so many amazing happily ever after's and some sad ones too. Twice I flat out bawled. There was so much intrigue and drama intertwined. As I read and all these details unfolded and loose ends where tied up, as happy as I was, I didn't want it to end. This crazy, privileged family and their friends, all the turmoil they went through was just so amazingly entertaining in a I-can't-get-enough-of-this-saga-and-these-people kind of way.

The writing was incredible. The attention to detail was stellar. J. R. Ward is an exceptional storyteller. It's like I could picture it all playing out in my head, so very Dynasty-esq. I loved the different POVs, all the storylines happening and overlapping culminating into one amazing ending. I also appreciated the timing of each POV and how they were presented. I loved the fullness of the story, and the richness of the characters truly amazed me. I was rooting for them and cheered for them, my heart broke for them and I cried for them. It was just amazing.

From the bourbon to family, all the answers were given and I am beside myself with the conclusion. I want to go back and reread it and experience it all again. A must read story and series!!!

Complimentary copy received for honest review.

Spoilers ahead if you haven’t read the previous Bourbon Kings books.

The Devil’s Cut was the perfect ending to J.R. Ward’s Bourbon Kings series. I loved how everything turned out for all couples, and the overall mystery of who killed William Baldwine.

Lizzie and Lane are the heart and very center of the story, and I was pleased they faced all the problems as a united couple. They had a personal issue that stirred up a little uncertainty between them, but nothing too worrisome.

I wasn’t really thrilled with Gin in the first book; she had so much opportunity with the wealth and privilege she grew up in and yet didn’t take responsibility or initiative in her own life. By the second book Gin started making some positive changes, maturing, and I started to like her. No longer was she just thinking of herself, or shallow vanities, her daughter become her priority, and she was finally willing to face the music with her past mistakes. I really hoped for a HEA for her and Samuel T, but there was some danger due to her unfortunate marriage to Richard Pford in this installment, and I worried for Gin’s safety. Gin and Samuel T’s storyline was the most exciting of the three couples to me.

With Edward in jail for the murder of his father, William, a future with Sutton seems impossible. But I had faith J.R. Ward wouldn’t leave us hanging. I really liked Sutton’s assertiveness, which is exactly what Edward needed.

J.R. Ward’s love of the 80’s soap opera, Dynasty, inspired her to write this riveting trilogy. Devil’s Cut was addictive, each chapter sort of ending in a little mini cliffhanger/hook so you want to keep reading to find out what happens. Very reminiscent of Sandra Brown’s writing, or a TV commercial break during Dynasty. I’ve enjoyed Ms. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series, but this series was a fun departure from what I’m used to with her.

Within the pages of J.R. Ward's DEVIL's CUT is the conclusion to one of my most highly anticipated love stories this year—the fate of Samuel T. and Gin's whatever-mance they have going on. J.R. Ward's Dynasty-inspired Southern soap opera is a quick and run romance read. I devoured it on audio in 2 days! I'd recommend it to those who want a heavy dose of drama tinged with sweet tea, bourbon, and a whole lot of dysfunction.

The answer to who killed Lane's father is revealed, but it wasn't this storyline that kept me coming back for more. I felt most invested the dysfunctional and turbulent relationship between former lovers, Gin and Samuel T. Both prefer the path of self-destruction over communication and civility, which makes for good television but not any long-term relationship.

In this final installment, we see a more mature Gin who finally sees what a mess she has made of her family. Meanwhile, Samuel T. struggles with his own feelings. Both are still stubborn as all get out, but I'll tell you that their pride stops getting in the way.

I also really liked the romance between Edward and Sutton. I guess you could say that the common thread with their relationship and that between Gin and Samuel T. is that all had a history, an event that tore them apart, and a stubbornness and bad decisions keeping them apart.

The reason I didn't rate this book higher is the same as I've explained before. The subplots were more compelling than the main murder mystery and the two leads (Lane and Lizzie). I also found Ward's writing style to be overly dramatic at times, with the way she describes certain events. But the combination of her descriptions and the soap opera plotlines was overkill in some respects. Despite these small things, I would still completely recommend the series if you're looking for pure escapism.

* Thanks to Ballantine Books and Penguin Random House Audio for providing me with a copy to review. It was a pleasure!

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.

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.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

world, but none of them would give this book and trilogy justice. Coming from Ward’s paranormal series, I didn’t know quite what to expect with a seemingly normal world. There are no vampires, angels, or any other worldly creatures in this saga. But.. there is something that sets this book a part. It’s real. This story is as real as it can get when a rich family sits on their Bourbon throne of lies and watches the world crumble at their feet when the money is suddenly gone. The loyalty ends when the money runs dry, and the dark secrets begin to emerge once the glamour fades away.

Lane and his family’s story is an intriguing and powerful reminder that not all things can be solved with a lot of money at your disposal. Lies after lies spill out as the story unfolds, and with Devil’s Cut, the most hurtful lie of all rocks the Baldwine family to its core. There were so many times in this book that I physically and emotionally cried alongside of each of the characters. Fate is fickle, and sometimes the misdeeds of our past come home to roost at the most importune time.

While the ending of the Baldwine family story is bittersweet, it was just about as perfect as you can get.

The epic conclusion of The Bourbon Kings. Devil's Cut answered questions, healed all the main characters and once again transported me to Kentucky, to the middle of the Bradford Bourbon Company at Easterly.

JR Ward and her magical words. They are vivid and completely capture the culture. I have listened to this series and the narrator is spot on!! The accent transports the listener straight to Kentucky where listening to this series makes it even better!!

Lane and Lizzie, Gin and Samuel T, Amelia, Edward and Sutton, Miss Aurora, Jeff, Gary, Max, VE.......all these characters are all amazing and all intertwined beautifully. These characters get engrained into your psyche and you just want the best for all. There are crazy moments, there are loving moments, there are dysfunctional moments and there are entertaining moments. It would make a great mini series. It would be like those wonderful Dynasty or Dallas days!! (Those of you old enough know what I'm talking about)

If you love series full of drama, mystery, angst, dysfunction, love and most of all real southern charm......The Bourbon Kings are a must read or better yet, A MUST LISTEN!!!

DEVIL’S CUT is the final book in The Bourbon Kings trilogy. This series has followed the Bradford family through a tremendous amount of ups and downs…well, mostly downs. The struggle that each of the characters face and the decisions that they make all add to the layers of the story.

Family. This word is the one thread throughout all the books in this series. Even though there is strain between members and another bombshell is dropped on them every five minutes, the Bradfords have each other. For me, their relationships and how they change over the course of the series really make these books so good. Sure there is a bit of suspense and a whole lot of drama, but the characters are what make me love these books.

Having never read any other books by JR Ward before I started this series, I must say that the author can weave together quite the tale. Her ability to get into her character’s heads as well as create such an intricate plot is truly spectacular.

If you are a fan of family sagas, I implore you to read all three of these books. They are amazing. Now that the whole series is out, you can binge them all!

I've been waiting for this book for a year and J.R. Ward's writing does not disappoint. Her prose is flawless and takes on a life of its own. The ending moves very fast to wrap up everyone's storyline with a happy ending. My biggest disappointment with this series is once again the author introduces character diversity to ultimately weave in a murderer. She did the same thing in the BDB series with the Shadows. The dark race of vampires kill their babies for greed and power (oh, and he's the only hero that doesn't get an HEA at the end of the story). It's so sad to see this theme of diverse characters serving as murderers/killers/traitors plays out with certain groups of authors over and over again.

This review was written by Marie for a guest review post on Ever After Book Reviews blog:

I LOVE THIS TRILOGY. Not even kidding. Of course, I love anything J.R. Ward touches, but this one took the cake. For the sake of not wanting to spoil anything for anyone… I’m going to delicately write my review in the hopes that it conveys just how much I loved this book and this series.

Devils Cut was everything I had hoped it would be and so much more. It’s an emotional roller-coaster ride that, in true J.R. Ward fashion, ties up beautifully in the end. Full of well-developed characters that have been through more than enough twists and turns, Devil’s Cut brings everyone’s story lines together and proves that love truly does stand the test of time.

With the beautiful Kentucky setting, the seductively charming Bradford family and the scandalous moments that ultimately bring us right up to the very end, this highly addictive book is the perfect guilty pleasure.

I voluntarily read a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

When I first started this series I expected much more from the second book, as the first one wasn't that impressive. Now with conclusion , I just feel empty. I feel as if there was really no point to this story honestly. The brother Max? Nothing was really focused on him. Why even bring him in or create him? All of a sudden Gin, after a lifetime of selfishness and feeling superior to all, can turn into the exact opposite person after only a week or two? I know something big happened but come on, really? There could've been more story behind little V.E. We only got that small piece of the real her at the end. Basically this book was still how is Lane going to save the company and his family, with a few haphazard closures here and there. The only reason I'm giving this book a 3 star is because I was actually surprised to find out who killed William. Honestly if you haven't started this series I wouldn't bother and I'm a huge fan of her writing

I loved this book!! Halfway through, I couldnt put it down....all the other reviews say this was the last book in the series, I am really disappointed in that...To me, there seems like there are alot of unfinished business....spoilers. sorry...First of all, wheres Maxwells story?? there might as well have not even been a third brother...His story was not really even told and now we are left wondering....And did I miss something with the murder? Is it really possible that Miss Aurora acted alone? Why did she cut off the finger and bury it?... And what happened to all the money William stole? We did find out that the company would be okay because of Macs formula and the purchase of the game, but what about all the missing money?. Where did it all go?..and was there a storyline with Mac? Seemed like it in the second book, but it was never really revisited...And did Rosalind really kill herself? I guess so...Dont get me wrong, I loved this book but I am wondering about the loose ends....Seems like maybe a spin off is in order? LOL

This was a perfect conclusion to this trilogy!

So many things happened in this book! Each page had you invested in the story.

It's been a while since I've read the other two books. The author does an amazing job at helping refresh the reader's memory without repeating information.

Seriously, I just loved how everything worked out. I mean you always hope for that going into any book but this was perfect.

It's like all the bad times were outweighed by the good times!

Definitely, interesting finding out who killed William. I was scared for Gin there for a minute. I was always rooting for her and Samuel T.

Everything was wrapped up nicely in this book and paced well. Didn't feel rushed or anything.

I'm a little sad this story has concluded but the ending was just perfect!

When you wake up at 7:00 am and don't go to bed until 4:30 am the next morning you tend to be a bit of a zombie, like I am today. But, you know what? DEVIL'S CUT, the final book in J.R. Ward's Bourbon Kings trilogy was totally worth it. I didn't even try to go to bed. Ward reeled me in and kept me willingly on the hook until I reached the final word. Even then, I couldn't stop thinking about the characters. If you were addicted to Dynasty and Dallas (as I was) or enjoy stories centered around rich, powerful, flawed (oh, so flawed!) families (like Ward's Kentucky bourbon-making characters), you won't want to miss THE BOURBON KINGS, THE ANGELS' SHARE, and DEVIL'S CUT. Very Important: read the books in order!

I had been looking forward to this final story of the Bourbon Kings series for longer than I would have liked. But it was so very worth it. I laughed, I cried, I smiled when it was over. It was the perfect ending. There were some things that I figured would never work out, but some how, some way, J.R. Ward worked it all out in the best way. Even better than I could have imagined. I won't risk spoiling anything for anyone. I will just say this book must be read. This series must be read (or listened to cause I did both and it was amazing narration too). The journey from start to finish was simply fantastic.

I just loved this series. For anyone who is used to JR Ward's other books, which are fantasy driven, this series is very different. If you like a good story line with a mystery and plot twists, you might enjoy it as much as I did. I love how this author crafts her stories. She weaves words together in such a way that I sometimes close my eyes to picture the people and places she describes. She never disappoints. So, if you're only into supernatural stories, this isn't for you, but if you love a well crafted story with beautiful writing you should read the series. I loved how she tied up all of the various story lines.

I finished this series with mixed feelings. The book isn't terrible. It just didn't give any surprises. I was glad to see some of the supporting characters fleshed out a bit more, and I was happy to see that a male character FINALLY grew to see that this anonymous women they slept with (who are not the love interest) are more than just cattle. (This is a trait of many male characters in JR Ward's books that drives me insane.) And I was hoping Little VE would've done it, Spoiler, she didn't. Also the verbs are still overdone: characters curse, burst, rush, jerk and other various things when just a little action would suffice. But all in all an okay book.

I didn't want this to end but I had to see how it ended at the same time. And I kept hoping I missed something stating she would write another addition to this trilogy! This was a departure from what I normally read but I absolutely could not put it down. It had everything...a little mystery, romance, comedy, and on and on the list goes. I loved the characters (even the ones I didn't love). Can anybody recommend any others? I've never read J.R. Ward until I started with this trilogy. Wow.

Full disclosure: I screwed up reading this trilogy and read The Bourbon Kings and then, a few months later, accidentally skipped to Devil's Cut. But I still loved it! The author gave us enough reminders of key happenings in the previous two novels that I could easily follow the plot.

The characters are well drawn and easy to love (or hate). The setting details are fantastic, and I could easily recognize Kentucky's bourbon country in Ms. Ward's descriptions. I felt immersed in the family and the setting and was sad for the story to end.

I'll definitely seek out more books from J.R. Ward.

I don't know if this is the final to the Bourbon Kings books as the whole story seemed very wrapped up by the end of this book, with Lane and Lizzies story being more completed. The murderer is also found out so Edward is released from prison to continue his life with Sutton, Max is also more settle by the end of the book.
Well written story with a great mix of characters with a pleasant ending for most!!

Oy, this one took me forever to get through. I always go into a Ward book expecting a ton of detail and drama. This series had all of that and more. It may have taken me forever to get there, but I really liked how all the loose ends were tied up. There were a bunch of parts that I thought dragged on because I just didn't care about it, but I got through them and I'm glad this is only a 3 book series.

The final in trilogy. It's a family saga where all the individual family threads are resolved. I particularly liked how Gin's personal saga ended. It left a warm glow. Recommend reading all 3 books in the trilogy to get the best enjoyment from the books.

I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

I'm so terribly sad this series is over. I always knew it would be a trilogy, but damn I'm gonna miss these Baldwine boys. This was a perfect ending book for this trilogy. I absolutely loved everything about this 3rd installment. Everything as it should be in my personal opinion. Loved it, truly I did. :)

I think I have read all her books. I am always very satisfied with them. A dynasty founded on the bourbon industry. An evil man married into the family and has made everyone's life a living hell. The way things work out when he is murdered makes excellent reading.
e have ll

A great ending to an enjoyable series. I'm happy with the ending. Ward did a great job tying up all the loose ends while hitting all the feels buttons. I'm sad that this is the end of the story line because I really love these characters. Thank you for another wonderful book.

What an exceptional series. JR Ward never hesitates to keep me engrossed in her books. She is definitely my favorite author. I am so happy that a mother that I meet at our children's program at the library recommended her books to me! I am forever grateful to this mom.

What an amazing ending to a series!!! I couldn't put it down! We finally find out who did everyone a favor and got rid of William. The twists and turns had me talking to myself making co-workers asking if I was ok :) It is sad the story is ending, but it was written in a way that was completely satisfying. JR Ward has done it again!! 10 Stars!!!!!

JR Ward never misses. As much as I love the Black Dagger Brotherhood, dipping into the pseudo-reality of billionaire bourbon makers was a welcome, page-turning, change of pace. This third book (so sad it is the last of the series) satisfyingly wraps up all the loose ends. The added details about distilling and bourbon were interesting even for this non-drinker. And of course love triumphs in the end, healing the emotionally damaged protagonists and leaving readers believing that happy-ever-after is always possible.

I had been looking forward to this final story of the Bourbon Kings series for longer than I would have liked. But it was so very worth it. I laughed, I cried, I smiled when it was over. It was the perfect ending. There were some things that I figured would never work out, but some how, some way, J.R. Ward worked it all out in the best way. Even better than I could have imagined. I won't risk spoiling anything for anyone. I will just say this book must be read. This series must be read (or listened to cause I did both and it was amazing narration too). The journey from start to finish was simply fantastic.

I just loved this series. For anyone who is used to JR Ward's other books, which are fantasy driven, this series is very different. If you like a good story line with a mystery and plot twists, you might enjoy it as much as I did. I love how this author crafts her stories. She weaves words together in such a way that I sometimes close my eyes to picture the people and places she describes. She never disappoints. So, if you're only into supernatural stories, this isn't for you, but if you love a well crafted story with beautiful writing you should read the series. I loved how she tied up all of the various story lines.

I finished this series with mixed feelings. The book isn't terrible. It just didn't give any surprises. I was glad to see some of the supporting characters fleshed out a bit more, and I was happy to see that a male character FINALLY grew to see that this anonymous women they slept with (who are not the love interest) are more than just cattle. (This is a trait of many male characters in JR Ward's books that drives me insane.) And I was hoping Little VE would've done it, Spoiler, she didn't. Also the verbs are still overdone: characters curse, burst, rush, jerk and other various things when just a little action would suffice. But all in all an okay book.

I didn't want this to end but I had to see how it ended at the same time. And I kept hoping I missed something stating she would write another addition to this trilogy! This was a departure from what I normally read but I absolutely could not put it down. It had everything...a little mystery, romance, comedy, and on and on the list goes. I loved the characters (even the ones I didn't love). Can anybody recommend any others? I've never read J.R. Ward until I started with this trilogy. Wow.

Full disclosure: I screwed up reading this trilogy and read The Bourbon Kings and then, a few months later, accidentally skipped to Devil's Cut. But I still loved it! The author gave us enough reminders of key happenings in the previous two novels that I could easily follow the plot.

The characters are well drawn and easy to love (or hate). The setting details are fantastic, and I could easily recognize Kentucky's bourbon country in Ms. Ward's descriptions. I felt immersed in the family and the setting and was sad for the story to end.

I'll definitely seek out more books from J.R. Ward.

I don't know if this is the final to the Bourbon Kings books as the whole story seemed very wrapped up by the end of this book, with Lane and Lizzies story being more completed. The murderer is also found out so Edward is released from prison to continue his life with Sutton, Max is also more settle by the end of the book.
Well written story with a great mix of characters with a pleasant ending for most!!

Oy, this one took me forever to get through. I always go into a Ward book expecting a ton of detail and drama. This series had all of that and more. It may have taken me forever to get there, but I really liked how all the loose ends were tied up. There were a bunch of parts that I thought dragged on because I just didn't care about it, but I got through them and I'm glad this is only a 3 book series.

The final in trilogy. It's a family saga where all the individual family threads are resolved. I particularly liked how Gin's personal saga ended. It left a warm glow. Recommend reading all 3 books in the trilogy to get the best enjoyment from the books.

I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

Quite the entertaining read this book was. I have previously struggled as I guess I prefer the author's other work.
This book wrapped up the previous two and offered quite a brilliant conclusion. I feel I need to go back and start over. This story follows a family's saga, lies and love, success and struggles all intertwined making one great tale.

I'm so terribly sad this series is over. I always knew it would be a trilogy, but damn I'm gonna miss these Baldwine boys. This was a perfect ending book for this trilogy. I absolutely loved everything about this 3rd installment. Everything as it should be in my personal opinion. Loved it, truly I did. :)

I’m sorry but this author is not taking this book farther. I would love more of the series. Yes I know she gave us a good ending, but the characters were so good I don’t want to leave them. Once you read them you won’t either – not to be missed

I think I have read all her books. I am always very satisfied with them. A dynasty founded on the bourbon industry. An evil man married into the family and has made everyone's life a living hell. The way things work out when he is murdered makes excellent reading.
e have ll

A great ending to an enjoyable series. I'm happy with the ending. Ward did a great job tying up all the loose ends while hitting all the feels buttons. I'm sad that this is the end of the story line because I really love these characters. Thank you for another wonderful book.

What an exceptional series. JR Ward never hesitates to keep me engrossed in her books. She is definitely my favorite author. I am so happy that a mother that I meet at our children's program at the library recommended her books to me! I am forever grateful to this mom.

What an amazing ending to a series!!! I couldn't put it down! We finally find out who did everyone a favor and got rid of William. The twists and turns had me talking to myself making co-workers asking if I was ok :) It is sad the story is ending, but it was written in a way that was completely satisfying. JR Ward has done it again!! 10 Stars!!!!!

JR Ward never misses. As much as I love the Black Dagger Brotherhood, dipping into the pseudo-reality of billionaire bourbon makers was a welcome, page-turning, change of pace. This third book (so sad it is the last of the series) satisfyingly wraps up all the loose ends. The added details about distilling and bourbon were interesting even for this non-drinker. And of course love triumphs in the end, healing the emotionally damaged protagonists and leaving readers believing that happy-ever-after is always possible.

Absolutely stunning conclusion to this family's story. I was kept on the edge of my seat the entire time. Would recommend this book as well as the entire series to everyone. So sad it ended I want MORE.

It was a collection of conclusions. A pairing of events and couples - an easy read. Everyone matched up perfectly. I'm sad how it ended. Great first two books - but this one left me feeling cheated. Sure we want everyone to live happily ever after, but to go from one of doubt to endless love is unrealistic.

I have to say Devil's Cut is my favorite of the Bourbon King Series! Once I started I was spellbound!! Full of twists and turns! Lots of family drama but you don't want to miss it! I laughed, cried, loved, hated.....so caught up in the characters and story! Couldn't ask for anything more!

Devil’s Cut by J.R. Ward is the 3rd and final book in her Bourbon Kings trilogy. Devil’s Cut picks up immediately after Angel’s Share left off. Edward, the oldest brother, is now in jail, having confessed to the murder of his father, William Baldwine. There was no love lost for William’s death, as everyone in the family rightfully hated him, as he was an evil & destructive man.

Lane finds himself in a mess trying to cope with his father’s funeral; working with his friend and financial genius Jeff to help save Bradford Bourbon from bankruptcy; and at the same time find the truth about who killed his father, as Lane knows Edward is protecting someone.

All of this is the focus of story, with Lane, Lizzie, Gin, Samuel, Max, Sutton all playing major parts in this intense family saga. While Lane has Jeff working on every possibility to save their company, he and Lizzie try to find out who Edward is protecting. I mentioned in my previous review, that I loved Lane and Lizzie together, and that has not changed. But I also wanted so badly that Sutton could find a way to get Edward stop hiding from the love they both have for each other, but first she has to help Lane and Lizzie discover the truth…..something which as we get closer will be a surprise.

Gin, who near the end of Angel’s Share, married Richard, for his money, knowing he was a bully, who eventually would beat her. Samuel, who truly did love Gin, but felt there could never be a future for them; when Gin finds herself in danger, it will be Samuel who will come to her rescue, and along the way he will discover a truth that has been hidden from him for years. Another surprise here.

Max, the youngest brother, has a small role here, but slowly he begins to realize that perhaps it was time for him to stop running away, as his father could no longer haunt him.

J.R. Ward gives us a wonderful tense mystery that will have all the Bradford/Baldwine family totally buried in disaster, deceit, and desperation to save them all. But as things begin to unravel and heat up, things will come to a head that will bring them all together. I cannot tell too much more, as it would ruin the story for those who should be reading this series.

Devil’s Cut brings this series to a satisfactory conclusion, and what an ending it is. There were so many twists, and surprises, as well as a wonderful happy ending to this fantastic series, which Ward has created and written so well for us to savior. I loved the Bourbon Kings series, and the wonderful family saga of the Bradford/Baldwines. If you have not started this series, I suggest you do so by reading the first book, The Bourbon Kings.

This was an epic ending to the series! I loved the way that all of the lose ends were tied up and the resolution to the story made sense. It wasn't rushed and the reader was able to take their time. The author made the reader laugh, cry, yell, ugly cry and at times even want to curse at her, but in the end she redeemed herself. She did an amazing job with this trilogy and proved that she is more than a vampire series author. I am looking forward to seeing where this author takes us next. A great series that I will be re-reading in the future and recommending to friends!

Quite the entertaining read this book was. I have previously struggled as I guess I prefer the author's other work.
This book wrapped up the previous two and offered quite a brilliant conclusion. I feel I need to go back and start over. This story follows a family's saga, lies and love, success and struggles all intertwined making one great tale.

I’m sorry but this author is not taking this book farther. I would love more of the series. Yes I know she gave us a good ending, but the characters were so good I don’t want to leave them. Once you read them you won’t either – not to be missed

I’ll be honest: I’ve tried reading J.R. Ward’s very popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series and just couldn’t get into it. So, when Devil’s Cut popped up on my radar, I was prepared not to like it. In fact, I was about 15% of the way into the novel before I dropped my cautious reserve and began to enjoy what I was reading. So much so, that I may have to revisit the BDB series.

Well developed, mostly likable characters, some with a heartbreaking past in an interesting story that moves at good clip will suck me in every time. That is not to say that I didn’t from time to time, notice some editing errors or that the central “whodunnit” was fairly predictable, however. There were also a few times when the story veered dangerously close to some questionable Old South stereotypes. Those criticisms aside, Devil’s Cut is a ripping good read about a wealthy, old-money family that gives the old 1980’s TV series, Dynasty, a run for its sudsy, soap opera money. Even so, the novel provides some pretty good commentary on how money, prestige, and tradition are nothing in the face of abusively used power, neglect and cruelty.

Bottom line: This is the 3rd book in the Bourbon King’s series and reads a a stand-alone novel. I had not read the other two when this one came available and worried that I would be missing key connections and plot points because of that. Not to worry, Ms. Ward does a skillful job of providing enough of the backstory that may be in those previous books to give the events of this book sufficient depth and context. Devil’s Cut is a fun, escapist read that will make you laugh...and cry...from time to time. Enjoy!