Devil’s Cut (The Bourbon Kings #3)

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS – Loved everything about this series! This series is different from the paranormal sexy books J.R. Ward is famous for but obviously she is an amazing author. The Bradford Family Estate in Charlemont, Kentucky has experienced the scandal of the patriarch William being murdered, leaving his widow and four (five?) children with a ton of debt. Rather than focusing on one of the Bradford children in each book, all four of them are included in every single book and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened to my favorite couples. Edward was kidnapped & almost died in South America & is now practically disabled physically & mentally. His father sent him to his death! Edward turned himself in as his father’s murderer, again who could blame him, & everyone knows he isn’t responsible. Max is the black sheep of the family & has been carrying a secret that is revealed. Lane is dealing with being back together with Lizzie & trying to sort out this financial mess. Gin is the young promiscuous brat who married a rich creepy abuser to keep the life she’s accustomed to. Edward & Sutton are such an interesting couple – a power couple if Edward takes the helm of Bradford Bourbon Company! But Gin & Samuel T are hot & cold & I couldn’t wait to find out what happens when Gin admits that Samuel is Amelia’s father. It is heartbreaking & real & sweet & honest. It forces Gin to grow up & acknowledge her mistakes with Amelia & Samuel T, and now I believe she is going to be okay. The who-done-it murder mystery is solved & it seems like the woman who essentially raised these four kids has set up them for a bright future. “You tell me who was the sinner and who was the saint. Who was poor…and who died richer beyond measure.” Amazing book, awesome series, I feel deeply in love with all of these characters! The series has a very happy ending, almost too good to be true, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Ill be honest: Ive tried reading J.R. Wards very popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series and just couldnt get into it. So, when Devils 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 didnt 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, Devils Cut is a ripping good read about a wealthy, old-money family that gives the old 1980s 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 Kings 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. Devils Cut is a fun, escapist read that will make you laugh…and cry…from time to time. Enjoy!

FINAL DECISION: Loved, loved, loved this conclusion to the Bourbon Kings trilogy. A very soap-ish over the top story, this one finished in grand style. I’m pleased with the scope of the story and an only sorry that the whole series was so short.

THE STORY: As we resume our story…The patriarch of the family has been murdered and the eldest son, Edward, has been arrested and confessed to his murder. Edward sits in jail mourning the loss of the woman he loves Sutton. The middle son, Lane has taken over the family bourbon business which is deeply in debt due to his father’s embezzlement. While Lane has reunited with the love of his life, Lizzie, their happiness is threatened by the lies and deceit in the family. Finally, the sister, Gin has married a man her father picked out for her who is already abusing her. Gin is determined to take everything she can from her marriage especially to finally be a mother to her teenage daughter (who is the daughter of her longtime lover, friend and enemy Samuel unbeknownst to both daughter and Samuel). And thus the story begins its conclusion…

OPINION: I’ve been a fan of the Bourbon King series since the first book. I loved the big, overly dramatic tales of the rich that reminded me fondly of the 1980s nighttime soap operas and Danielle Steele novels that where unofficially the mandatory reading for girls in my high school. Together the three books in this trilogy make a wonderful, decadent mini-series reminiscent of the best of that genre.

As the mystery surrounding the murder of the family patriarch deepens, dark secrets of the family continue to be revealed. There are far more twists and turns left to be explored in this book — and thankfully, the resolution path is not obvious or expected.

These characters are complex and not always nice or good. Although there is much sudsy drama, the characters remain the central part of the book. This book travels into the darkest and most dangerous territory of the story as all the characters face serious danger — both physical and emotional. I liked the characters in this book from the beginning — not because they are nice people (many are not, but because there is the possibility for redemption for many of them). This book reveals who might end up with a happy ending and who won’t.

There isn’t much I can give for the plot because that would give away the fun of the twists in the plot. I can say that if you started this series, this book will provide the closure one would have hoped for. It is a fun, over the top book, but enjoyable especially as a summer beach read.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book resolves neatly (sometimes it felt too neatly) all the storylines in the trilogy.

CONNECTED BOOKS: DEVIL’S CUT is the third and final book in the Bourbon Kings series. The book really does complete the continuing story and should be read as part of the trilogy.

STAR RATING: I give this book 5 stars.

This is the ending in the trilogy that you know may be pure fantasy but you loved it ending that way. So nice without losing the historical privileged feel to it. Money doesn’t always mean happiness, but it helps if you have the right family and friends.

A series that draws you in and you are there with the characters throughout. Emotionally a good read too. What an author.

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