If you’re a fan of steamy contemporary romance laced with family drama, dark secrets, and the glamour of Southern high society, then J.R. Ward’s The Bourbon Kings series is a must-read. Often described as Dynasty meets Downton Abbey with a Kentucky bourbon twist, this trilogy dives into the opulent yet fractured world of the Bradford family—kings of the bourbon industry.
Best known for her paranormal Black Dagger Brotherhood series, J.R. Ward proves her versatility with this grounded saga of wealth, betrayal, forbidden love, and redemption. Whether you’re new to the series or revisiting it, reading The Bourbon Kings books in order is essential—the story builds across the three novels with interconnected plots and cliffhangers that will keep you turning pages late into the night.
Why Read The Bourbon Kings Series?
Set against the lavish backdrop of the fictional Easterly estate in Charlemont, Kentucky, the series explores the lives of the ultra-wealthy Bradford (Baldwine) family. Generations of privilege hide scandals, financial ruin, murder, and passionate romances that cross class lines.
Fans love it for:
- Juicy family drama and shocking twists
- Sizzling romance with complex, flawed characters
- Rich world-building in the bourbon and horse-racing elite
- Themes of love, loyalty, and survival
The series consists of three books, published between 2015 and 2017. There’s no need for spin-offs or novellas—the core story wraps up neatly (though satisfyingly dramatically) in the trilogy.
The Bourbon Kings Series by J.R. Ward: Complete List in Order
The Bourbon Kings is a completed trilogy with no additional books or spin-offs as of December 2025.
| # | Title | Publication Year | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Bourbon Kings | 2015 | Introduces the wealthy Bradford (Baldwine) family and their bourbon empire. Prodigal son Lane returns home, reigniting a romance with Lizzie King amid family secrets and financial troubles. |
| 2 | The Angels’ Share | 2016 | The family faces escalating crises as Lane works to save the business, and brother Edward confronts his past with rival heir Sutton Smythe. More betrayals and romances unfold. |
| 3 | Devil’s Cut | 2017 | The thrilling finale: The patriarch’s death is investigated as murder, threatening the dynasty. Resolutions for love stories, family loyalties, and shocking twists. |
The Bourbon Kings Books in Order
Here’s the complete list in publication and reading order:
- The Bourbon Kings (2015) The series kicks off with Tulane “Lane” Baldwine returning home to Easterly after years away. The prodigal son confronts his dysfunctional family, a crumbling empire, and his unresolved feelings for Lizzie King, the estate’s head gardener. As old flames reignite and buried secrets surface, Lane uncovers shocking truths about the Bradford Bourbon Company’s finances. This book sets the stage with forbidden love, class divides, and high-stakes intrigue—perfect for hooking you from page one.
- The Angels’ Share (2016) Picking up right where the first book leaves off, the Bradfords face mounting crises. Lane steps up to save the family business, while his brother Edward grapples with his tormented past and an impossible attraction to Sutton Smythe, heir to a rival bourbon empire. More secrets unravel, including devastating family betrayals. The romance intensifies, and the drama escalates—expect emotional rollercoasters and steamy tension.
- Devil’s Cut (2017) The explosive finale brings everything to a head. The patriarch’s death (initially ruled a suicide) is reexamined as murder, pointing fingers within the family. Lane and Lizzie fight for their future, Edward seeks redemption, and the Bradford dynasty teeters on collapse. Love, loyalty, and justice collide in a thrilling conclusion that ties up the arcs while delivering Ward’s signature heart-pounding twists.
Should You Start Reading Today?
Absolutely! If you enjoy authors like Nora Roberts, Danielle Steel, or even Olivia Gates’ dynastic romances, The Bourbon Kings will feel like a decadent treat. The series is complete, so no waiting for new releases—just pure binge-reading bliss.
Start with The Bourbon Kings and immerse yourself in a world where bourbon flows freely, but secrets run deeper. Grab your copy and get ready for a series that’s as intoxicating as its namesake spirit.
Have you read the series yet? Which Bradford sibling is your favorite? Share in the comments below—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Happy reading! 🥃📚
