I'll be the first to admit I didn't make it far in Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Not even past the original brothers really because I could feel the ever expanding cast / characters and didn't feel the need to get that involved in the story. It just wasn't for me. 
 Regardless of this, the moment I learned of Ward's new project I immediately wanted to read it. I ended up really enjoying Ward's departure from the paranormal. I admit I wasn't quite prepared for the sprawling legacy drama that the story turned out to be but it was great! 
 Ward, obviously used to being accountable for many characters within a single book, does great with the Bradford family consisting of brothers Tulane, Edward, Max, and sister Gin. 
 The Bourbon Kings deals mainly with Tulane (Lane)'s return to the family after a two year absence. His return starts the ball rolling on various secrets and problems surfacing for the family and will mark a definite change in the family dynamic. 
 Even though this book is mainly Lane and Lizzie's (the woman he left heartbroken two years earlier), Ward does great incorporating the other siblings to make this first book a really nicely rounded-out story without taking anything away from Lane and Lizzie's finding there way back to one another. The Bradford siblings consist of flawed characters with various vices, but I liked that no one (not even our hero and heroine) are perfect. I liked them despite their bad decisions or misguided actions. It made me hope for HEA's for all the characters because they get put through a lot just within this book alone, I can only imagine what the rest of the series will bring. Ward sets up a lot of plots with this one. 
 The book only takes place over a couple of days, but with all the twists Ward throws in, I never felt like the story was dragging. I was pulled in right away from the beginning and only put it down when absolutely forced. 
 I think if you're already a fan of Ward's there is much to like here too. If you're new to her, you won't be disappointed. I wish the next one was already out! 
 *Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.