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A review by bencpress
The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
0.25
This is one of the worst books I’ve ever read.
Lizzie and Lane have 0 chemistry, we’re told they’re in love but that’s just it, we’re told. They ‘fall in love’ after being together for two months when (shock) his playboy antics break them up. They pine for two years and then when they see each other, get back together almost immediately. There is absolutely zero tension. Lane loves Lizzie because she’s not like other girls and Lizzie thinks Lane is hot. Their actions aren’t believable and every single obstacle they face as a couple is contrived.
Lizzie and Lane have 0 chemistry, we’re told they’re in love but that’s just it, we’re told. They ‘fall in love’ after being together for two months when (shock) his playboy antics break them up. They pine for two years and then when they see each other, get back together almost immediately. There is absolutely zero tension. Lane loves Lizzie because she’s not like other girls and Lizzie thinks Lane is hot. Their actions aren’t believable and every single obstacle they face as a couple is contrived.
“What. Wait, I weigh too much-“
“Oh please.”
“No really- I’m not one of those tiny little females-“
“Exactly. You’re a real woman.” He hit the stairs and kept going. “And that’s what real men are attracted to. Trust me.”
The writing is just boring, the author doesn’t like women and nothing even remotely interesting or surprising happens in this ‘mystery.’
I finished it as it’s the first book I’ve read this year, and that is the only reason. The sequel is ‘set up,’ whereby nothing is resolved at the end of the book. I expect this is meant to keep you in suspense for the next book however I just felt annoyed, like she’s forgotten to finish the story. You could probably combine the two books, pick out 45 chapters at random to delete and it would still make sense (this book is 50 chapters long).
The only redeeming quality is the multiple POVs because I couldn’t stand to read 400 pages from either Lizzie or Lane’s POV. They’re utterly flat and boring characters. However in this story there are some POVs that are randomly introduced and completely unnecessary as they give no further insights to anyone’s motivations.
Overall, a terrible read, don’t waste your time.
Scoring:
I finished it as it’s the first book I’ve read this year, and that is the only reason. The sequel is ‘set up,’ whereby nothing is resolved at the end of the book. I expect this is meant to keep you in suspense for the next book however I just felt annoyed, like she’s forgotten to finish the story. You could probably combine the two books, pick out 45 chapters at random to delete and it would still make sense (this book is 50 chapters long).
The only redeeming quality is the multiple POVs because I couldn’t stand to read 400 pages from either Lizzie or Lane’s POV. They’re utterly flat and boring characters. However in this story there are some POVs that are randomly introduced and completely unnecessary as they give no further insights to anyone’s motivations.
Overall, a terrible read, don’t waste your time.
Scoring:
Finished - 0.25
Writing Style - 0
Plot - 0
Characters - 0
Bonus - 0
Total - 0.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Misogyny, and Rape
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Domestic abuse