by J.R. Ward
First published 2017
Edward Bradford sits in a jail cell after confessing to killing his father, William Baldwine, the head of the Bradford bourbon dynasty. The death was initially called suicide, but Edward stepped forward to admit the truth. He feels no regret about his family's collapse or his lost freedom. He mourns only Sutton Smythe, the woman he loves and left behind. She runs the company that competes directly with Bradford Bourbon, making their relationship impossible even without his imprisonment. Edward's younger brother Lane must abandon his carefree playboy lifestyle to lead both family and business. Lane believes Edward is protecting the real killer. He teams up with his girlfriend Lizzie King to hunt for the truth. Their investigation uncovers a secret that changes everything. Meanwhile, Sutton cannot resist her feelings for Edward despite his situation. The search for answers will transform everyone at the Easterly estate forever.
Genres: romance, contemporary, mystery-thriller, family-drama
Vibes: dark, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, unreliable-narrator
Setting: Easterly Estate, Bradford Bourbon
Period: contemporary
397 pages · Hardcover · Ballantine Books