Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward
(BDB, #7)

Links
J.R. Ward — Website | Facebook
Amazon — Paperback | Kindle
Add it to Goodreads

Book Order

1. Dark Lover
2. Lover Eternal
3. Lover Awakened
4. Lover Revealed
5. Lover Unbound
6. Lover Enshrined
7. Lover Avenged
8. Lover Mine
9. Lover Unleashed
10.  Lover Reborn

Summary

Caldwell, New York, has long been the battleground for the vampires and their enemies, the Lessening Society. It’s also where Rehvenge has staked out his turf as a drug lord and owner of a notorious night club that caters to the rich and heavily armed. His shadowy reputation is exactly why he’s approached to kill Wrath, the Blind King and leader of the Brotherhood.

Rehvenge has always kept his distance from the Brotherhood-even though his sister is married to a member, for he harbors a deadly secret that could make him a huge liability in their war against the lessers. As plots within and outside of the Brotherhood threaten to reveal the truth about Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in his darkening world, Ehlena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on him-and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.
-from Goodreads

Why I Started Reading This Book and Final Verdict

I have to admit that I was predisposed to liking Rehv’s book.  Anyone who follows Kelly (@soulswallo) and me closely on Twitter knows that Kelly has a thing for @Rehvenge_BDB.  With all the shenanigans that have been pulled on Twitter, I was looking forward to actually reading the book.  Kelly parted with one of her copies, and so I read Lover Avenged as part of our BDB read in December.  Though I enjoyed this book, I would have liked more Rehv time.

My Thoughts

As this series progresses, it seems that each books spends less time on the main couple, and more time is devoted to secondary characters.  For secondary characters like John Matthew and Xhex, this is not really such a big deal, because their stories are intense and fascinating.  Lover Mine promises to be a good story.  But I was also surprised to find that Wrath dominated a good portion of this book.  There are reasons for this, of course, but when I read a paranormal romance, I want the featured couple to steal the show.  I am not sure that they really did.

We have known for a few books already that Rehv is a sympath, and the complications that being a sympath presents.  Lover Enshrined gave us a bit more of a glimpse into Rehv’s life and I was looking forward to learning more about sympaths and how they are different from normal vampires.  While we did learn more, I am not sure that I was fully satisfied with what I know now.  I can only hope that the exploration into the sympath world continues with Lover Mine and Xhex.

Lover Avenged shows us a different side of Rehv.  Though we have known he is strongly protective of his family, being the club owner/drug dealer does not exactly paint him in the most flattering light.  We learn more of his motivations for doing what he does, and though one may not necessarily agree with what he does, it is easy to appreciate his motives.  Still, there wasn’t much of a focus on Rehv and Ehlena as a couple, and for that, I was a little disappointed.  I wanted more.

Also, Lash is an ass.

Other Reviews
Reading the Paranormal

Copyright © 2011-2013 On a Book Bender, All Rights Reserved

Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward
(BDB, #6)

Links
J.R. Ward — Website | Facebook
Amazon — Paperback | Kindle
Add it to Goodreads

Book Order

1. Dark Lover
2. Lover Eternal
3. Lover Awakened
4. Lover Revealed
5. Lover Unbound
6. Lover Enshrined
7. Lover Avenged
8. Lover Mine
9. Lover Unleashed
10.  Lover Reborn

Summary

Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood’s bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is obligated to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive, and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished.

As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body, but his heart for herself. She is drawn to the noble responsibility behind the emotionally scarred male. But Phury has never allowed himself to know pleasure or joy. As the war with the Lessening Society grows grim, tragedy looms over the Brotherhood’s mansion, and Phury must decide between duty and love….
-From Goodreads

Why I Started Reading This Book and Final Verdict

Lover Enshrined was another read for the BDB (re)read we had going on in December.  Definitely my least favorite of the BDB books thus far, but I am incredibly interested in reading the next two books, so I will stick with the series.

My Thoughts

I am just going to come out and say it: Phury is kind of pathetic.  This BDB book felt less like Phury’s story, and more about furthering the overall series.  Of all the books that I have read so far, it seems that there was far less focus on one specific brother (i.e., Phury) and more on Rehvenge (next book) and John Matthew (eighth book).  There was even a focus on Qhuinn and Blay, which I totally and absolutely adored.  And Lash?  I abhor him.

In many ways, though, Phury’s story is important to the overall story arc for the series.  I’m not sure exactly how it will influence the rest of the series, but it’s a big enough change that makes me wonder what is in store.  There is also the development with Lash and his general awfulness.  I am trying to figure out why Phury’s story holds less of a draw than others.  Phury is just as tormented and broken as the other brothers.  But there is something about him that is not quite as appealing as the previous brothers.  Perhaps it is because much of it seems to be that he put himself into the mess he is in.  He makes some really stupid decisions, and it’s hard to understand them.  There is also less time spent on building the romance between Phury and Cormia, which is sad given that part of the reason I enjoy this series as much as I do relates back to the emotions that the romance J.R. Ward writes evokes.

Lover Enshrined is a necessary continuation of the series, but not exactly a story that will captive you like previous books.  There is a good amount of time spent on the lesser POV, but in this case, I do believe it is necessary, albeit somewhat boring until about halfway through.  It really is the secondary characters that make this book what it is.

Copyright © 2011-2013 On a Book Bender, All Rights Reserved

Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward
(BDB, #5)

Links
J.R. Ward — Website | Facebook
Amazon — Paperback | Kindle
Add it to Goodreads

Book Order

1. Dark Lover
2. Lover Eternal
3. Lover Awakened
4. Lover Revealed
5. Lover Unbound
6. Lover Enshrined
7. Lover Avenged
8. Lover Mine
9. Lover Unleashed
10.  Lover Reborn

Summary

In Caldwell, New York, war rages between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Now the cold heart of a cunning predator will be warmed against its will…

Ruthless and brilliant, Vishous, son of the Bloodletter, possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a pretrans growing up in his father’s war camp he was tormented and abused. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time-until a destiny he didn’t choose takes him into a future that cannot include her…
-from Goodreads

Why I Started Reading This Book and Final Verdict

I picked up Lover Unbound as part of the BDB (re)read in December.  This was definitely not one of my favorite books in the series, but I liked V more than I liked his book.

My Thoughts

I am happy that the gangsta speak was limited in Lover Unbound compared with the previous book.  But I did have a few teeny tiny issues with this book as well.  I disliked the ambiguous nature of V’s and Butch’s relationship, not because of the romantic undertones of the relationship, but rather I wish the issue had not been danced around for so long.  I am glad that they finally got everything out in the open in this book, and I do believe that Butch had V’s feelings pegged exactly.  I was also a little leery of how easily and quickly Jane succumbed to V considering her strong personality.  And, of course, there was the very convenient ending, which seems to be becoming a standard fare.

Other than that, I adored V.  His life has been far from easy, but you just want to huggle him and make it all better.  The romance between V and Jane was hardly easy and was rather chest-constricting at times.  Not that these are fast books to read, but Lover Unbound was an easy book to get lost in and escape to for a while.  I was also appreciative of the fact that there was barely any lessers POV in this book.  Those parts are boring anyway.

And John Matthew!  While there was a lot of set up for Phury (since his book is next), John Matthew kind of stole the secondary characters show here.  I cannot wait to read his book.

You Might Enjoy This Book If…

If you’re invested in the BDB series, you have to read Lover Unbound.

Copyright © 2011-2013 On a Book Bender, All Rights Reserved

Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward
(BDB, #4)

Links
J.R. Ward — Website | Facebook
Amazon — Paperback | Kindle
Add it to Goodreads

Book Order

1. Dark Lover
2. Lover Eternal
3. Lover Awakened
4. Lover Revealed
5. Lover Unbound
6. Lover Enshrined
7. Lover Avenged
8. Lover Mine
9. Lover Unleashed
10.  Lover Reborn

Summary

Butch O’Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard-living ex-homicide cop, he’s the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world-to engage in the turf war with the lessers. His heart belongs to a female vampire, Marissa, an aristocratic beauty who’s way out of his league. And if he can’t have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers.

But fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, he’s found by a miracle, and the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back, though even her love may not be enough to save him.
-from Goodreads

Why I Started Reading This Book and Final Verdict

We had a BDB reading event on my Informal Book Club on Goodreads in December, and I started off with this book (though you will notice I started a little earlier).  I ended up liking Butch a lot more than I expected, but there were some minor issues I had with Lover Revealed.

My Thoughts

When Lover Revealed starts, readers who have followed the series thus far already know quite a bit about Butch’s and Marissa’s relationship — or lack thereof.  I was never completely sold on Butch’s character in previous books and wondered why a human got to have his own book (a question which is mostly definitely answered in a way that I never expected), and while he will never be one of my favorite heroes in the BDB series, I enjoyed the romance.  Even though I was often confused about where the two stood with each other.  There was so much miscommunication and baggage that it sometimes got a little overwhelming and I just wanted to shout “Why are you not together?!”

Some of the gansta speak drove me a little wonky (you feel me, true?), and I tried really hard to overlook it, but I think it appears more in Lover Revealed than other books.  I had already forgotten a lot of the lessers back story, so I did not pay a lot of attention to these parts of the story.  Frankly, the lessers are boring.  I could live without them and be just as happy.  And I’m pretty sure that I am not alone in this feeling.

There are two distinct changes that Butch goes through during Lover Revealed that are both fascinating and a little eyebrow raising.  The first affects the overall story arc, and I am sure that we haven’t heard the last about it, since I am not quite sure exactly what happened, and my demanding curiosity still burns with unanswered questions.  It seemed that a good chunk of the beginning of the story spent time setting up Vishous’s story or spending time with other characters.  Which seemed good for the continuation of the series, and kind of “whatever”  and “meh” for the romance aspect.  I spent a good chunk of the time reading this book wondering about Vishous and his story and how that will all play out, which is awesome except that it was Butch and Marissa’s book.

The second change Butch goes through is necessary for the romance aspect of this story, I believe.  Even though, like certain happenings in Lover Eternal, it seemed awfully convenient, even with a very plausible explanation at the end.  I actually really liked the explanation because it fit with everything we had learned thus far about Butch, but it was still really convenient.  I am all for happy endings, but some convenient happenings just make me go o.O.

If you have already invested yourself in the BDB series, Lover Revealed is a good book.  It won’t tear you apart like Z’s book, but it’s still a decent addition to the series.

Copyright © 2011-2013 On a Book Bender, All Rights Reserved

Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward
(Black Dagger Brotherhood, #3) 

Links
J.R. Ward — Website | Facebook
Amazon — Paperback | Kindle
Book Depository — Paperback
Add it to Goodreads

Book Order

1. Dark Lover
2. Lover Eternal (read but didn’t review)
3. Lover Awakened 
4. Lover Revealed
5. Lover Unbound
6. Lover Enshrined
7. Lover Avenged
8. Lover Mine
9. Lover Unleashed
10.  Lover Reborn

Summary

A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society.

Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for one another begins to overtake them both, Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against Bella’s tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now, Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past, and find a future with her…
-from Goodreads

Why I Started Reading This Book and General Thoughts

You may or may not have noticed that, although I rated Lover Eternal, there is no review link.  I read over half of Lover Eternal, put it down, read other books, then picked it back up almost two weeks later to finish it.  Between that and it not exactly being my favorite because the ending was a little too easy for me, I decided not to review it.  And the latter portion of Lover Eternal just made me want to hurry up and finish so I could get started on Lover Awakened.  So that’s what I did.

A More In-Depth Look

Zsadist was introduced to readers in the very first BDB book.  The way he was presented in Dark Lover left me questioning how he could ever be redeemed.  In Lover Eternal, Mary is able to see beyond the frightening image that he presents, and the more that we saw of him, the more we are able to see what lies beneath, too.  Lover Eternal also sets up the background for Zsadist’s and Bella’s story.

The Bella in Lover Eternal is remarkably different than the Bella in Lover Awakened and with good reason.  What she went through with her “tormentors,” as the summary terms it, was necessary, I believe, to truly make her the best match for Zsadist.  Not just because it made Zsadist stand up and take notice, but because it also gave Bella insight into Zsadist she probably didn’t have before.  We also come to learn a lot more about Zsadist and his past, which is just plain tragic and awful.  Z’s time as a blood slave scarred him, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.  His story was agonizing to read, and yet it was almost impossible to stop because it seemed important to know that he could have a happy ending.  And by impossible to stop, I do mean that I sacrificed sleep to stay up and read, and the only reason I stopped before I finished the book was because I had to get up and drive somewhere the next morning.

What I both love and hate about this series is the epic character building of not just the main characters, but the side characters as well.  I love it because of how the stories intertwine, and how we come to know and love the characters before they ever get their own books, which makes each book that much more anticipated.  But sometimes the time spent on characters other than the main characters frustrates me because I just want to read their story!  Sometimes it’s a struggle not to skip ahead.

You Might Enjoy This Book If…

Fans of dark paranormal romance who have a soft spot for tragic and tortured characters will enjoy Lover Awakened.

Other Reviews
Reading the Paranormal
25 Hour Books

Copyright © 2011-2013 On a Book Bender, All Rights Reserved

Links
J.R. Ward — Website | Facebook
Amazon — Hardcover | Paperback | Kindle
Book Depository — Paperback
Add it to Goodreads

Book Order

1. Dark Lover 
2. Lover Eternal
3. Lover Awakened
4. Lover Revealed
5. Lover Unbound
6. Lover Enshrined
7. Lover Avenged
8. Lover Mine
9. Lover Unleashed
10.  Lover Reborn
(I’m sensing a pattern here)

Summary

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.

The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.
-from Goodreads

Why I Read This Book and General Thoughts

Yes, this is another one of those books/series that I have not read and have clearly been out of the loop.  Well, fine.  I am here atoning for my sins.  And a big thank you to Rain Maiden for making it all possible.  And surprise, surprise </sarcasm> I really enjoyed Dark Lover.  You know I’ll be picking up the next books in this series.  Whenever I get through the rest of my TBR books, anyway.

A More In-Depth Look

A few months ago, I read the first chapter of Dark Lover for free on my computer and was totally lost.  When I began reading on my Kindle, I noticed that the “first page” was at 3%.  I am curious by nature, so I had to investigate.  It is fortunate that I did, because there was a glossary of terms that were ever so useful for keeping up with the story.  It made my early confusion disappear, and increased my enjoyment.

One aspect of the Dark Lover that I liked — even as it frustrated me at times — was that this was not just a story about Wrath and Beth, although their story is central to the book, but that some side characters  played a role that served to enrich the plot.  Being that Dark Lover is the beginning of the series, there was the necessary world building, but I was never once lost, and always completely enthralled with the story.  If date night with the boyfriend hadn’t intruded on my reading time, I would have easily finished Dark Lover in a day.  Beth’s entry into the vampire world and its subsequent effect on Wrath has set the stage for what I can only assume based on its popularity and the strength the first book is a strong series.  I am already interested in the stories of the brothers introduced in Dark Lover.

If I had any complaint about Dark Lover – and I’m not sure that I do — would be that the romance moved particularly fast.  Even then, it seemed to fit; Beth’s transformation and sexual awakening coincided in a way that felt natural and instinctive.  Wrath, of course, is helpless against the draw of his leading lady, as all good tough alpha males are.  I could do without the repeated lovey words, but I have a feeling that’s me.  For me, actions speak louder than words, and there is certainly no shortage of that in Dark Lover.

You Might Enjoy This Book If…

Considering I’m probably one of the very last people on earth to read this book, is there even a point in recommending it?  Okay, okay, I’ll just say this: lovers of dark paranormal romance will likely enjoy this book.

Copyright © 2011-2013 On a Book Bender, All Rights Reserved