Review: The Story of Son - J.R. Ward

First released in the anthology Dead After Dark, dive into this hot novella from #1 New York Times bestselling author J.R. Ward. Available for the first time ever as a standalone ebook, get lost in the sinful pleasures of a vampire so obsessed with one woman, he will relinquish her blood, if only he can have her heart . . .

Held captive by a dark, seductive vampire with an unworldly hunger, the beautiful Claire Stroughton fears her life as a lawyer has irrevocably taken a turn for the worse. But when this deeply sensual-and highly dangerous-vampire convinces Claire that his desire for her is stronger than his lust for blood, she is compelled to give everything up to him, body and soul . . .

The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series:
The Story of Son (novella set in the BDB world but about completely unrelated characters)
Dark Lover
Lover Eternal
Lover Awakened
Lover Revealed
Lover Unbound
Lover Enshrined
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide
Lover Avenged
Lover Mine
Lover Unleashed
Lover Reborn
Lover at Last
The King
The Shadows
The Beast (2016)

The Fallen Angels Series:
(This is a spin off series set in the same world with a slight crossover of characters)
Covet
Crave
Envy
Rapture
Possession
Immortal

Black Dagger Legacy:
(A second spin off series that stars the original characters from BDB and the new recruits they're training)
Blood Kiss

Visit J.R. Ward's website for more information

Review:
I've seen mixed opinions on whether The Story of Son fits into J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series or not, some people say it's set in the same world but about stand alone characters while other's say it's in an entirely separate world. I can't confirm for sure either way but to me it feels like a story written by the author before she had finished fully developing the BDB world. In a lot of ways it has a very similar feel to that series (although these aren't characters you'll have met before and I didn't spot any cameos from familiar faces) but it doesn't quite follow the BDB rules, it's almost as if this was a trial run and she used the story to help her figure out the vampire mythology that a lot of fans are now familiar with thanks to the BDB series. That isn't a negative, I just thought it might help to clarify things for readers who (like I was!) are confused about where this story fits into the series.

It's also worth noting that this story was previously included in the Dead After Dark anthology before being released as a stand alone eBook. Again not a complaint but just something you might want to be aware of so you don't end up buying something you've already read.

So, now we've got that out of the way let's talk about the actual novella! The Story of Son is fairly short so you're going to have to just go with the almost instant connection between the main characters but I don't think you'll find that too hard because it's written to J.R. Ward's usual high standards and both Son and Claire are extremely likeable characters. I don't want to say too much about the plot because it would be very easy to give spoilers but when lawyer Claire is asked to visit an important client about a last minute change to her will she ends up getting a lot more than she bargained for.

Son, who Claire thankfully renames Michael, has had a pretty horrible time of things and I felt terrible for the way he had been treated by the people who should have cared for him. Claire is the first person to see underneath the monster he's been told he is to the sweet, caring guy that he actually is and it's her love that helps to save him. I really liked both of these characters and I enjoyed their story even though I would have loved to see this turned into a full length novel. I'd quite like to see more of Michael and Claire but I'm not really sure how that could work, I can't see them being able to appear in the BDB books because of certain inconsistencies in the world building but I can't imagine J.R. Ward creating a whole new series around them when it would be so similar to the books she already writes. It's a shame really because they could have been a great couple to spend more time with.

I'd kind of lost my love of the BDB series a little over the last few years and have fallen behind by not reading the last few releases but this reminded me why I always loved J.R. Ward's writing so much. It's made me realise how much I've missed the BDB world so if nothing else I'm glad it's rekindled my excitement and I'm now looking forward to continuing with the main series.

Source: Purchased

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Kindle:

Review: Lover Unleashed - J.R. Ward

In the darkest corners of the night in Caldwell, New York, a conflict like no other rages. The city is home to a band of brothers born to defend their race: the warrior vampiresof the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

Payne, twin sister of the Vishous, is cut from the same dark, seductive cloth as her vampire brother. Imprisoned for eons by their mother, the Scribe Virgin, she finally frees herself - only to face a devastating injury.

Manuel Manello, MD, is drafted by the Brotherhood to save her as only he can - but when the human surgeon and the vampire warrior meet, their two worlds collide in the face of their undeniable passion. With so much working against them, can love prove stronger than the birthrigh and the biology that separates them?

The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series:
The Story of Son (novella set in the BDB world but about completely unrelated characters)
Dark Lover
Lover Eternal
Lover Awakened
Lover Revealed
Lover Unbound
Lover Enshrined
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide
Lover Avenged
Lover Mine
Lover Unleashed
Lover Reborn
Lover at Last
The King
The Shadows
The Beast (2016)

The Fallen Angels Series:
(This is a spin off series set in the same world with a slight crossover of characters)
Covet
Crave
Envy
Rapture
Possession
Immortal

Black Dagger Legacy:
(A second spin off series that stars the original characters from BDB and the new recruits they're training)
Blood Kiss

Visit J.R. Ward's website for more information

Review:
I used to be the biggest fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, it was one of the first paranormal romance series I discovered and I read the first few books over and over again. Then we got to Phury's book and it all started to go downhill, yes, things did start to pick up again but I never quite regained my original love for the series. The little things had started to bug me much more than they ever used to, the silly names, the irritating slang, the evil beings that smell of baby powder (seriously baby powder? WTF was the Warden thinking?) and worst of all the way we seemed to get less and less of the main characters with every book. We were spending far too much time with other characters, even seeing things from Lesser's points of view which really doesn't work for me and the romance no longer felt like the focus. So I'd kind of put the series to one side and it took a long time for me to get the urge to pick it up again. In fact, it was almost 3 years to the day between me reading Lover Mine and deciding to pick up Lover Unleashed.

I didn't exactly have high expectations going into this book, but you know what? That 3 year break did me the world of good and I absolutely loved being able to catch up with these characters again. I'd missed the brothers and I'm now starting to feel excited about the series again so I'm really pleased I gave it another chance. The things that used to really irritate me are all still there but they didn't annoy me as much this time around, possibly because they weren't as bad as normal or perhaps just because of my break but whatever the reason it worked for me because I found myself enjoying every minute of this book. It still isn't my favourite of the series but it's definitely my top out of the most recent ones I've read and I'm looking forward to continuing and FINALLY catching up to where the series is at now.

I really liked both Payne and Manny, I think it would have been nice to have had a bit more page time between the two of them but I enjoyed what we got and liked the development of their relationship. I also liked the fact the way they handled Manny being human while Payne so obviously isn't. While we didn't get as much heat from these two as I would have liked there was plenty going round thanks to the other couples and they did have some really sweet and heartfelt moments that just made me smile. I think my favourite parts of the book were with V and Jane though, they have some issues that they needed to work through so it isn't all sunshine and roses but I was so happy with the way things worked out. Butch stepped up and was such a brilliant friend for V when he desperately needed one and I'm glad that they were able to build an even closer bond without crossing any non-platonic lines. There are also some lovely moments with Payne and V, they've spent so long apart and V didn't even know his twin existed until recently so they're relationship is brand new but they've already bonded and care about each other a great deal. Add in the changes we've seen in Qhuinn aswell as Xcor and his band of bastards and I'm excited to see where the series will go from here. I think I've refound my love for the Black Dagger Brotherhood and I'm really happy about that.

Source: Purchased

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Paperback / Kindle:

Review: Lover Mine - J.R. Ward

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other - vampire warriors, defenders of their race . . .

John Matthew has been through his vampire transition and taken to the life of the Brotherhood with a vengeance, but he still can't shake the nightmare of his past and is unsure of his future as a warrior hero. He's made a promise to honour the Brotherhood and their fight with the slayers at all costs, until the love of his life is kidnapped and he is forced to make a choice that could change his life and the Brotherhood's forever . . .

The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series:
The Story of Son (novella set in the BDB world but about completely unrelated characters)
Dark Lover
Lover Eternal
Lover Awakened
Lover Revealed
Lover Unbound
Lover Enshrined
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide
Lover Avenged
Lover Mine
Lover Unleashed
Lover Reborn
Lover at Last
The King
The Shadows
The Beast (2016)

The Fallen Angels Series:
(This is a spin off series set in the same world with a slight crossover of characters)
Covet
Crave
Envy
Rapture
Possession
Immortal

Black Dagger Legacy:
(A second spin off series that stars the original characters from BDB and the new recruits they're training)
Blood Kiss

Visit J.R. Ward's website for more information

Review:
I have a confession to make - I wasn't particularly looking forward to reading John Matthew's story. Yes, I know I'm in the minority there and that he's a very popular character with BDB fans so don't lynch me! It's not that I don't like him because I really do but even knowing that JM is a reincarnation of Darius I've still always thought of him as that teenage boy that Tohr and Wellsie took in. So as much as I love him it's more as a little brother not as a potential hero and that made me nervous.

I've complained that the last couple of books have focused less on the main romance than the earlier books did and I think that this actually worked in my favour when it came to JM and Xhex. This time I was pleased that the focus wasn't too heavy on the romance and I really enjoyed most of the side stories that were going on. I liked the romance more than I expected to but I felt that Xhex was able to move on far too quickly after everything she went through as Lash's prisoner, it didn't feel at all realistic to me that she was so into JM just days after major surgery. I know the vampires heal quickly in a physical sense but I felt she would have needed more time to come to terms with things emotionally. I did like the fact that JM and Xhex were able to understand each other so well though, they have both been through difficult times and come out the other side as survivors and I felt that gave them a real emotional connection that has been lacking in some of the other BDB relationships.

I think my favourite parts of the story revolved around Blay and Qhuinn though - they completely stole the show for me & I really hope we get their story soon. As much as I'm routing for them to end up together I'm really enjoying having Saxton on the scene - it makes a nice change to see Qhuinn as the jealous one and I think he needed someone like Saxton to come along to make him start to accept his own feelings. I'm also loving that we're starting to see Tohr work through his grief and Lassiter cracks me up every time he steps onto the page - I really hope he's getting his own book!

I wasn't so keen on the sections to do with the ghost hunters, I'd guessed pretty early on who was behind the sightings and although I can understand why J.R. Ward wanted to introduce that character I felt this was a bit of a random way of going about it. Hopefully they won't be featuring in future books (the ghost hunters that is - not the other character!). Another niggle that I just have to mention was the introduction of a character called No'One. This series always has had the strangest names but that one is just beyond ridiculous and caused a lot of eye rolling as I was reading!

Although Lover Mine wasn't my favourite book in the series I enjoyed it much more than the last few books and I feel like the series is moving back in a more positive direction. For the first time in ages I'm actually feeling excited about the next book in the BDB series and that isn't something I've felt since I first read Lover Enshrined several years ago. Let's hope that Lover Unleashed manages to raise the bar even higher and then we'll be back to the awesomeness that was the earlier books.

Source: Purchased

Other reviews of this book:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: Lover Avenged - J.R. Ward

As the vampire warriors of the Black Dagger Brotherhood defend their race from their slayers, one male's loyalty to the Brotherhood is about to be tested - and his dangerous mixed blood revealed.

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 nightclub 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.

However, Rehvenge has always kept his distance from the Brotherhood. He's a sympath and the revelation of his deadly secret will result in his banishment to a colony for sociopaths. And as plots within and outside the Brotherhood take their toll against Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in a darkening world: Ehlena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has it's hold on him - and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series:
The Story of Son (novella set in the BDB world but about completely unrelated characters)
Dark Lover
Lover Eternal
Lover Awakened
Lover Revealed
Lover Unbound
Lover Enshrined
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide
Lover Avenged
Lover Mine
Lover Unleashed
Lover Reborn
Lover at Last
The King
The Shadows
The Beast (2016)

The Fallen Angels Series:
(This is a spin off series set in the same world with a slight crossover of characters)
Covet
Crave
Envy
Rapture
Possession
Immortal

Black Dagger Legacy:
(A second spin off series that stars the original characters from BDB and the new recruits they're training)
Blood Kiss

Visit J.R. Ward's website for more information

Review:
After the disappointment of Lover Enshrined I have put off reading Lover Avenged for a long time. I don't think it helped that Rehvenge is a character I've never been particularly keen on throughout the rest of the series. As a half vampire and half sympath Rehvenge is a sociopath, he is also a crime lord, murderer, pimp and a drug dealer - as much as I like a bad boy I do have my limits! We have seen a nicer side to Rehvenge in the way he cares for his mother and his sister Bella but I wasn't convinced that he was hero material. Still if anyone could convince me otherwise it would have been J.R. Ward so I finally decided it was time to give Lover Avenged a try.

I have to admit I ended up liking Rehv more than I expected to but considering this was his story I still don't feel like I actually know him that well. In the earlier BDB books the main focus was the romance, yes there was an ongoing background story with the war between the brotherhood and the lessers and we always got to spend time with the other brothers to build the excitement for when it was their turn, but the majority of the books were spent getting to know the two main characters. That always let us really get to know our heroes and heroines and meant that the romance was so much more believable, I felt invested in the outcome of their relationships and enjoyed spending time with them. For me the parts of the story that I liked less was where you are seeing things from the lesser's point of view so I'm disappointed that the series seems to be changing the focus away from the romance and onto everything else. Lover Avenged spends so much time on other story lines that I didn't really care about Ehlena and Rehv. I'd read nearly 300 pages and realised that we'd only seen them together once and they'd had a total of two phone conversations. I actually liked them when they were together but there was nowhere near enough considering it was their story.

We spent far more time with Wrath and Beth, John Matthew and Xhex and even with Torhment than we did with Ehlena and Rehv. I enjoyed catching up with Wrath (my heart broke for him and some of the latest developments!) although I was disappointed with the way he had pulled away from Beth but luckily she was able to kick some sense into him. It was also great to see Torhment start to pull himself together after his devastating loss. We spent so much time with JM and Xhex that it makes me nervous that they might not even make an appearance in their own book judging by the way the series is going! There was also far too much time spent with Lash for my liking.

So, although I liked Rehv more than I expected to and the chemistry between him and Ehlena is undeniably hot I still felt like their relationship was missing something. I also felt that Rehv's sympath side wasn't explored as much as it could have been, I wanted to know more about his heritage and the sympath side of his family. I felt that the resolution with his blackmailer was all dealt with a bit to quickly and easily and I don't think Ehlena would have been so fast to accept the fact that Rehv was a drug dealer and crime lord. Lover Avenged was an improvement on Lover Enshrined but for me it still didn't reach the heights of the earlier books in the series. I am still looking forward to picking up Lover Mine but I think I need to accept that this series is no longer going to be the paranormal romance series it once was and learn to enjoy it more for the ongoing threads surrounding the brotherhood.

Source: Purchased

Other reviews of this book:
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Review: The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide - J.R. Ward

Prepare to enter the dark, passionate world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood and get up close and personal with each of the Brothers...

You'll find insider information on the Brotherhood, including their dossiers, stats, and special gifts. You'll read interviews with your favourite characters, including a heartbreaking conversation with Tohrment and Wellsie, conducted in the weeks before she was killed by lessers. You'll discover deleted scenes - accompanied by the whys behind the cuts - in addition to exciting material from J.R. Ward message boards and the answers to questions about the series posed by readers. You'll learn what it's like for J.R. Ward to write each instalment of the series, and in a fascinating twist, you'll read an interview with the author - conducted by the brothers. For the first time ever, you'll see an original novella about Zsadist and Bella, and witness the miracle of their daughter Nalla's birth and experience the depth of their love for each other. Also, you'll receive a sneak peek at the much-anticipated next book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Lover Avenged, Rehvenge's story.

This is a compendium no Black Dagger Brotherhood fan should miss ... an insider's guide that will seduce you as powerfully as the sexy band of Brothers and the "ferociously popular" world in which they live.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series:
The Story of Son (novella set in the BDB world but about completely unrelated characters)
Dark Lover
Lover Eternal
Lover Awakened
Lover Revealed
Lover Unbound
Lover Enshrined
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide
Lover Avenged
Lover Mine
Lover Unleashed
Lover Reborn
Lover at Last
The King
The Shadows
The Beast (2016)

The Fallen Angels Series:
(This is a spin off series set in the same world with a slight crossover of characters)
Covet
Crave
Envy
Rapture
Possession
Immortal

Black Dagger Legacy:
(A second spin off series that stars the original characters from BDB and the new recruits they're training)
Blood Kiss

Visit J.R. Ward's website for more information

Review:
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide is a great addition to the series and one I'd highly recommend to BDB fans. It does contain spoilers for the earlier books in the series though so make sure you've read at least as far as Lover Enshrined (book 6) before you pick this one up. The guide includes character interviews, statistics about all of your favourite brothers, deleted scenes and slices of life along with writing advice for aspiring authors. I have to admit I skimmed through the writing advice because it was of no interest to me so I can't comment on how helpful it would be for writers but the book is well worth buying for the other content.

I would have happily paid the price of this book just for the novella featuring Zsadist and Bella as they try to adjust to life with newborn Nalla. Zsadist is by far my favourite brother so as far as I'm concerned I can never have too much of his story and Father Mine is a wonderful extra for fans. Bella and Zsadist didn't have much time to bond as a couple before Nalla was born and the pressures of having a newborn is driving a wedge between them. Zsadist worries about the effects his past will have on Nalla in the future and it is making it hard for him to bond with his daughter. The novella was an incredibly emotional read as Zsadist takes another step towards accepting himself and coming to realise that he isn't to blame for the things that happened to him.

I also loved the character interviews and statistics that we get for Wrath, Rhage, Zsadist, Butch, Vishous and Phury. It reminded me of all the things I loved about each of the warrior's stories and has made me want to re-read the whole series again from the beginning. A lot of the interviews were laugh out loud funny and I really enjoyed the slices of life where you get to see everyone hanging out at the mansion. I know that some of the information included in the book has already been published on J.R. Ward's website but personally I like having it all in one place and easy to access. This is a book that it is easy to dip in and out of and I really hope that J.R. Ward writes something similar for the heroes of the later books in the series.

Source: Purchased

Other reviews of this book:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: Lover Enshrined - J.R. Ward

Phury, Zsadist's twin brother and a vampire in the Black Dagger Brotherhood, makes the ultimate sacrifice and stands in for a fellow brother to become the chosen - the one who will save the brotherhood's bloodlines.

Tormented by the love he has for his twin's mate, he devotes his passion to the higher good of his race and forbids himself from being distracted by a romantic relationship.

The war with the Lessening society is graver than ever, and the brothers need the few warriors they have to fight. Phury is resigned never to divert himself with love or put his brothers in jeopardy, until he comes face to face with the only woman who can tempt his heart and make him question his chosen destiny . . .

The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series:
The Story of Son (novella set in the BDB world but about completely unrelated characters)
Dark Lover
Lover Eternal
Lover Awakened
Lover Revealed
Lover Unbound
Lover Enshrined
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide
Lover Avenged
Lover Mine
Lover Unleashed
Lover Reborn
Lover at Last
The King
The Shadows
The Beast (2016)

The Fallen Angels Series:
(This is a spin off series set in the same world with a slight crossover of characters)
Covet
Crave
Envy
Rapture
Possession
Immortal

Black Dagger Legacy:
(A second spin off series that stars the original characters from BDB and the new recruits they're training)
Blood Kiss

Visit J.R. Ward's website for more information

Review:
I have to admit that I've been putting off my re-read of Lover Enshrined for months now. As much as I wanted to get to the later books in the series (that I've never read) I refused to skip Phury's story but knowing how much I hated it the first time around I struggled to make myself pick it up a second time! I have to say that now I've read it again it wasn't actually as bad as I remembered it being but it is still far from my favourite book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.

As much as I have both admired and felt sorry Phury in previous books for the things he did for his twin Zsadist I just didn't like him as the hero of his own story. His drug addiction and the ridiculous plot with the "wizard" just irritated the heck out of me and made Phury come across as such a weak character - not hero material at all no matter how noble some of his previous actions have been. I was also annoyed at his continuing obsession with Bella, she is mated to your brother - just get over it already! I was pleased with the changes within Phury towards the end of the book but for me I'm afraid it was a case of too little, too late. Although Cormia is likable she is a bit to sweet and innocent for my tastes and I just couldn't care about them as a couple. I didn't find their relationship believable and I wasn't invested in them, it really wouldn't have bothered me if they'd ended up going their separate ways.

In my review of Lover Unbound I complained that the story didn't focus enough on Vishous and Jane because there were so many side stories going on. In Lover Enshrined we have the same thing but this time it was something I was thankful for because the less time I had to spend listening to Phury's thoughts the better.  In fact, the best part of the story by far was focused on John Matthew, Qhuinn and Blay and I can't wait to see more of all of them. I felt like we were missing the banter and camaraderie with the main brothers and I hope that is something that returns more in the next book. I'm a little nervous about reading Rhev's book because he has never been a character that I've been particularly keen on but I'm hoping going into it with lower expectations will mean I enjoy Lover Avenged more than I'm expecting to.

Overall I'd have to say that Lover Enshrined is worth reading for the side stories alone even if the main romance is somewhat lacking. I am very curious to see how things develop for the Brotherhood and in the war with the Lessers and hope that the series gets back to the heights of the earlier books which are still some of my favourite paranormal romance books.

Source: Purchased

Other reviews of this book:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: Lover Unbound - J.R. Ward

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 it's 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 a 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....

The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series:
The Story of Son (novella set in the BDB world but about completely unrelated characters)
Dark Lover
Lover Eternal
Lover Awakened
Lover Revealed
Lover Unbound
Lover Enshrined
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide
Lover Avenged
Lover Mine
Lover Unleashed
Lover Reborn
Lover at Last
The King
The Shadows
The Beast (2016)

The Fallen Angels Series:
(This is a spin off series set in the same world with a slight crossover of characters)
Covet
Crave
Envy
Rapture
Possession
Immortal

Black Dagger Legacy:
(A second spin off series that stars the original characters from BDB and the new recruits they're training)
Blood Kiss

Visit J.R. Ward's website for more information

Review:
I've been a fan of Vishous since early in the series so understandably I was looking forward to his story but unfortunately Lover Unbound didn't live up to my expectations. I've always liked the way J.R. Ward includes several different plot lines in the books so that although the focus is on the main couple we are also getting to know future heroes better and building up anticipation for the next book. However this time around I felt like there were so many other things going on that V & Jane's romance was too far in the background. I wanted to see more of this couple together and because I didn't I was left feeling unsatisfied with their romance.

The story started off strongly with a really interesting revelation about V's parentage which had me hooked, I couldn't wait to see how it played out but I was disappointed with the treatment V receives from someone who is supposed to care for him. I can't say who without spoilers but so I'm just going to say I had some serious hate going on for his newly found family member! They had managed to redeem themselves a little by the end but I would have liked this to happen sooner. I was happy with the way V and Butch resolved their relationship issues and glad to see closure on that part of the story line but I wanted more action with V and Jane. Don't even get me started on the ending or I'll be here for hours (it was unbelievably frustrating!) but you'll have to read the story for yourself to find out if you agree with me or not.

For me the best part of this book was getting to see more of John Matthew, Blaylock & Quinn. I love all of these characters and can't wait to get to their books! While I like Phury I felt he took over too much of the story but perhaps that is because I'm re-reading the series now and I already know that Phury's story is my least favourite (in fact I'm not even sure if I can bring myself to re-read it!). I honestly can't remember disliking his parts in Lover Unbound so much the first time I read it so hindsight isn't always a good thing.

Overall while I still love the Black Dagger Brotherhood series I am disappointed that V didn't get a better story, I feel like if we'd spent more time with him this could have been a brilliant book. Having said that it is still worth reading Lover Unbound if you're a fan of the series, even if it's more for the continuing stories of the other characters. If you haven't already started the books I would definitely recommend reading the series in order though, you really would miss out if you picked it up halfway through.

Source: Purchased

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If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: Lover Revealed - J.R. Ward

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a war raging between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. But now an ally of the Brotherhood is about to encounter his own dark desires...

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. He's got nothing to lose. His heart belongs to a female vampire, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. If he can't have Marissa, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers...

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. But even her love may not be enough to save him...

The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series:
The Story of Son (novella set in the BDB world but about completely unrelated characters)
Dark Lover
Lover Eternal
Lover Awakened
Lover Revealed
Lover Unbound
Lover Enshrined
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide
Lover Avenged
Lover Mine
Lover Unleashed
Lover Reborn
Lover at Last
The King
The Shadows
The Beast (2016)

The Fallen Angels Series:
(This is a spin off series set in the same world with a slight crossover of characters)
Covet
Crave
Envy
Rapture
Possession
Immortal

Black Dagger Legacy:
(A second spin off series that stars the original characters from BDB and the new recruits they're training)
Blood Kiss

Visit J.R. Ward's website for more information

Review:
Butch is the only human who has ever been allowed to know the location of the Black Dagger Brotherhood and is as close to being a member as a human can possibly be. He thinks of the others as his brothers and wants to join their war against the lessers to help protect the vampire race. Things go horribly wrong from him when he tries to protect a civilian and ends up captured by the lessers, after suffering horrific torture Butch is left for dead. Thanks to V he is discovered but can they save him and even if they do what will be the long term consequences of what the Omega did to him?

Lover Revealed is the fourth book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and although it was my least favourite book in the series so far I still really enjoyed it. If you're one of the few people who is new to this series then it is one I'd definitely recommend to paranormal romance fans but I would recommend reading the stories in order starting at Dark Lover so you get the most out of the full back story.

I have liked Butch since he was introduced in the first book so I've been looking forward to reading his story and he didn't disappoint me. As an ex-cop Butch is as tough as they come but he also has a softer side that just makes you want to hug him. Butch has had it tough never feeling like he fitted in with his family so it's nice to see him finally find acceptance with the Brothers. I love watching him & V together, they have such a close friendship and strong bond. The scenes with the two of them are some of my favourite in the book and for me V stole the show and left me really looking forward to his story. I did feel that things came together a little too easily for Butch at the end of the book but I was pleased with the outcome so it didn't really worry me. It's hard to say much without giving spoilers but I'm also very curious about his new ability and how that will change things throughout the series.

I've never been the biggest Marissa fan, I felt quite sorry for her in Dark Lover after the way Wrath treated her but I've never really cared much for her or been interested in reading more of her story. I'll admit that she still isn't my favourite character in the series and I found her far too sweet and innocent for my tastes particularly at the beginning of the Lover Revealed but J.R. Ward did manage to improve my opinion of her by the end of the book. There were things she did that irritated me but I felt she grew a lot throughout the book and by the end I actually admired her for the things she has planned (again I don't want to say more than that for fear of spoilers).

Overall Lover Revealed is a strong instalment in one of my favourite paranormal romance series and one I would highly recommend reading. I'm looking forward to getting stuck into V's story in Lover Unbound.

Source: Purchased

Other reviews of this book:
StoryWings
All Booked Up
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: Lover Awakened - J.R. Ward

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, a deadly turf war rages between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race.; Of these, Zsadist is the most terrifying member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

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 his only passion - until he rescues a beautiful female from the evil Lessening Society.

Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for each other begins to overtake them, 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...

The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series:
The Story of Son (novella set in the BDB world but about completely unrelated characters)
Dark Lover
Lover Eternal
Lover Awakened
Lover Revealed
Lover Unbound
Lover Enshrined
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide
Lover Avenged
Lover Mine
Lover Unleashed
Lover Reborn
Lover at Last
The King
The Shadows
The Beast (2016)

The Fallen Angels Series:
(This is a spin off series set in the same world with a slight crossover of characters)
Covet
Crave
Envy
Rapture
Possession
Immortal

Black Dagger Legacy:
(A second spin off series that stars the original characters from BDB and the new recruits they're training)
Blood Kiss

Visit J.R. Ward's website for more information

Review:
Lover Awakened is the third book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and without a doubt one of my favorites. If you are new to the series then I would definitely recommend starting from book 1 (Dark Lover) so you get a full introduction into the world J.R. Ward has created and get to know all of the characters as the series progresses. This is definitely one of my favourite paranormal romance series and I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do.

Zsadist is a character that has intrigued me since he was first introduced in Dark Lover. He is so frightening that even the other warriors avoid him but as his story unfolds it becomes easy to see what made him the way he is now. After being tortured for a hundred years Z is messed up, he is scarred both physically and mentally and doesn't know how to trust others. He believes he has been tainted by what has been done to him and has continued to punish himself since his rescue from life as a blood slave.

As you can imagine Z's story is the darkest book in the series so far but his character is by far the one I've felt was most real. I absolutely loved watching him change as he begins to discover his feelings for Bella, it isn't easy for him to trust her and his path to happiness is tough but worth so much more because of the struggle. I also loved the way his relationship with his twin Phury and the other brothers changes over the course of the book.

It takes a lot for a book to make me cry but Lover Awakened achieves this even though this is at least the third time I've read it. This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster - breaking your heart in places but ultimately leaving you feeling uplifted by the end. The story is lightened by the ongoing plots with other main characters and things are nicely put into place for Butch's story which is up next. Without a doubt this series is a must read for fans of the paranormal romance genre but Zsadist will always hold a special place in my heart.

Source: Purchased

Other reviews of this book:
All Booked Up
Story Wings
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: Lover Eternal - J.R. Ward

Possessed by a deadly beast, Rhage is the most dangerous of the Black Dagger Brotherhood...

Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with the strongest appetites. He's the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover - for inside him burns a ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin. Possessed by this dark side, Rhage fears the times when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him.

Mary Luce, a survivor of many hardships, is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world and becomes reliant on Rhage's protection. With a life-threatening curse of her own, Mary is not looking for love. Her faith in miracles was lost years ago. But when Rhage's intense attraction turns into something more emotional, he knows that he must make Mary his alone. And while their enemies close in, Mary fights desperately to gain life eternal with the one she loves...

The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series:
The Story of Son (novella set in the BDB world but about completely unrelated characters)
Dark Lover
Lover Eternal
Lover Awakened
Lover Revealed
Lover Unbound
Lover Enshrined
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide
Lover Avenged
Lover Mine
Lover Unleashed
Lover Reborn
Lover at Last
The King
The Shadows
The Beast (2016)

The Fallen Angels Series:
(This is a spin off series set in the same world with a slight crossover of characters)
Covet
Crave
Envy
Rapture
Possession
Immortal

Black Dagger Legacy:
(A second spin off series that stars the original characters from BDB and the new recruits they're training)
Blood Kiss

The Fallen Angels Series:
(This is a spin off series set in the same world with a slight crossover of characters)
Covet
Crave
Envy
Rapture (2012)

Visit J.R. Ward's website for more information

Review:
In the second instalment of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series we get to know Rhage, the sexiest warrior in the brotherhood. He may be blond adonis with a voracious appetite for women and fighting but he is also so much more than that. Due to a reckless mistake he made as a young man he was cursed by the Scribe Virgin. In order to keep his inner beast at bay he must work off his excess energy to keep his inner beast at bay and the best way to do this is through sex and fighting the lessers (vampire slayers). He is unable to let anyone get close to him as the beast may make an appearance at any time - even his brothers have to keep their distance from him when the beast comes out to play. It isn't easy for Rhage to deal with his curse and as you get to know him I think that just like me you'll find that it is impossible to not fall in love with him.

Mary is a fantastic heroine - she has faced a tough battle against leukemia and survived but now it looks like the disease may be returning and she has to prepare herself to fight again. The last thing she is looking for is a relationship - she doesn't want to be a burden on anyone - but Rhage literally sweeps her off her feet, not taking no for an answer. I found it so easy to relate to Mary - she is an average looking woman with insecurities about her looks, especially the scars left by her cancer treatments, but at heart she is an incredibly strong woman. If you've ever met a cancer survivor I think you'll recognise a part of them in Mary, her character is so realistic that in places this story broke my heart but it was also an uplifting tale.

The growing relationship between Rhage and Mary has everything - it is both sweet and romantic and incredibly passionate. This story will have you fanning yourself one minute and reaching for your tissues the next. It is a heartwarming tale of love blooming against all odds and I'll warn you now to start reading this when you have plenty of time on your hands - you won't want to put it down. Alongside the main storyline J.R. Ward continues several ongoing plots that continue from the first book Dark Lover and are leading us neatly into the next book Lover Awakened. I loved the first book in the series but Lover Eternal was so much better than I imagined it could be and it will leave you desperate to read Zsadist's story. If you're new to the series I would recommend reading the stories in order but I would definitely recommend this to any fans of paranormal romance novels. Even if you've never tried paranormal romance before it would be well worth your time giving this series a try.

Source: Purchased

Other reviews of this book:
All Booked Up
Story Wings
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: Dark Lover - J.R. Ward

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 their enemies more than Wrath, the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood...

The only purebred vampire left on the planet, 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 - orphaning a half-breed daughter unaware of her heritage or her fate - Wrath must usher the beautiful female into the world of undead...

Racked by a restlessness in her body that wasn't there before, Beth Randall is helpless against the dangerously sexy man who comes to her at night with shadows in his eyes. His tales of brotherhood and blood frighten her. But his touch ignites a dawning hunger that threatens to consume them both...

The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series:
The Story of Son (novella set in the BDB world but about completely unrelated characters)
Dark Lover
Lover Eternal
Lover Awakened
Lover Revealed
Lover Unbound
Lover Enshrined
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide
Lover Avenged
Lover Mine
Lover Unleashed
Lover Reborn
Lover at Last
The King
The Shadows
The Beast (2016)

The Fallen Angels Series:
(This is a spin off series set in the same world with a slight crossover of characters)
Covet
Crave
Envy
Rapture
Possession
Immortal

Black Dagger Legacy:
(A second spin off series that stars the original characters from BDB and the new recruits they're training)
Blood Kiss

Visit J.R. Ward's website for more information

Review:
Wrath is the last purebred vampire and the reluctant king of his people, as the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood he fights alongside his brothers against the lessers (vampire slayers who are determined to wipe out the vampire race). When Darius, one of his brothers, asks Wrath to help his daughter through her transition (something that all vampires must go through when they are 25 to become an adult) he is reluctant to accept. The transition is a dangerous time that not all vampires survive and with Wrath as the last purebred vampire his blood would offer Beth the highest chance of survival. It is only when Darius is killed that Wrath decides to help Beth as a way of honouring his brother.

Beth is a half-breed who has grown up in the human world and has no knowledge of her father or the vampire race. When Wrath first approaches her she doesn't know what to think - she finds it hard to believe him when he talks of vampires and the brotherhood. She is unable to fight the attraction between them though and is soon drawn into his world.

I first discovered the Black Dagger Brotherhood series last year and quickly fell in love with the group of warrior brothers. I'm currently re-reading the series before I read the newest release Lover Mine and I enjoyed Wrath & Beth's story as much as I did the first time. I love the fact that Beth is is a strong heroine who is willing to fight for what she wants and won't put up with being treated badly. Wrath is a strong and fearless warrior who is reluctant to lead his people as he doesn't feel like a worthy king. I liked the fact that when he falls for Beth he doesn't care who knows it - he may be an alpha male but Beth is able to wrap him around her little finger. The romance between them is very passionate but it is also quite sweet in places.

I loved the introduction we get to the other brothers and the fact that they are so close and will do anything to protect each other. There is a lot of camaraderie between them and some of their conversations had me laughing out loud. J.R. Ward has built a very realistic world with a complete mythology that is easy to follow and leaves you wanting more. I like the fact that you are told the story from several different perspectives although I have to say I don't enjoy the scenes narrated by the lessers as much and would prefer it if we saw a little less of them. Overall I think this is a great start to the series and I'm looking forward to continuing my journey with the brotherhood. If you like paranormal romance and have yet to try this series then I'd definitely recommend you give it a try.

Source: Purchased

Other reviews of this book:
Story Wings
All Booked Up
Literary Escapism
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: Covet - J.R. Ward

Redemption isn't a word Jim Heron knows much about - his speciality is revenge, and to him, all sin is relative. But everything changes when he becomes a fallen angel and is charged with saving the souls of seven people from the seven deadly sins. And failure is not an option.

Vin Di Pietro long ago gave himself up to his business - until fate intervenes in the form of a tough-talking, Harley-riding, self-professed saviour, and a woman who makes him question his destiny. With an ancient evil ready to claim him, Vin has to work with a fallen angel not only to win his beloved over ... but to redeem his very soul.

The Fallen Angels Series:
(This is a spin off series set in the same world with a slight crossover of characters)
Covet
Crave
Envy
Rapture
Possession
Immortal

The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series:
The Story of Son (novella set in the BDB world but about completely unrelated characters)
Dark Lover
Lover Eternal
Lover Awakened
Lover Revealed
Lover Unbound
Lover Enshrined
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide
Lover Avenged
Lover Mine
Lover Unleashed
Lover Reborn
Lover at Last
The King
The Shadows
The Beast (2016)

Black Dagger Legacy:
(A second spin off series that stars the original characters from BDB and the new recruits they're training)
Blood Kiss

Visit J.R. Ward's website for more information

Review:
This is the first book in J.R. Ward's new series so as a big fan of her Black Dagger Brotherhood books I couldn't wait to read Covet. The story is set in Caldwell & although it doesn't mention the Brothers directly I loved the way there were a couple of appearances by characters from the BDB series.

The main character Jim Heron isn't your typical hero - he is an ex-military man and has seen more than his share of violence in his life. Now he finds himself in the middle of a war he'd never even imagined - with consequences that are going to be very far reaching for the rest of the world. He has been tasked with saving the souls of seven people who are each going to be tempted by one of the seven sins. If he prevails then good will win but if he doesn't then the world as we know it will be destroyed.

His first task is to help Vin who has succumbed to greed - he is a wealthy and successful business man but some of his dealings have been shady to say the least. Although Jim first assumes that his task is to help Vin propose to his long term girlfriend he soon discovers that things are not what they seem and the situation is a lot worse than he was expecting. It isn't going to be easy to extricate Vin from the situation he has found himself in.

The story is a little slow to start but that is to be expected with a new series when the author is building the a new world. I can assure you that when the action starts it is everything you would expect from J.R. Ward. There are plenty of plot twists and turns and I loved watching the relationship develop between Vin and his heroine. I liked the fact that none of the characters were perfect, they've all done things in the past that they regret and aren't afraid to admit it. I also enjoyed the comedy and am looking forward to seeing more of Jim, Adrian and Eddie in future books.

Overall I thought this was a great start to a new series & I will definitely be reading Crave when it comes out in September. If you like the BDB series then I'd recommend you give this one a try. Even if you are new to J.R. Ward you can still read this series without it giving you spoilers for the BDB if you decide to read that series later.

Source: Library

Other reviews of this book:
I'd So Rather Be Reading
What Book Is That?
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.