Book Review: Blood Truth (Black Dagger Legacy #4) By J.R. Ward

Blood Truth by J.R. Ward

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ms. Ward had done it again!

I loved this and could not put it down.

Having been binge reading the BDB and BDB Legacy books to get to this point, it occurred to me that until reading this, we know practically nothing about Boone’s character and family dynamic; and I think that made this book a particularly gripping page turner. Prologue aside, this picks up right off the tail end of The Saviour (BDB 17) and shows us some of the fallout that wouldn’t really have a place in the main BDB series.

I also liked that we get to see Butch going back to his roots as it were with there being a murder so solve. I also believe that this is the first time that we see Butch reflect on that partnership he had with Jose De La Cruz, and his feeling on no longer having that part of his human life.

Blood Truth also starts to set up for The Sinner with a bit on an insight into Syn’s past.

Great characters. Good plot line. Can’t wait for more!!

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Book Review: The Thief (Black Dagger Brotherhood #16) by J.R. Ward

The Thief by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well this was just 452 pages of wonderfulness......and now I feel like all my friends have gone and left me.....again.....Until next year.

This installment is based around Assail and Sola, but there is also a generous helping of V and Jane in there as well as some Rhage cameos. Winning on all fronts in my opinion.
I really liked the development of the relationship between Assail and Sola, and the pacing for what they found out about each other; I feel that it added a layer of unpredictability as you never quite know if that will be the moment that Sola figures out what Assail is. I also love Sola's grandmother, and the dynamic between her and the cousins.

I'm glad the we got to see what happened with Jane and V in this book, as I don't think I would have wanted to wait or for it to be dragged. I'm also intrigued by the fact that this opens things up for some new characters to be introduced. These two are one of my favourite couples next to Rhage and Mary, so the fact that we saw a fair amount of them in this made em happy.

I think that the events surrounding the Book and the Sanctuary, perhaps open things up for us to see more of Phury and Cormia. Even though they aren't my favourites, it feels like we haven't seen a lot from them since their original story line. On top of all of that this thing with Murhder is a) going to be interesting and no doubt open many cans of worms and b) probably more JM and Xhex. All things that I don't want to wait for.

I want the next one. 'nough said. ;)

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Book Review: Blood Fury (Black Dagger Legacy #3) by J.R. Ward

Blood Fury by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After much anticipation, and waiting impatiently for this to arrive at the library, I finally got my hands on Blood Fury, and my god did I love it.

In this book we got to discover Novo's past, and got to discover what lies behind to tough, cool exterior. I was surprised by what was revealed. I think we definitely got to see a very different side to her and it wasn't at all what I expected. I liked that we got to see her more vulnerable and emotional. I also think that Novo and Peyton together, are an interesting mix of personalities, and I hope we get to see more of them in the future. The writing of the relationship between Novo and her sister is priceless; talk about polar opposite.

The other part of this book that I loved was the story between Saxton and Ruhn. I liked that J.R Ward has used this as an opportunity to let us get to know Ruhn's character better after his introduction in previous books. I feel that this was the perfect place for it to happen as it would have felt more out of place in the main Brotherhood series. This also applies to Saxton. I'm glad that we got a chance to see more of his story after Blay. I also feel that we know his character a lot better than we did previously. You only really see him as the lawyer in the main series, and I think that this book does a good job of showing more of him. I don't think we ever got to fully appreciate how in love he was with Blay in the main series so it was nice to that side of him explored here as well as see what came next for him.

I really loved this book, and totally recommend it to fans of the series. Can't wait for the next one!

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Book Review: Dearest Ivie (Black Dagger Brotherhood #15.5) by J.R. Ward

Dearest Ivie by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This short story was a wonderful way to bridge the gap as I wait for Blood Fury to come into the library.

This is a beautifully written, whirlwind romance in the world of the Brotherhood, and it was a whirlwind for all the right reasons. Reasons that I can’t mention because of spoilers. Both Silas and Ivie were great likeable characters and I have a sneaky suspicion that they may pop up again in the main BDB series, though I may be wrong.

It was ice to get the cameo appearances from Doc Jane and Manny, this short has also been one of the first times that Havers has been involved as a character and I haven’t completely hated him.

This short story was sweet, funny and at times heartbreakingly sad, I completely recommend reading this, especially if you are still waiting to read the new BDB and Legacy releases.

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Book Review: The Chosen (Black Dagger Brotherhood #15) by J.R. Ward

The Chosen by J.R. Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this new installment of the series, but in all honesty it was not my favourite, and I had a feeling that it wouldn't be before I even read it. I loved The Beast, probably because Rhage is one of my favourites, so for me it was a given that Layla and Xcor were not going to be able to top what had come before them. If I had to compare this to previous books, I would put this one on par with The Shadows.

In my opinion this was one of those books where it seems to be a bit slow in places but still has a lot going on. To me this books purpose is to bridge any small gaps in the larger story and set the stage for the next "relationship to unfold". I think that this, as a book, will read better in a couple of years time when there are installments that follow it; for the simple reason that when you binge read an entire series, the individual elements all blend into one very long story, so what for some people are shortcomings with this book eventually won't matter when we all decide to go back and binge read it all over again, it won't be the book that may seem a little slow in places, it'll just be a continuation of what comes before and after it.

I think that this story was very different to what a lot of people were expecting, with the Xcor/Layla element not being quite so central to the story and having all these other smaller elements being brought in to set up for what comes next. I personally think that this book told their story in the best way as I don't feel that there was enough left to be told about to fill an entire book up. We have already seen so much of their relationship unfold in previous books, so I wasn't surprised that they weren't the sole focus here. In all honesty I was a little bit glad. Layla has never been a favourite of mine. For the same reasons that I'm not overly fond of Cormia, Marissa and the other Chosen. There is just that overly innocent/naive vibe about them (admittedly Marissa is growing on me). And as much as I no longer see Xcor as "The Bad Guy", I didn't fall in love with his character either; I'm just ambivalent when it comes to him.

I'm interested to see how this thing with Trez and Therese plays out, and what it means in the grander scheme of things. It's hard to say anything about this without giving away spoilers. I did find it a bit odd though, how we had gone back to looking at how Trez is doing and it becoming almost a secondary story line, and yet there was no kind of follow up, even briefly, on the Rhage-Mary-Bitty situation; not even passing them in the hall or at meal times. For me this was certainly something that felt a bit missing. But then again maybe I'm biased being Team Rhage and all.

A couple of other little side thoughts:

Mrs Ward, what is it going to cost me for everything to work out right with Vishous? Seriously, name your price and it's yours.

The new Scribe Virgin. OH MY GOD! My first thought when I read who got the job was that the Brothers are going to hit the roof. I would never have guessed this. Things are most definitely going to get interesting.

I think if you have followed the series then this is a must read for you. I can't wait to read Assail's book, as I find his character quite intriguing. I'm looking forward to seeing everything plays out and discovering what comes next for these characters. I'm totally loving this series!



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Book Review: Blood Vow (Black Dagger Legacy #2) By J.R. Ward

Blood Vow by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book!

If you are a fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood (BDB) series and you have read Blood Kiss, the first in the Black Dagger Legacy (BDL) series, then you absolutely have to read this. You have to have a least read The Beast (BDB #14) in order to understand the parts from Rhage and Mary's perspective, as well as there being major spoilers.

I think that Axe is an interesting character. In Blood Kiss he was a secondary character that was really just there in the background, and kept to himself. Nothing much was given away about his background, which made this book all the more gripping. In Blood Vow we got to explore his character more and dig a bit deeper into ow he has ended up where he is. I think that Axe is very different, once you get to know his character, than you initially expect him to be. To me Elise was an unexpected match for Axe. They just seem to be to different to work as a couple but this is so well written it ends up feeling very natural that they would be together. Elise is a likable character, who is trying to gain some independence from her family, and very determined to be able to make her own choices.

I like that this book also works as the continuation of the story line in The Beast surround the relationship between Rhage and Mary and the adoption story line. These two are some of my favourite characters, and I loved seeing how Bitty's character has developed as well as how the family dynamic between them has grown. I'm really looking forward to seeing more of this family group in future books, as I can see it being highly entertaining.

Speaking of entertaining, Lassiter offers some truly hilarious moments in this one, that will have you laughing out loud.

Once again, a fantastic read that I would highly recommend!

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Book Review: Blood Kiss (Black Dagger Legacy #1) by J.R. Ward

Blood Kiss by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. However if you have not read the original Black Dagger Brotherhood (BDB) series then this book will make absolutely no sense (If you haven't read The Shadows, BDB #13) then not only will you be completely lost, but there will be major spoilers).

This definitely had the same kind of feel to it as the first of the BDB series, as it not only focuses on the reopening of the training program and the new trainees, but also the original Brothers and their relationships; in this case Butch and Marissa. The trainees that this book focuses on are introduced in The Shadows (BDB #13), so if you haven't read the series up to this point the you won't understand where the fascination that Paradise has for Craeg started. I really like Paradise as a character. I like that she is stubborn and is willing to make her own choices, even if they go against what is expected of her and her upbringing. I think Craeg is an interesting character, but I feel like there is still more to him that we don't know about yet.

I like there there was a bit of a murder mystery hing going on in the background. I think that it helped everything feel cohesive. It brought together what was going on between the trainees with the storyline between Butch and Marissa.

This was a really good book that I highly recommend if you are a fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series (and have read them up to date). It'll be interesting to see if these new characters make cameo appearances or get mentioned in future BDB books.

Totally worth reading.

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Book Review: The Beast (Black Dagger Brotherhood #14) by J.R. Ward

The Beast by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved loved loved this book! Rhage is one of my favourites, so I was happy to see that we finally got to revisit the relationship with Rhage, Mary and the Beast.

I think that this book really went back to having the same kind of feel as the books at the start of the series; so for all the people that have maybe been disappointed with some of the latest installments, this may just be the one you have been waiting for.

I like how this book has looked more closely, at the fact that Mary can't have children of her own. I think that at the end of Lover Eternal it was kind of looked at as not a huge problem because Rhage and Mary got to be together. I like how the characters have been affected but the events (the births of both Nalla and L.W) that have occurred and caused the issue to resurface. Enter Bitty. I can't wait to see how things progress with the adoption storyline; it's going to be interesting to see how her character develops.

There were plenty of funny moments throughout this that added to the enjoyment level. I can honestly say that I wish I had read it slower. I highly recommend this to anyone that has been a fan of the series; especially if you like the feel of the books at the start of the series.

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Book Review: The Shadows (Black Dagger Brotherhood #13) by J.R. Ward

The Shadows by J.R. Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Okay, not going to lie, this wasn't my favourite book of the series. But that is just because I don't feel anything for the Shadows as characters, not because the plot was lacking or because it was a bad book. I still enjoyed this book, but Rhage, Vishous and Zsadist's books will probably always be my favourites.

I do feel as though this focused mostly on Trez and his relationship with Selena and his 'destiny' as the Anointed One, than it did on iAm. The relationship between Trez and Selena was incredible sad and beautifully written. I never felt cliched, and I think it could have done if it wasn't so well written. However I do fell as thought the relationship between iAm and maichen felt a little rushed an maybe could have done with a little more page time, just to balance things out a little bit more as I feel that it was close to being more like Trez's book, rather than The Shadows book.

I liked that this installment explained how the Shadows meeting Rehvenge, and explained how that relationship came to be. Throughout previous books we have been told that they were working off some kind of debt to Rehv and it has always been left a bit of a mystery.

Good book and worth picking up if you have been reading the series so far. I recommend.



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Book Review: The King (Black Dagger Brotherhood #12) by J.R.Ward

The King by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really liked this book. This one really comes full circle going back to Wrath and Beth, finishing this particular story arc.

I love that you can see how far the characters have come and developed since Dark Lover. Beth has gone from thinking she is a human and a journalist, to being settled in her role not just as a vampire but as the Queen. I really like her character. I like that she has an independent streak and doesn't let that fact that she is the Queen go to her head and acts like everyone else there.

Wrath has also come along way since the first installment of the series. From the first time we see him as this mountain of a guy that people can't get away from fast enough, not wanting to accept his position as the King; to now being happily mated to Beth and not just taking his place on the throne but wanting to embrace it. If that's not character development, then I don't know what is.

Wrath using his position on the throne to make changes to the Vampire Laws really sets up a new era for these books, and I'm sure another great story arc. They still have the Lessening Society to contend with, as well as Xcor and the Band Of Bastards, but I have a feeling that the changes that Wrath makes to Vampire society at the end of this story will no doubt come back into play in future books, so it's going to be really interesting to see how all this plays out.

Really enjoyed this book and, for those that have followed the series, I would highly recommend it.

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Book Review: Lover At Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11) by J.R.Ward

Lover at Last by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book and feel that the relationship between Quinn and Blay has been a long time coming. Initially, I found this book a little hard to get into. I guess, because the in the last few books Blay and Quinn have basically been avoiding each other, didn't feel like there was a natural flow to them getting back onto speaking terms as it were.

I think it was nice to see Quinn finally find a family in this book. Not just with Blay but with the Brotherhood. After a few installments showing him as someone with know real home or place to belong, I liked seeing how the realisation that he was surrounded by people he could call family, and how it would change and develop his character.

I have o say that the plane scene was probably my favourite part of the book (honestly you should read it just for that!)

I'm still not sure what I think of Layla. I think it must be something about the Chosen, because I didn't know what to think of Cormia either.

I do think that there are a few loose ends that never quite got tied up:

What happened to Payne? Did she go back to the Sanctuary for a bit and become her normal glow-y self again or is she with out her power now?

And what happened to Luchas ? Is he all fine and dandy now? Who is he staying with? I have this gut feeling that Wrath isn't going to be inviting him to stay in the house with the Brothers.

Over all a good book.

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Book Review: Lover Reborn (Black Dagger Brotherhood #10) by J.R. Ward

Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was about time that we got to Tohrment's book. I think there is only so long that you can have a character drowning his sorrows in the background.

This is really about Lassiter making Tohr move on with his life and let Wellsie go. She's stuck in the In Between and will be until Tohr can move on, but he only has a limited amount of time to do so before Wellsie and their baby are stuck there permanently. It had always been Lassiter's mission to make sure that this happens, so he works at putting Tohr and No'one (a.k.a Autumn) together. I like how this resulted in a slight rift between Tohrment and John Matthew. I know that sounds mean, but I think John having the kind of reaction that most kids have when their parents divorce and get a new partner, the sense of betrayal, makes it seem more believable. I think that the relationship between Tohrment and John has always been that of a father and son; so I think that if John hadn't acted like and felt this way something would have felt off.

I wasn't (and still aren't) sure about what I think of No'One/Autumn as a character. I don't dislike her character, but I don't necessarily like her character either. Sometimes she would come across as quite sure of herself, and fight to get what she wants and yet at other times she wouldn't. At times she could come across as easily spooked and a bit nervous and other times she would seem more confident. So I'm on the fence when it comes to my feelings for this character.

Overall I really enjoyed this book, so if you have read the series so far then I would certainly recommend that you continue with this one.

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Book Review: Lover Unleashed (Black Dagger Brotherhood #9) by J.R. Ward

Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has been one of my favourites in the series so far (along with Lover Eternal and Lover Unbound). This one had a bit of a calmer story line than some of the others; more focused on the interactions and relationships between the characters and how they deal with the strains on their relationships. This was Payne's book, but I think it was as much Vishous and Jane's book as it was about Payne and Manny.

I knew at the end of Lover Unbound that we hadn't seen the last of Manny, but always wondered how his story was going to find it's way back into the land of the Brotherhood. This book was really about four relationships; first Payne and Manny.

Manny is brought in by Jane to help fix Payne's back injury and in the process falls completely in love with her, but knows that he'll be lucky if the Brotherhood let him go, and if they do he won't be allowed to remember her. As well as this he is very much aware that Vishous (Payne's twin) doesn't like him. Likewise, Payne takes an instant liking to Manny and also knows that they will never be allowed to be together. I like Payne as a character. She has that sense of innocence and naivety at being in this new world that she has very limited experiences of, as well as being very sure of herself, stubborn, with an independent streak that comes with her being a fighter.

Second you have Vishous and Jane. I think with all the books in this series we get to see how these couples meet and then leave them with their 'happy endings' to go and live happily ever after, so I like how in this book we get to revisit the relationship between V and Jane now that their honeymoon period is over as it were. The realisation for V that he has had a twin sister for the last 300 years and never knew, and the decisions that Jane has to make as part of her job, bring some of his demons to the surface again. We then see how between them they have to deal with their issues and whether or not that brings them closer or pushes them apart.

Third Manny and Jane. Considering that a year has past since Manny thought that Jane died and suddenly she shows up asking for his help, this looks at how that have to rebuild that working relationship and how Jane has to help Manny to understand this new world that he has been thrown into. Lastly there is the Vishous and Manny relationship. V hates Manny. Manny hates V. this is one of those 'can they put their feelings aside' situations that results in some amusing scenarios.

This book also introduces Xcor and the band of Bastards. Another group of vampires that want Wrath off the throne and the Brotherhood gone. It will be interesting to see how this story line will play out and what it will mean for the Brothers; because they didn't have enough problems already.

I really enjoyed this book and would certainly recommend it if you have been following the series.


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Book Review: Lover Mine (Black Dagger Brotherhood #8) by J.R. Ward

Lover Mine by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. Again there was so much going on.

This story line I feel, has been a long time coming. Over the series so far we have seen this relationship form and then just as we think things are going somewhere, Xhex pushes John away and into the arms of a new friend called Jack Daniels. At the end of the last book, Xhex was kidnapped by Lash while they were all on a mission to rescue Rehvenge form the colony. Lover Mine is about how Xhex is found and the aftermath of what Lash did to her and Xhex and John realising that they are meant to be together (That may sound sappy, but read the book, and you'll see what I mean).

This book had a lot of backstory between Darius and Tohrment and how they became friends. This part also explains Xhex's birth. We have previously been told that she was raised not knowing / not being told about her Sympath side but it was never explained how she ended up with that family to start with. So this bit of history of how Darius and Tohrment met is important in discovering this piece of Xhex's past.

There are also developments with the relationship between Quinn and Blay. It'll be interesting to see what direction that this will take.

If you have been keeping up with the series so far, I highly recommend that you continue with this one.

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Book Review: Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood #7) by J.R. Ward

Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this installment to the series. The book itself is very chunky with so much stuffed between the covers it's going to be hard to review this without any spoilers (I'll do my best and hide anything that reveals to much).

This book focuses on Rehvenge (Bella's brother) who has really been a secondary character, albeit an intriguing one, up until now. We have seen him as Bella's somewhat over protective brother and as Phury's drug dealer, trying to hide his 'dark side' from the rest of Vampire society; knowing that if anyone found out about his being half sympath he would be shipped off to the sympath colony. On a visit to Haver's clinic for more of the drugs that keep his sympath side suppressed, he meets nurse Ehlena; this book is the story of how he tries to protect her from his world. Not just the sympath in him and his monthly visits with princess; but the drug dealing, the clubs; basically everything that makes up his life. He doesn't want to be with her, because he doesn't see himself as good enough for her, and yet he can't imagine life without her. Ironically Ehlena feels the same about Rehvenge (although for different reasons).

I like that Ehlena is another strong female character that can think for herself and doesn't necessarily do as she is told. I think that if all the women in these books were quiet and did as they were told all the time without an argument, not only would they not be likable and irritating as characters, I think it would also make the male characters less appealing. Each book in series starts with the main character seeming quite hardened to the world, and as the story goes on and you start to peel back the layers you always see a different 'softer' side to them, they come across a bit more mellow. Zsadist being perfect example of this. They are all alpha male characters and, to an extent, all control freaks that want to have their own way. I think it's having the strong female characters that makes the story, and peels away the layers so you get to see what is really going on underneath the dominant, alpha male exterior.

There was so much going on in this. With events going on in this book such as (view spoiler)[Rehvenge's true identity as a sympath not being such a big secret anymore, and the death of both the princess and the sympath king now makes Rehvenge their leader, it will be interesting to see how this develops and the effects that it will have on the kind of relationship that he will have with Wrath and the Brotherhood. Hopefully it will be a good thing for them both. (hide spoiler)]

Xhex and John: (view spoiler)[ I can't wait to really get into the next book to see where this relationship is going. After getting the cold shoulder from Xhex, the effect that John's subsequent change in personality will have on himself and well as the people around will be. Also seeing how things play out with Xhex now that she has been taken by Lash, and getting to see more of who she is as a person is something that I'm looking forward to in the next book. (hide spoiler)]

Great book with lots of detail. Highly recommend if you have kept up with the series.


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Book Review: Lover Enshrined (The Black Dagger Brotherhood #6) by J.R. Ward

Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So far I think this has been my least favourite installment of the series. Not saying that I didn't enjoy it, I just happened to enjoy the others more.

So far each book has focused on a couple and then had the whole Lesser story line and John Matthew et al. story line happening more in the background. For a book the is suppose to be centered more around Phury and Cormia, it didn't feel as though it took up the majority of pages. I don't necessarily think that the other story lines got more pages than the "main" one but it certainly didn't feel like it got the lion's share.

I'm not going to lie, I think that Phury has 99 problems, 95 of which are just imagined, and don't even exist, and the remaining 4 aren't as bad as he thinks. I think there were a few missed opportunities for humour with Cormia. Considering that she has been taken out of and bland and basic environment and then brought into this bizarre and vibrant world, I feel as though the shock and wonder and lack of understanding could have been played upon a little more. This was sort of done right at the end with the other Chosen, and I think at times through out the book this was a missing.

(I'm Going to hide the next sections because of Spoilers)

The Lessers: (view spoiler)[ It will be interesting to see the repercussions of the Lessers taking and turning Lash and the effect that it will have on the Vampire community. I have a hunch that he won't last very long, purely based on his personality. (hide spoiler)]

John Matthew: (view spoiler)[I'm looking forward to watching John and Torhment rebuild their relationship, and come to terms with everything that has happened. It will be interesting to see if Torhment's absence and the fact that John has gone through his transition will have an effect on the dynamic of their relationship. (hide spoiler)]

Good book and totally worth reading if you have kept up with the series so far.

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Book Review: Lover Unbound (the Black Dagger Brotherhood #5) by J.R. Ward

Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think that I read this book too quickly.

It was interesting to discover Vishous's past, and see how he has been shaped by it as well as a what it takes to reshape it all. V has always come across as one of the more level headed characters but it really came as no surprise that he was just as troubled as the rest of them. It was an interesting choice I think to pair him with Jane. All the couples so far have had someone that needs saving. This was a pairing of two very strong minded people that under different circumstances may not have got along. I like Jane as a character. She came as bit of a relief for Marissa in the previous book. I like that she is very independent, stubborn and doesn't back down easy.

I think that there is a story to be told about Jane's colleague after V payed a visit for that photo. Could it be another Butch scenario?

Good book. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Would recommend.

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Book Review: Lover Revealed (The Black Dagger Brotherhood #4) by J.R. Ward

Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am loving this series!

I love the fact that the characters in these book have so many layers to them. They are so well written, you get a real feel for them, an can create such a clear image in your own head as to what they are like and how they act. The characters and the writing make for a really engaging story. The changes in character perspective and the subtle change in writing style that goes with it, make the book very well rounded and believable. I think if the writing style stayed consistent for each character, it really wouldn't work as there would be to many characters that you wouldn't differentiate between. The change is subtle, but it is there.

This installment focuses on Butch; who since book one has been there and around with the Brotherhood, but never really going anywhere. This time we get to see why he is here and see behind the tough cop persona, and watch as the relationship with Marissa unfolds. It was also interesting to see the friendship between Butch and Vishous develop.

Great edition to the series. Highly recommend.

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Book Review: Lover Awakened (The Black Dagger Brotherhood #3) By J.R. Ward

Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. I loved this book. J.R Ward has a great writing style that really puts you in the character's head space, and changes depending on the character.

This book focuses on Zsadist. Up until now he has really been the shady, mysterious character that we all know is there and yet don't really know anything about him. Over the first two books we are told to stay away from Zsadist, he's dangerous and has issues; in this book we discover his awful and tragic past and see a different side to him and come to understand his motivations and mindset. This is all done through the development of the relationship between him and Bella, who was introduced in book two.

We also see the John Matthew story line develop a bit more, and it is certainly going to be interesting to see what direction that goes in especially with the events that happen towards the end of this book.

Really enjoying this series. Highly recommend.

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Book Reviews: The Black Dagger Brotherhood (1-2) by J.R. Ward

Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So my mum recommended this series to me, and she has never steered me wrong when it comes to books, so off I went to raid her bookshelf.

I quite enjoyed this book. If you are looking for a book with a strong plot that has a star middle and an end to it these may not be for you (I'm already on book 3). These books are centered on the couples rather than the on going problems that they have with their enemies. I know some people has said that there are too many characters all being introduced at the same time and feel like they can't then for an image in their mind as to what is going on; but having read book two already and currently being on three, I would say if you read book one and feel that way keep reading. To me, this book isn't just Wrath and Beth's book, it's also the introduction into this world. The following books really start to flesh out the characters and start developing the different story lines. So they are definitely worth sticking with.

I feel that this is a great start to a series, that has a lot of potential to develop and create some amazing characters. I highly recommend checking these out.

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Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book.

I like how with this series, each book continues the story arc of the battle, war... (is that the right word?) with the Lessers, and yet each time focuses on a different main character. I think its a great way for readers to get know the characters better as you spend the majority of the book seeing through their eyes and being in their head, and you therefore feel that these are very three dimensional characters.

This book focused on Rhage, and his story. We learn a more about his past and his beast, and how he ended up with the curse to begin with. This book really help you understand his character more. I book one, he is seen as the good looking one that is with a different woman every night; in this installment we learn that there are reasons for this. I enjoyed how the author has taken this Warrior character and shown a softer side. I like how all the characters in these books have a lot of layers to them and can develop and create some really interesting stories.

I would definitely recommend this series, although I suggest reading them in order.


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