Father Mine-J.R. Ward: Zsadist&Bella
Father Mine: Zsadist and Bella’s Story by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Father Mine a novella in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series(#6.5)-J.R. Ward
I am always hesitant to purchase a novella. Usually they are just scenes cut by the author and offered to readers as insight, not adding anything to the overall series. In the case of Father Mine, a story that involves Zsadist and Bella, I was drawn to it for the love of the characters. This novella is a pivotal part of the BDB series. While nothing changes in the story premise, it shows us the birth of Nalla and the events surrounding it. I would highly recommend reading it as part of the series.
I don’t know why this novella caused me to become an emotional idiot. Scene after scene had me wiping tears from my eyes. What I loved about the story is that after a book is finished we all feel as if it is a happily ever after, especially in the paranormal romance genre. This novella takes place after Zsadist and Bella’s novel. It shows that characters may heal but the pain lingers creating issues within a marriage. I felt as if our characters have everyday issues just as the rest of us do and everything in a book doesn’t have to be imagination land.
This was a perfect way to spend two hours in a highly emotional setting.
The following quote had me laughing. I am not sure why, maybe for a break from the emotional torture. I envisioned the quote in my head and found it humorous. It is also a perfect way to showcase Ward’s ability to flawlessly switch between the male and female characters.
Gun muzzles came out of the windows of the Lessening Society’s soccer-mom special like the bitch was a stagecoach, and the bullets went ape shit.
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Lover Enshrined-J. R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lover Enshrined
I know that most readers like this installment the least of the Brotherhood books. I do not have that opinion. It is one of my favorites. I found inspiration as I read this book. I was going through something similar in my life as I read this book and it helped me change my own life. J. R. Ward wrote the addict perfectly while she showcased the friends and families pain over the situation. Ward must have been directly effected by an addict in her life to portray the characters so appropriately. I felt Zsadist with every fiber of my being. I know exactly how every Brother felt over the lies and betrayals dealt out by Phury. I was once in their place. Many who haven’t stood in my shoes call me selfish for leaving. The addict is always a proficient manipulator, liar, and actor. They hide even from the closest people in their lives. Mostly they lie to themselves. The only truth is that you can never help the addict, they MUST do it themselves. I bawled as Zsadist told his twin to leave, that his absence hurt less then watching Phury fall into his own destruction. I, too, couldn’t watch the man I had hooked my star to commit slow suicide. Lover Enshrined was raw, gut wrenching, and accurate. No, it wasn’t a love story, a romance. It was reality. It was a story of survival and change. And it was inspiring. The delicate balance as we see how an addict can hold just as much good within themselves as evil, and that good is what makes is so damned difficult to cut the addict out of your life. And the good is what makes the addict so redeemable if he could only conquer their demons.
With all that saying, I felt as if the relationship of our protagonists were shortchanged by the addiction. That, too, it true to life. The addiction will always be the focal point in any relationship. What I didn’t like is that disconnection between Phury and Cormia. There was no true bond, they didn’t relate to each other. Cormia grew throughout the book, just as Phury changed. But they never grew Together . Cormia never seemed to grasp the gravity of his addiction.
The journey as we experience the addict, who believes himself a victim, as he victimizes his loved ones, is incredible. The story from the paranormal point of view was sorely lacking and thin. I loved that we saw every point of view from the dealer, to the addict, the loved ones, the consequences, and the loss of trust and rebuilding of new trust. But this is paranormal romance and as such we needed some actual romance, a connection, a bond to feel completely satisfied.
This is still a five star book for me even with what it was lacking. The main premise of the book, the premise of the series, and the side cast of characters showcased created an exceptional book. If the romance angle would have been realized it would have been a phenomenal read.
This book is the true beginning of the next generation of the Brotherhood. The new recruits, J. M., Qhuinn, Blay, and Lash. I finally feel them, connect with them. I loved them before now, but now I truly know them. The connection between the three best friends and their nemesis is realized. Whether the males ever join the Brotherhood, they have forged an unbreakable bond that will last a lifetime, a true friendship. Lash as a character is annoyingly intriguing, the perfect counter balance to our trio.
The Chosen are creepy and needed changed. I am interested to see how that plays out. To me it was like a mass rape by a religious zealot towards his congregation. I couldn’t see this as the vision of our Scribe Virgin. It just didn’t hold true to her beliefs. I found it strange that she would suppress females when she too is a female. This is also the strongest indication of the Scribe Virgin’s depression or failings as her race slowly races towards extinction thanks to her twin, The Omega.
Lover Enshrined also gives us a glimpse of Rehvenge’s true nature before we read his book, Lover Avenged. I love Rehvenge as a character, completely intrigued!
And, finally, Tohrment! We find out what is going down with our lost Brother and he brings us a new character, Lassiter, the fallen Angel!
Quotes
“After a moment, Wrath turned to John. “This is Lassiter, the fallen angel. One of the last times he was here on earth, there was a plague in central Europe-”
“Okay, that was so not my fault-”
“-which wiped out two-thirds of the human population.”
“I’d like to remind you that you don’t like humans.”
“They smell bad when they’re dead.”
“All you mortal types do.”
“In quick succession, Qhuinn reviewed his answers: No, of course not, the knife was acting of its own volition. I was actually trying to stop it…No, I only meant to give him a shave…No, I didn’t realize that slicing open someone’s jugular was going to lead to death.”
“It had been so good to see his enemy again. Positively heartwarming.
Hallmark really needed to start up a line of revenge cards, the kind that let you reach out to those you were going to come after with a vengeance.”
“Before the man could answer V cursed “If I have to hear all that Keanu Reeves, Matrix, I am Neo’ kind of shit my head’s going to explode.”
“Don’t you mean Neon?” Butch shot back “Cause he reminds me of the Citgo sign.”
Wrath’s head turned “Shut the fuck up. All of you.”
Favorite scene #2!!
“If I could, I would.”
“Excuse me?”
Qhuinn pumped some suds into his palms and scrubbed all the
way up his forearms. Which was overkill, but if Blay wanted him
super clean, then that was what he was going to be. “If I could
love a guy like that, it would be you.”
“Yeah, on second thought, I’ll work on myself and to hell with
my back—”
“I’m serious.” He released the pedal to stop the water running, and shook his hands over the sink. “You think I haven’t thought about it? Being with you, that is. And not just for the sex shit.”
“You have?” Blay whispered above the dripping.
Qhuinn dried his hands on a stack of blue surgical towels to the left and took one with him as he went over to Blay. “Yeah, I have.
Hold this under the wounds, would you?”
Blay did as he was told, and Qhuinn squeezed some wash over
the gash on the guy’s sternum.
“I didn’t know— Mother fucker!”
“Stings, huh.” Qhuinn went around the table, to his buddy ’s
back. “I’m going to do this one now, and I think you’d better brace yourself. It’s even deeper.”
Qhuinn put another towel under the wound and hit it with shit
that smelled like Lysol. As Blay hissed, he winced. “It’ll be over in a second.”
“Bet you say that to all the—” Blay stopped right there.
“Nah. I don’t say that to anyone. They take me as I come. They
can’t handle it, it’s their problem.”
Picking up a sterile pack of gauze, Qhuinn tore the thing open
and pressed the white weave against the wound between Blay ’s
shoulder blades. “I’ve absolutely thought about us . . . but I see myself with a female long -term. I can’t explain it. It’s just the way it’s going to be.”
Blay’s rib cage expanded and compressed. “Maybe because
you don’t want another defect?”
Qhuinn frowned. “No.”
“You sure about that.”
“Look, if I cared what people thought, do you think I’d do what I do already?” He went around and blotted the slice on Blay’s
chest, then tended to the wound on his shoulder. “Besides, my
family’s dead. Who’ve I got to impress anymore?”
“Why were you so cruel?” Blay asked in a dignified voice.
“Back in the tunnel at my place.”
Qhuinn picked up a tube of neomycin and went around to his
buddy’s back again. “I was pretty sure I wasn’t coming back, and I didn’t want you ruining your life over me. Figured it was better for you to hate me than miss me.”
Blay laughed for real, and the sound was nice. “You are so
arrogant.”
“Duh. But it’s true, isn’t it.” Qhuinn smoothed the milky ointment onto the break in Blay’s skin. “You would have.”
As he came back around in front, Blay lifted his head and his
eyes. Their stares met, and Qhuinn reached out and put his palm on his friend’s cheek.
rubbing his thumb gently back and forth, he whispered, “I want
you with someone who’s going to be worthy of you.Treat you right. Be only with you. I’m not that guy. Even if I settled with a female . . . shit, I tell myself I could be with just her, but in my heart of hearts, I don’t really believe that.”
The yearning in the blue eyes staring up at him broke his heart. It totally did. And he couldn’t imagine what it was that Blay saw in him that made him so special.
“What is wrong with you,” he whispered, “that you care so much
about me?”
Blay’s sad smile added about a million years to his age, lining his face with the kind of knowledge that came only after life kicked you in the nuts a number of times. “What is wrong with you that you can’t see why I would?”
“We’re going to have to agree to disagree on that.”
“Promise me something?”
“Anything.”
“Leave me if you want, but don’t do it for my own good. I’m
not a child, and I don’t break easily, and what I feel is none of your goddamned business.”
“I thought I was doing the right thing.”
“You weren’t. So promise me?”
Qhuinn exhaled hard. “Fine, I promise. As long as you swear
you’ll look for someone real, okay?”
“You’re real to me.”
“Swear to it. Or I’m going to do that I-am-an-island bit again. I want you open to meeting someone you can really have.”
Blay’s hand crept up Qhuinn’s forearm and squeezed his wrist, the pact becoming solid on both sides. “Okay . . . all right. But it’s going to be a guy. I’ve tried females, and it just doesn’t feel right.”
“As long as you’re happy. Whatever makes you happy.”
As the tension eased between them, Qhuinn wrapped his arms
around his friend and held him close, trying to absorb the male ’s sadness, wishing there were another way for them.
“I suppose this is for the best,” Blay said into his shoulder. “You can’t cook.”
“See? I’m so not Prince Charming.”
Qhuinn could have sworn Blay whispered, “Yes, you are,” but he wasn’t sure.
They puled apart, looked into each other’s eyes . . . and something shifted. In the silence of the whole training center, in the vast privacy of the moment, something changed.
“Just once,” Blay said softly. “Do it just once. So I’ll know what it’s like.”
Qhuinn started to shake his head. “No . . . I don’t think—”
“Yes.”
After a moment, Qhuinn slid both his hands up Blay’s thick neck and captured the male’s sturdy jaw in his palms. “You sure?”
When Blay nodded, Qhuinn tilted his friend’s head back and to the side and held it in place as he slowly closed the distance. Just before their mouths touched, Blay’s eyelashes fluttered down and he trembled and—
Oh, it was sweet. Blay’s lips were incredibly sweet and soft.
The tongue probably wasn’t supposed to be part of it, but there was no helping that. Qhuinn licked inside and then sank deep as his arms slipped around Blay and held him hard. When he finally
lifted his head, the look in Blay ’s eyes said he would let anything happen between them. Let it all happen.
They could take this spark between them all the way home until
they were both naked and Qhuinn was doing what he did best to
his buddy.
But things would never be the same after that, and that was what stopped him, in spite of the fact that he suddenly wanted exactly what Blay did. “You’re too important to me,” he said roughly.
“You’re too good for the kind of sex I have.”
Blay’s eyes lingered on Qhuinn’s mouth. “At this moment, I
would so disagree with that.”
As Qhuinn let go of the guy and stepped back, he realized it was the first and only time he’d ever turned someone down. “No, I’m right. I’m so fucking right about this.”
Blay took a deep breath, then braced his arms against the gurney and seemed to try to collect himself. He laughed a little. “I can’t feel my feet or my hands.”
“I’d offer to rub them, but . . .”
Blay’s glance under his lashes was damned sexy. “You’d be
tempted to rub something else of mine?”
Qhuinn grinned. “Fucker.”
“Fine, fine. Be that way.” Blay reached over for the antiseptic, put some on his chest, then covered the wound with gauze, which he taped in place. “Will you take care of covering up the one in back?”
“Yeah.”
As he hit the raw patch with some gauze, Qhuinn imagined someone touching Blay ’s skin . . . running their hands over him, easing the kind of ache a male got between his thighs.
“One thing, though,” Qhuinn murmured.
“What?”
The voice that came out of his throat was unlike anything he ’d ever heard from himself before. “If any guy breaks your heart or treats you like shit, I will bust him apart with my bare hands and leave his broken, bloody body for the sun.”
Blay’s laughter rumbled around the tiled walls. “Of course you wil—”
“I’m dead fucking serious.”
Blay’s blue eyes shot over his shoulder.
“If there are any who dare to hurt you,” Qhuinn growled in the Old Language, “I shall see them staked afore me and shall leave their bodies in ruin.”
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Lover Unbound-J. R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lover Unbound
Vishous and Jane’s journey in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world.
Vishous
His depression and loneliness over his genius and abilities makes him more Human . Vishous is my number 2 favorite brother. I loved the look back into his past. We see him as a pretrans, though his change, and just after his change. Obviously, as a Brother, he has had a hard start. *Just once, give us a well adjusted brother. LOL! Not gonna happen, is it?* Vishous’ back story only makes him that much more intriguing. The entire BDSM element adds a scorching twist to the story. His parentage makes complete sense in regards to his abilities, and completely took me by surprise. The Primal addition, while creepy, was an interesting development. For Vishous, fate sure is a wicked Bitch, as is his MOM!
Jane
Jane is a brilliant human doctor who tends to our injured V. She is the perfect counterpart to Vishous. He needed a strong, intelligent female to hold his interests and she fits him perfectly. She has had her own life lessons that we get a look into through her back story. We are also introduced to her friend and Boss, Manny, adding an interesting view to the book. Lover Unbound causes many bawl worthy moments in relation to our female protagonist. I was shocked at the direction of the story flow and the impact it had on the entire series.
Cast of Characters
Vishous, Jane, Phury, Rehvenge, Xhex, John Matthew, Manny, and the lessers.
John Matthew’s point of view has been pivotal throughout the series. Finally, we see him transition. I love the bond that Zsadist and John develop over their similar backgrounds, even though John doesn’t know about Z., yet. I think I am most connected to John because he has his own storyline in each and every book, almost as if he is a third protagonist outside of the major couple showcased. I am not complaining. I LOVE John Matthew. He is by far the most developed character in the Black Dagger Brotherhood universe.
I am annoyed that Tohrment is still AWOL. We hear tidbits about him from the other characters, but his absence has caused me to not care what happens to the male. As brutal as that sounds, I feel that J. R. Ward should have done something in regards to him sooner. Show at least few lines in the story so that we don’t forget him and get a chance to learn and hear his voice. It’s almost as if she didn’t know what to do with the male and left it hanging.
I see this as the first time we see the Scribe Virgin as a person, even as we see her beginning to fall apart. The Omega is her twin. We know nothing of their parentage, only that the twins are a delicate balance between good and evil. I wonder if their Father is also the Father in every major modern religion. Most likely…
As this series moves forwards with more characters it evolves into a intricate, twisted, delicious storyline. I hunger for any information I can feast my eyes on.
Quotes
“Terrific. A bisexual dominant vampire with kidnapping expertise.”
“Red Sox looked around Jane at the patient, “Your mind reading coming back?”
“With her? Sometimes?”
“Huh. You getting anything from anyone else?”
“Nope.”
Red Sox repositioned his hat. “Well, ah…let me know if you pick up shit from me, k? There are some things that I’d prefer to keep private, feel me?”
“Roger that. Although I can’t help it sometimes.”
“Which is why I’m going to take up thinking about baseball when you’re around.”
“Thank fuck you’re not a Yankees fan.”
“Don’t use the Y-word. We’re in mixed company.”
“Qhuinn smiled, baring his fangs. ‘Has anyone ever shown you the difference between good touch and bad touch? ‘Cause I’d love to demonstrate. We could start right now.”
“You would have made a fine warrior, you know that?”
I am one. Death is my enemy.”
Yeah, it is, isn’t it.” God, it made such sense that he’d bonded with her. She was a fighter… like him. “Your scalpel’s your dagger.”
Yup.”
“V rolled the Aquafina bottle between his palms. “How long have you wanted to ask me the question? About the gay thing.”
“For a while.”
“Afraid of what I’d say?”
“Nope, because it doesn’t matter to me one way or the other. I’m tight with you whether you like males or females or both.”
V looked into his best friend’s eyes and realized… yeah, Butch wasn’t going to judge him. They were cool no matter what.
With a curse, V rubbed the center of his chest and blinked. He never cried but he felt as if he could at this moment.”
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Lover Revealed-J. R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lover Revealed
Following the same format as the previous installments, but no less fantastic.
This book is the story of Butch and Marissa.
My Man, Butch!
During my first read through of Dark Lover I didn’t really like Butch. He felt as an obstacle that Wrath and Beth had to overcome. I was able to fully appreciate how much I love Butch on subsequent rereads. He is tied for my favorite Brother. Butch never felt as if he fit in anywhere, even his own family. Finally, he is taken into the arms of the Brotherhood, but felt as if he was useless. We all have felt this way, as if we walk this Earth alone and that we add nothing to the greater good. Whether it is food, clothing, or even the roof over his head, it all belongs to the Brotherhood. Butch feels as a well loved pet, a bird in a gilded cage. The Omega, unknowingly, gives Butch a reason to live, while V. opens his arms and makes Butch his true brother. Lover Revealed may be the love story between Butch and Marissa, it also shows the bond between Butch and V. This bond is one of my favorite friendships, bromances. I will not go into detail with this to avoid spoilage. But, the bond *love story* rivals any other in the series.
Marissa!
I could relate to Marissa. I know that sounds odd under the circumstances. How could any of us relate to her, right? Well, I was married for a long time to someone I had been with since childhood only to realize it was all wrong. *Marissa to Wrath* I have a very loving, somewhat claustrophobic, family.*Havers* I have felt strength grow as I deal with my past. I have felt lost in what my place is in this world. I am hopeful to find love in the future. *Maybe there is a Butch for me* See, I can relate. Most people see Marissa as weak, subservient female. I love how she goes from meek to strong as she deals with what is thrown at her, while keeping to her traditions and values. Marissa is a good role model and a very interesting character. She made some mistakes along the way, but righted them. We forgive our male protagonists so easily, but hold our females to a higher standard.
POV Cast of Characters
Butch, Marissa, Vishous, John, Rehvenge, The Lessers. Flawless point of view change ups as usual. Hearing from the cast of characters creates an involved story that thoroughly engrosses the reader.
Parts that stuck out!
Anything JOHN MATTHEW *btw, my favorite brother*! The new recruits storyline. Butch and Vishous moment in the tomb. Rehvenge. All the interactions between all the Brothers.
Quotes
“That’s you,” Wrath said. You shall be called the Black Dagger warrior Dhestroyer, descended of Wrath son of Wrath.”
“But you’ll always be Butch to us,” Rhage cut in. “As well as hard-ass. Smart-ass. Royal pain in the ass. You know, whatever the situation calls for. I think as long as there’s an ASS in there, it’ll be accurate.”
“How about bASStard?” Z suggested.
“Nice. I feel that.”
“I liked you, cop. From the moment I met you. No… not the first moment. I wanted to kill you when I first met you. But then I liked you. A lot.”
“V?” Butch said. “Don’t leave, okay?”
“Never.” V brushed Butch’s hair back with a gesture so tender it was out of place coming from a male.”
Favorite scene of the entire series
Then it was V’s turn.
Vishous came up onto the dais, his eyes down. He accepted the silver glove from Z and slipped it over the black leather he already wore on his hand. Then he scored himself with a quick flash of the black blade and stared at the skull as his blood dripped down into the basin, joining the others’.
“My flesh,” he whispered.
He seemed to hesitate before turning to Butch. Then he pivoted and their eyes met. As candlelight flickered over V’s hard face and got caught in his diamond irises, Butch felt his breath get tight: At that moment, his roommate looked as powerful as a god… and maybe even as beautiful.
Vishous stepped in close and slid his hand from Butch’s shoulder to the back of his neck. “Your flesh,” V breathed. Then he paused, as if asking for something.
Without thinking, Butch tilted his chin up, aware that he was offering himself, aware that he… oh, fuck. He stopped his thoughts, completely weirded out by the vibe that had sprung up from God only knew where.
In slow motion Vishous’s dark head dropped down and there was a silken brush as his goatee moved against Butch’s throat. With delicious precision, V’s fangs pressed against the vein that ran up from Butch’s heart, then slowly, inexorably, punched through skin. Their chests merged.
Butch closed his eyes and absorbed the feel of it all, the warmth of their bodies so close, the way V’s hair felt soft on his jaw, the slide of a powerful male arm as it slipped around his waist. On their own accord, Butch’s hands left the pegs and came to rest on V’s hips, squeezing that hard flesh, bringing them together from head to foot. A tremor went through one of them. Or maybe… shit, it was more like they both shuddered.
And then it was done. Over with. Never to happen again.
Neither of them looked at the other as V broke away… and the parting was complete and irrevocable. A path that would not be walked. Ever.
V’s hand snapped back and then connected with Butch’s chest, the impact harder than all the others, even Rhage’s. As Butch choked from the force of the punch, Vishous turned away and rejoined the Brotherhood’s lineup.
“Thanks for putting me up for it… trahyner .” As V’s eyes flared, Butch said, “Yeah, I looked up what the word meant. ‘Beloved friend’ fits you perfect as far as I’m concerned.”
V flushed. Cleared his throat. “Good deal, cop. Good… deal.”
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Lover Revealed
Finally, My man, Butch. I love this book. Butch is tied for my favorite Brother. This story is unlike all the rest, Highly addictive and intoxicating. LOVE IT!
Quotes I love:
“That’s you,” Wrath said. You shall be called the Black Dagger warrior Dhestroyer, descended of Wrath son of Wrath.”
“But you’ll always be Butch to us,” Rhage cut in. “As well as hard-ass. Smart-ass. Royal pain in the ass. You know, whatever the situation calls for. I think as long as there’s an ASS in there, it’ll be accurate.”
“How about bASStard?” Z suggested.
“Nice. I feel that.”
“You’ve got some of me in you, cop.’ Wrath’s smile stuck around as he slid his glasses back on. ‘Course, I always knew you were a royal. Just didn’t think it went past the pain-in-the-ass-part is all.”
“Thanks for putting me up for it … trahyner.” As V’s eyes flared, Butch said, “Yeah, I looked up what the word meant. ‘Beloved Friend’ fits you perfect as far as I’m concerned.”
V Flushed. Cleared his throat. “Good Deal, cop. Good… deal.”
Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood #4)
4.28 · Lover Awakened-J. R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lover Awakened
Lover Awakened is one of my favorites of the series.
This story picks up where Lover Eternal left off. Bella is held captive by Mr.(David) O. and the race for the Brotherhood to locate her.
Zsadist, a former bloodslave who had been kidnapped from his family as an infant, is our male protagonist. I love Zsadist. I love being inside his messed up head. His internal dialogue is so raw and at times humorous. His conversations with “it” had me laughing, intrigued, and sometimes sad. I truly felt for the male. Usually when I read a asshole main character it annoys me. In this case, I gave Zsadist some slack. He deserves his self wallowing and self loathing after all he had been through. He is the first anorexic Vampire I have every read. Ward was highly original with that direction. The reader goes through a transformation with Zsadist as he changes and turns into the man he was meant to be.
Bella, although she did a stupid by not dematerializing away from Mr. O., she is forgiven. She is a strong character, who even though was awaiting rescue, she took care of herself. I enjoyed her playing with O.’s emotions. I also loved that she was strong enough to walk away from Zsadist, dignity intact. If she had begged to stay with him or continued to take his shit I would have thought less of her. She is strong, independent, dignified, and respected. I enjoyed being inside her mind.
There are multiple points of view in this book as well. As usual this was flawless thanks to the ingenuity of J. R. Ward. We delve inside the minds of: Zsadist, Bella, Butch, Phury, John Matthew, Rehvenge, and several lessers (O. & U.)This allows us a look into the characters, connecting the reader to them, and creating a flawless storyline flow. We see how it is to be a lesser and how they operate. We feel as if we, too, are a new recruit training to become a warrior. We learn of the Sympath and what it means to be one of them in hiding. We experience the story through the eyes of a human. And lastly, we feel as if we, too, are a Brother protecting our race.
Lover Awakened was a roller coaster ride of emotions. I found myself laughing with and at the characters, crying with them and for them, and experiencing their joy.
This installment weaves a complicated web of a story, all interconnecting, expanding, and creating a world that would be intriguing to dwell within.
Quotes
“I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came…and I was awakened.”
“He knew he was being overbearing as hell, but he couldn’t help it. He was a bonded male. With his pregnant female. There were few things on the planet more aggressive or dangerous. And those bastards were called hurricanes and tornadoes.”
Phury glanced at John and thought that sometimes it took only a hairbreadth between cars to avoid a mortal accident. Sometimes your whole life could hinge on a fraction of an inch. Or the beat of a nanosecond. Or the knock on a door. Kind of made a male believe in the divine.
This review and others are posted on: vkwickedreads.wordpress.com
Lover Awakened-currently reading…
This is tied for my favorite Black Dagger Brotherhood book!
Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood #3)
4.48 · Lover Eternal-J. R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lover Eternal is one of my favorite books in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J. R. Ward.
Rhage, aka, Hollywood, he is a gorgeous male that has to burn off his excess energy by fighting lessers and sexing up the ladies. His beast, a dragon like creature, comes out to play when his energy hits it’s maximum. The beast is a curse created by the Scribe Virgin as punishment and as a way to teach him to control his baser impulses. While Rhage appears to have it all, he is lonely and sick of the life he is leading. When he walks into a room all eyes focus on him, male and female alike. His Brothers think he basks in the attention, while secretly he abhors it.
Mary Luce volunteers at a suicide hotline. She used to be a therapist for the handicapped until her illness created her to resign. She is stalked by a caller who doesn’t speak to her, but calls at regular intervals. We find out that the mystery call is a boy named John Matthew. She befriends him. Her neighbor, Bella, visits and sees John Matthew’s homemade bracelet marking J. M. as a vampire, and not a civilian, one of the Brotherhood. This is how Mary becomes entangled with the Brotherhood and ultimately meets Rhage. Mary is a strong woman. I love that she is portrayed this way. She is dying of leukemia and instead of lying down and dying, she fights. She doesn’t back down in her beliefs and that is what I want in a heroine. This is what was lacking with the first heroine in the series, Beth. As Queen of the Vampires she wasn’t strong enough for me. Mary is made of Steel and I love and respect her for that.
Rhage and Mary’s first meeting was hilarious. The chemistry and uncomfortableness made it engrossing. Their first date was equally entertaining. I loved being in their presence. I loved their misunderstanding of one another and the strife this brought about. The pair are highly original and entertaining. The interaction between Mary and the beast was interesting. Watching Rhage struggle to come to terms with his other half also wanting his mate was entertaining.
The multiple point of view change ups in this book were flawless. Each change was perfectly timed and needed. We saw through the eyes of: Rhage, Mary, John Matthew, Bella, Butch, and Zsadist, as well as the lessers. The amount of characters voiced did not lessen the connection to the main characters. I felt an instant connection with the new voices and a feeling of comfort to hear the story through past characters. Ward is the Queen when it comes to multiple POV!
Another aspect that Ward shines at is the balance of emotions. This is a highly emotional book. The balance between humor and heartache is perfect. I cried with our characters, I laughed with them, and I truly felt them as if I were in their shoes.
While Zsadist is not new to us, his voice is. This gave us a look inside his soul in preparation for his novel, Lover Awakened, the next in the series. We also hear from Bella for the same reason. I love how it was written. It makes it so easy to delve into the next book without having to LEARN the characters voices, to get inside their head. It makes the next in the series a flawless continuation of this book. This book leaves threads unraveled that Lover Awakened starts right off with. Perfection.
As I’ve stated in the previous review, this is one of my favorite series for it’s entertainment value and re-readability.
There was one minor thing for me that sets up the next book. Bella running from the Lesser through the meadow back to her home and the safety of her underground bunker and tunnels. Why the hell didn’t she just Dematerialize back to her kitchen, then run downstairs? Why run across the field away from a human slow being when you can teleport? She is our next heroine, why is Ward making her an imbecile? Also, the place is wired like Fort Nox by her brother, Rhevenge. Why didn’t something notify him when the doors and windows were busted? He is over protecting and as she said on multiple occasions that he calls at dawn. So why didn’t he the morning of her abduction? I don’t like plot screw ups and this is huge for me. I understand that this is to set plans in motion for the next book. But, come on, you can do better then that, Ward. Some minor tweaks and this wouldn’t have been an issue.
I would like to mention that I adore how J. R. Ward represents women and how the Brothers see them. Respect, strength, independence. You don’t see this often and when you do you truly appreciate it!
Titles and Covers of the series
I also want to remark on the titles and covers of the series. I failed to do so for the first in the series, so I will do so now. When I first came upon this series as a Barnes and Noble recommendation I passed on it. The covers were very ROMANCY and not very original. I was into paranormal and fantasy genres and looking for something a little more hard hitting then books that had the word LOVER in the title. Looks can be deceiving. This is a hard hitting series. I do not think that the cover or the titles do it justice. I think that it turns many readers away. This was for the purpose of drawing in the mainstream romance crowd, but it accomplished pushing away the paranormal readers. I am slightly queasy about people thinking I’m reading a romance novel. I’m not as bad as I used to be, but three years ago I would rather pass romance by then read it. Many that I’ve spoken with had the same comments on this issue. It was word of mouth from other readers that had us devouring the series. This amazing hard hitting series needs a bad ass name and cover. It’s series name is the Black Dagger Brotherhood for goodness sakes. Give it some edge! & you will get some more adoring fans of these fine Brothers!
KickAss Quotes
“What is your name?” she murmured.
He cocked an eyebrow at her and then went back to staring at his brother. “I’m the evil one, in case you haven’t figured it out.”
“I wanted your name, not your calling.”
“Being a bastard’s more of a compulsion, really. And it’s Zsadist. I am Zsadist.”
“He wanted to give her another word to say, something like luscious or whisper or strawberry. Hell, antidisestablishmentarianism would do it.”
“It was the wife, John thought. And she was giving this tough guy a tongue-lashing. And the man was taking it.
“Okay. I love you. Bye.” Tohrment flipped the phone closed and put it in his pocket. When he focused on John again, he clearly respected his wife enough not to roll his eyes and make some macho, shithead comment about pesky women.”
“My name…my name is Mary. I’m here with a friend.’
Rhage stopped breathing. His heart skipped a beat and then slowed. “Say that again,’ he whispered.
‘Ah, my name is Mary Luce. I’m a friend of Bella’s…We came here with a boy, with John Mathew. We were invited.’
Rhage shivered, a balmy rush blooming out all over his skin. The musical lilt of her voice, the rhythm of her speech, the sound of her words, it all spread through him, calming him, comforting him. Chaining him sweetly.
He closed his eyes. ‘Say something else.’
‘What?’ she asked, baffled.’
‘Talk. Talk to me. I want to hear your voice.’
She was silent, and he was about to demand that she speak when she said, ‘You don’t look well. Do you need a doctor?’
He found himself swaying. The words didn’t matter. It was her sound: low, soft, a quiet brushing in his ears. He felt as if here being stroked on the inside of his skin.
‘More,’he said, twisting his palm around to the front of her neck so he could feel the vibrations in her throat better.
‘Could you…could you please let go of me?’
‘No.’ He brought his other arm up. She was wearing some kind of fleece, and he moved the collar aside, putting his hand on her shoulder so she couldn’t get away from him. ‘Talk.’
She started to struggle. ‘You’re crowding me.’
‘I know. Talk.’
‘Oh for God’s sake, what do you want me to say?’
Even exasperated, her voice was beautiful. ‘Anything.’
‘Fine. Get your hand off my throat and let me go or I’m going to knee you where it counts.’
He laughed. Then sank his lower body into her, trapping her with his thighs and hips. She stiffened against him, but he got an ample feel of her. She was built lean, though there was no doubt she was female. Her breasts hit his chest, her hips cushioned his, her stomach was soft.
‘Keep talking,’ he said in her ear. God, she smelled good. Clean. Fresh. Like lemon.
When she pushed against him, he leaned his full weight into her. Her breath came out in a rush.
‘Please,’ he murmured.
Her chest moved against his as if she were inhaling. ‘I…er, I have nothing to say. Except get off of me.’
He smiled, careful to keep his mouth closed. There was no sense showing off his fangs, especially if she didn’t know what he was. ‘So say that.’
‘What?’
‘Nothing. Say nothing. Over and over and over again. Do it.’
She bristled, the scent of fear replaced by a sharp spice, like fresh, pungent mint from a garden. She was annoyed now. ‘Say it.’
“Fine. Nothing. Nothing.’ Abruptly she laughed, and the sound shot right through to his spine, burning him. ‘Nothing, nothing. No-thing. No-thing. Noooooothing. There, is that good enough for you? Will you let me go now?”
This review and others are posted on: vkwickedreads.wordpress.com
Currently Reading~Lover Eternal
Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood #2)
4.38 · 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 ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin. Owned by this dark side, Rhage fears the time 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 reliant to Rhage’s protection. With a life-threatening curse of her own, Mary is not looking for love. She lost her faith in miracles years ago. But when Rhage’s intense animal 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…(less)
Caldwell, New York (United States)
Introduction to the BDB world
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dark Lover
Dark Lover is the first book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J. R. Ward. I have read this book 4 times so far. I will most likely continue to read it every year in preparation of the newest release in the series.
Dark Lover is actually my least favorite in the series. It could be that it is the first book, where you learn the world and mythology of a series. In this case, the world is amazing and easy to immerse yourself into, or, perhaps, it’s the couple. I have a hard time relating to Wrath, for obvious reasons. And while I love Beth, she is my least favorite female in the BDB universe.
What I love about this book, as well as the series as a whole, is Ward’s voice. Each of her characters are unique. Many book in the paranormal genre the main protagonists blend together and start to sound like one another. Ward’s point of view change ups are flawless. We hear from the male/female protagonists at just the right moment to truly feel them as a character. Also, we hear from others in their world to feel connected, this is especially important in future books. The enemy (Lessers) voices are also heard, giving an exciting take on the storyline.
Ward’s BDB world is inventive and original, an whole different take on the vampire culture. At times we have cliche moments, but their cheesy goodness is extremely entertaining. I adore how one single thread in book one connects to a larger picture in future books, amazing foreshadowing.
The conclusion of Dark Lover sets the series storyline premise, leaving it as not longer a book about a couple but about the salvation of a race. And this is how the series progresses, each book creating a more in depth vivid world.
This series holds me enthralled, engrossed, and as embarrassing to say, aroused. BDB is a thrill ride of a journey, it’s characters intriguing, the couples scorching.
The Black Dagger Brotherhood doesn’t top the Paranormal Romance Genre at #1, it creates it’s own genre and no one else makes that list. No other series has such a high re-readability. These books are a great investment, not only on price, in entertainment value. They will leave a lasting impression creating a craving to read them again and again.
This review and others are posted on: vkwickedreads.wordpress.com
v–v Comfort food for my soul~Cheesy goodness v–v
It’s that time of year again. In anticipation for the newest release of the Black Dagger Brotherhood I reread the series from the start, Dark lover. This was an excellent introduction to the series. It isn’t my favorite of the series, but it flows perfectly to allow the reader to learn the mythology and world the series dwells in. & who could resist the Blind King Wrath? No one, that’s who!
Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood #1)
4.26 · 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.(less)
