Review: Lover Revealed

Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, book 4) by J.R. Ward

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Edition Reviewed: Paperback
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Lover Revealed (4)

**Initial review from 2010.**

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...

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Review:

Quite a few fans of the series have told me that they hadn't been interested in Butch's story and that it was a disappointing read. The weakest entry into the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Either because there was too much side stories taking away from the "main couple", or they didn't like Butch and Marissa.

Um, hello! Butch was the only human male character in the series and I found him completely fascinating. For me Butch's official book was the one I had been dying of curiosity to read about. Not just because he was the only male human, but because he's been a favorite character of mine since book one. Butch and Marissa's tango consumed me from the first book. Even Butch's disturbing-endearing-hilarious stalking warmed my heart.

From the last book I was bleeding for Butch as he wants to be in the foray with his brothers. But he knows that he is still an outsider. It comes as no surprise that Butch would get a loop hole to become a vampire. In the end Butch has enough vamp blood in him to be “turned,” I was slightly disappointed by this my first go around. But I don't mind it so much now. Even if having a human as part of the group tickled my fancy. Maybe because the emotions and need for him to become part of the Brotherhood really hit me hard this time. Oh, and you won't believe who is blood line related to! Butch makes a great member of team blood suckers. Really.

Besides things aren't all hunky dory. At the beginning Butch goes through some scary shit. He's forever changed, but it also opens the door way for a new stage in the war between The Virgin Scribe and the Omega.

I'm getting a strong feeling that with this series a lot of the relationship issues are mainly due to the characters not communicating. A couple of times I got frustrated with Butch and Marissa when the thing that would have solved their issue was a quick sit and talk. What do I know, tension makes the drama! (AND miscommunications is the key ingredient to any dramatic/angst filled romance.)

Marissa is an interesting character. I feel like I should be annoyed with her. However, she embodies the issues that the glymera—AKA vampire society—has. This is old school sexist shit. The kind of stuff that makes my blood boil. Which makes Marissa such an amazing character. As she is forced away from the life that has repressed her. It's painful to realize how less she thinks of herself because of what society thinks she should be. I was moved as Marissa decides to do what she wants to do, and to make herself happy. Sure there were moments that I just wanted to bang my head against a wall. But then I realized this was the first steps of a rebirth for glymera and its sexist ways.

Lover Revealed touches on how bonded males aren't perfect, that domestic abuse is very much real in in vampire society. It's refreshing to see reality touch home here. Making these books legitimate and not so much some silly dark fantasy. Especially as it emphasized how easily women in the glymera are property with no true rights. I can't wait to read the later books to see women's rights transpire in the glymera. Especially concerning the Scribe Virgin.

As always Ward is fantastic at including side stories. John Mathew's side story was really engaging. The reader gets to follow him as his rage finally gets turned into grief at the lost of Tohrment leaving. He's getting closer to the transition and the brother's are trying to help guide him. Zsadist makes fantastic little appearances as he tries to “help” John out. It's kind of sad as John struggles to accept his muteness, and he sees it as a weakness. But I adore that he finally gets some friends. As the trio—John, Qhuinn, Blaylock—are not only one of my favorite storylines but characters. Rhev and his head of security make a very interesting story here and I'm ready for the dirt on sympaths already!

Mr. X has been reinstated as the head Fore-lesser and he's out to find a permanent way to end his undead life, he does not want to go back to the Omega. Mr. X was the very first lesser we were introduced to in Dark Lover. I really enjoyed his story as he tried to find the keys to a prophecy that would give one man the power to devour lessers and really kill them. The fact that an evil guy like Mr. X was trying so desperately to escape the “ultimate evil.” The irony was not lost on me. Though I truly felt sympathy for the poor guy.

Last time I found the story between Vishous and Butch “really interesting”. Well this time I was moved. Oh, my gosh. Bravo Ward. Bravo. Vishous comes to the conclusion that his feelings for Butch are deep. Not just Best Friend-I'd-Die-For deep. But I'd-sell-my-soul-to-protect-you deep. Love that knows no gender. What I love is that once Butch realizes it the truth doesn't faze him. On some level he's known all along. Not to mention after a certain scene in the last book. It's explored that if Marissa wasn't in the picture there could be something between the two. My heart broke. But I truly love Butch and Marissa together. Ward does a wonderful job showing this love triangle some compassion, and I'm thankful. I truly enjoyed it. It was handled with aplomb.

I'll be the first to admit that I had a lot of frustration with Marissa and Butch's love story. Though I realize because of who they are it makes perfect sense. (The inability to talk things out and just jumping to conclusions always annoys me.) Not to mention that Butch again has thoughts about how angry he'd be if Marissa was no longer a virgin. How he couldn't handle someone else feeding her even though he knows he can trust her. Otherwise this was a great story for Butch and I loved his backstory. Especially the family past. The whole side story of Mr. X was really fun as well as he tries to make the prophecy come true, and getting more details on the Omega was really interesting. As usual all the side stories are fantastic! It's one of my favorite things to see in PNR and I love that it continues throughout the series. This one was a little lighter then the others—well coming off of Zsadist's story it is—but it's still dark and edgy! Man am I looking forward to heralding changes in the future books.

Sexual Content: Humor, bedroom scenes, minor homosexual themes, and some other darker themes about rape. Also deals with domestic violence. A very realistic take on sex and losing one's virginity.

 
5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Dark Lover (1) Lover Eternal (2) Lover Awakened (3) Lover Revealed (4) Lover Unbound (5) Lover Enshrined (6) Lover Avenged (7) Lover Mine (8) Lover Unleashed (9) Lover Reborn (10) Lover at Last (11) The King (12) The Shadows (13) The Beast (14) The Chosen (15)	Dark Lover (1) Lover Eternal (2) Lover Awakened (3) Lover Revealed (4) Lover Unbound (5) Lover Enshrined (6) Lover Avenged (7) Lover Mine (8) Lover Unleashed (9) Lover Reborn (10) Lover at Last (11) The King (12) The Shadows (13) The Beast (14) The Chosen (15)	Dark Lover (1) Lover Eternal (2) Lover Awakened (3) Lover Revealed (4) Lover Unbound (5) Lover Enshrined (6) Lover Avenged (7) Lover Mine (8) Lover Unleashed (9) Lover Reborn (10) Lover at Last (11) The King (12) The Shadows (13) The Beast (14) The Chosen (15)

Review: Lover Awakened

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

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: Paperback
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Lover Awakened (3)

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 - 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 is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society.

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

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Review:

Strangely enough there's been a lot of Paranormal Romance titles that have had characters affected by sexual abuse. To be quite honest most of the time it feels like some kind of gimmick. Which I loath as sexual assault/abuse is a real issue affecting all sexes and I appreciate it when it's handled right. Where the story is impacted by the events and said events affect the character(s). Well, few books handle the issues quite like Lover Awakened. It delves into the psyche of not just sexual abuse, but mental abuse. Bravo.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood series can be over the top. WAY over the top. However, it handles its darker themes well. Zsadist's reality and pain was moving. Not to mention what was brought up in Lover Eternal about what happened to John Mathew and Butch's sister is also brought up. Showing the aftermath of the fresh events and long, and the loved ones affected by it as well as those it happened to.

To be honest a lot of PNR have tried to create the Zsadist character. Imitation is flattery, but no one can do it like Ward. At first glance he's a truely loathsome creature. Some readers will hate him right off the bat, others intrigued, and a majority will find themselves in love already. As Zsadist's past is revealed and Phury's I came to love both. But this is definitely Zsadist's book.

Bella is a great character. She's just the right amount of good girl mixed with a sensible rebellious nature. I enjoyed it when she stood up for herself and put Zsadist in his place. Then was able to connect with him and understand. She does heal him. I loved watching as Zsadist slowly started to bud with new life and then bloom. (Hey. Flower anthologies aren't just for girls.)

Phury has transcended from his pretty boy status. The love for his brother is amazing, and what he's willing to do to make sure that he heals and can be happy. It makes me wonder what it was and when that I started to dislike him! Because I love Phury! Butch's overall POV is amazing and I really love him. Up to this point I've loved Butch's pursuit of Marissa. Except when she's finally ready for him to call on her he wonders if she's still a virgin. Let me just say the way those thoughts crossed his mind made me want to cut Butch's balls off. What a jerk! (If Marissa took multiple lovers after she first met him that's fine. But the way he talked about the idea pissed me off. Not to mention that after his first blunder to come to these rude thoughts was crazy!)

Vishous has an interesting role in this story as well. Especially as he deals with drama from his visions. Leading to him and Butch having a very . . . interesting moment. Especially interesting after some awkward things between Phury, Butch, and Vishous in a big bed naked . . . yeah. Mind socks blown right? I love that John Mathew is a steady “side story” still. Which I hope continues, and I can confirm it does.

It's strange that a lot of readers find the lesser POVs to be so annoying. But I LOVE it! It's crazy watching these guys jockey for power. Not to mention that Mr. O is way off the deep end. (Oh, boy do I not pity him anymore.) But that's kind of what happens when you recruit the type of people needed to filll out the lesser job description. I can't remember if Mr. U pops up in later books, but I found his character interesting from Mr. X and Mr. O. He's a company man so to speak, been a lesser for ages. His background as a trapper interests me not to mention how he become a lesser. The Lesser Society is left in a lurch despite it's HUGE victory and I'm looking forward to watching the villains continue on.

Rehvenge is an interesting character. Not to mention all this hinting and teasing about him being a half sympath? What is a sympath? This is the first book that the idea of other elements beyond lessers and vampires is introduced or mentioned. Is there more? Or is a sympath a type of vampire? Besides being a sympath Rehvenge seems like the perfect choice to be a member of the Brotherhood.

Which is how to handle lessers. It bothers me that it seems more like the Brothers just go out and walk the streets and bump into them. Sure they found the center in the first book, but that was dumb luck. The lessers are actually hunting them and doing a way better job tracking than the Brotherhood. Not to mention that a lot of times I felt like the Brotherhood missed and just didn't make the smart choices to lure in the lessers. Heck Rehvenge makes a super stupid move that leads to tragic events. Not to mention why on earth the Brotherhood never thought that Mr. O would try to find Bella's family? I know their numbers are slim and the Brotherhood is trying to remedy that. Or how about getting the civilians to be smarter? Hmm?

This is a favorite in the series for BDB fans. Rereading it I have to say it's still true. It's a tragic read. Horrible things happen to beloved characters, and I love that it's tempered by hope and a beautiful HEA. At this point I feel like readers will know whether or not this series is for them. If you're thinking about just reading this one because it's a legendary PNR don't. Read the Black Dagger Brotherhood series in order. If the last book wasn't for you (how is that possible??) then I think this one will insure loyalty. Zsadist's story is still more than I could have hoped for, and even upon rereading it I feel stunned. Well done Ward. Well done.

Sexual Content: Some might find the affects of sexual abuse hard to swallow. Especially Zsadist's hang ups about it. Not to mention how he treats himself and his body. Even referring to his penis as "it:. There are dark themes people. Sexual humor and sex. Not to mention mental abuse. Zsadist rape and sexual abuse is flashbacked and the scenes are not skimped on.

 
5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Dark Lover (1) Lover Eternal (2) Lover Awakened (3) Lover Revealed (4) Lover Unbound (5) Lover Enshrined (6) Lover Avenged (7) Lover Mine (8) Lover Unleashed (9) Lover Reborn (10) Lover at Last (11) The King (12) The Shadows (13) The Beast (14) The Chosen (15)	Dark Lover (1) Lover Eternal (2) Lover Awakened (3) Lover Revealed (4) Lover Unbound (5) Lover Enshrined (6) Lover Avenged (7) Lover Mine (8) Lover Unleashed (9) Lover Reborn (10) Lover at Last (11) The King (12) The Shadows (13) The Beast (14) The Chosen (15)	Dark Lover (1) Lover Eternal (2) Lover Awakened (3) Lover Revealed (4) Lover Unbound (5) Lover Enshrined (6) Lover Avenged (7) Lover Mine (8) Lover Unleashed (9) Lover Reborn (10) Lover at Last (11) The King (12) The Shadows (13) The Beast (14) The Chosen (15)

Review: Lover Eternal

Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood, book 2) by J.R. Ward

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: Paperback
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Lover Eternal (2)

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

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Review:

Lover Eternal took me by surprise when I first read it. Rhage was the brother that I was least interested in and I was actually disappointed at the time that his book was next! So imagine my surprise when Mary and Rhage blew my mind socks. Not to mention that even after continuing with the series Mary and Rhage have remained one of my favorite couples. Any time they showed up in other books I'd become excited and fangirl squeal! As the years went on I wondered why they were my fave couple and if I had just become entranced by them because I had expected nothing from Rhage's story. Well after my reread it only solidified how much I adore Mary and Rhage. Why I love Rage!!!

Mary and Rhage have an epic love story. It's moving. Despite the fact that Rhage gets around. He sleeps with countless women to help take the edge off The Beast that lives within him. Afraid that it will hurt the ones he loves when it emerges. Rhage is complex, thoughtful, and totally in touch with his emotions. I love that he's willing to fight and go through so much with Mary. Not to mention he knows when to back off.

Mary is a warrior. The way Ward handles Mary's illness and the reality of the toll it takes is amazing. The feeding tube punctures and scares. Picc line scars and so on. As someone who has helped take care of those things I was moved. They're not mentioned again after Rhage initially sees them, but I enjoyed that Ward did not skip out on the reality of it. Not to mention the mindset and loss. The struggle and hopelessness of the situation. The fact that it takes a fighter to keep pushing and holding on to the hope of a someday. Mary is an amazing person and I love her dearly.

When Rhage and Mary are together my heart sings. Sure there where a few aspects that at first annoyed me. Like Mary getting her mind wiped, but Rhage immediately does something about it and doesn't waste time. As the two learn to trust in each other and to finely give in it's beautiful.

Not to mention that Lover Eternal has amazing side stories. Mr. O is one heck of a creepy villain. It was disturbing feeling pity for him. As he gave up his less then good human life to become a lesser. Mr. O makes one hell of complex villain. Not to mention that Zsadist's story is starting to fire up. John Mathew, one of my all time fave characters, is introduced and we get to follow him. That's what I've always loved about the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Not only do we get the couple's story, but other characters' stories. It adds so many layers to not only the complex world, but to the events happening. It's what makes BDB one of my all time fave PNR series. Oh, and Butch. I love that human.

In the end I'm pretty sure this will always be one of my favorite books in the series. Mary and Rhage will always be not only my favorite couple, but characters. They both stand on their own separately and then send my heart on a wild ride when they're together. Despite all the stereotypes out their Mary is unique. Few try to handle a character doomed by a horrible disease, or created someone quite like her. (Especially for the PNR genre.) Rhage has been mimicked many times. You know the playboy who can't be tamed. But Rhage is one of the originals and he isn't just a hot body. He has depth, a personality and sense of humor that I still adore to this day. The side stories are fabulous I love that it kicks off Zsadist and Bella's story, Butch as he finds his place among the Brotherhood, the journey of John, and keeps the world going outside of the bedroom scenes. This series handles dark themes and gore with the perfect balance of happiness and hope. It's one of the reasons I love it so much.

Sexual Content: Sex scenes, sexual humor, dark themes and memories of past events to characters.

 
5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Dark Lover (1) Lover Eternal (2) Lover Awakened (3) Lover Revealed (4) Lover Unbound (5) Lover Enshrined (6) Lover Avenged (7) Lover Mine (8) Lover Unleashed (9) Lover Reborn (10) Lover at Last (11) The King (12) The Shadows (13) The Beast (14) The Chosen (15)	Dark Lover (1) Lover Eternal (2) Lover Awakened (3) Lover Revealed (4) Lover Unbound (5) Lover Enshrined (6) Lover Avenged (7) Lover Mine (8) Lover Unleashed (9) Lover Reborn (10) Lover at Last (11) The King (12) The Shadows (13) The Beast (14) The Chosen (15)	Dark Lover (1) Lover Eternal (2) Lover Awakened (3) Lover Revealed (4) Lover Unbound (5) Lover Enshrined (6) Lover Avenged (7) Lover Mine (8) Lover Unleashed (9) Lover Reborn (10) Lover at Last (11) The King (12) The Shadows (13) The Beast (14) The Chosen (15)

Review: Dark Lover

Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, book 1) by J.R. Ward

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Edition Reviewed: Paperback
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Dark Lover (1)

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

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

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Review:

Dark Lover holds a very special place in my heart. It was on of the first Paranormal Romance titles that I actually went out and bought knowing it was a romance title. At that time I didn't think much of the romance genre. I had read a few Romantic Fantasy titles, and that was as far as I was willing to go. Then in my search for Urban Fantasy titles I stumbled across the Georgina Kincaid books, Night Huntress, and a few others that I enjoyed and realized where PNR titles. So I felt emboldened to venture into the foreign land of Paranormal Romance. After extensive research I decided that the Black Dagger Brotherhood was the place to start.

Oh, boy was I nervous. But it soon became apparent this was an Epic Paranormal Romance. The POV didn't just stay focused on the two leads. It changed between them and a multitude of fascinating characters. Not to mention the time spent with Mr. X, the evil villain of the Lesser Society. One thing I've always hated is an underdeveloped villain. I like to know what the bad guys are doing, what makes them tick, and such. Just like other aspects of great characters and a well developed world.

The slang is still something I have to get used to every time I pick up a BDB book, and I end up looking up a lot of the terms still. Even on this reread. But it helps to flesh out Ward's world and the characters. These legendary warriors of old are definitely modernized guys. Jamming out to rap and pop songs, embracing certain parts of the modern world. They're overly violent, but tenderly sweet. Sure it's unrealistic. There's some sexist issues that need to be addressed in later books. But that's kind of what the genre is about. But what I enjoyed is that while the males are alpha and they can say rude/stupid things they're not jerks. (Which seems to be what PNR leads have to be anymore. Jerks.)

I love that this book isn't just about the coupling of Beth and Wrath. There's a whole cast of side characters that are, well not really side characters. They're just as integrative as the couple of the book. Their stories are developing and I love that about this series. LOVE it. Not to mention that it helps to really flesh out the world. Give the couple of the book depth as we see them from other characters' perspectives.

This is still a unique take on vampires and I love how they don't prey upon humans. Oh, they can drink human blood and can be attracted to their blood. But to really survive they need the blood of a vampire of the opposite sex. Sun does hurt them, but watered down bloodlines can still go out into the sun. They can teleport! Use mind magic to light candles, close and lock doors, mind reading and wiping abilities, and basically move objects. (Which is a little hazy if that's a BDB trick or a vampire trick in general at this point.) Despite all those powers I enjoy that there are civilian vampires, who don't train as warriors and are basically “normal”. They are who the Brotherhood is protecting. Wrath is their King and while he isn't willing, it's nice that he eventually steps up. I enjoy that he doesn't want the role and that the weight of it is a responsibility that he truly understands. Will always strive to be worthy of. Thus starting a grand EPIC Paranormal Romance series.

Sexual Content: Sexual humor, dark themes are presented, almost rape, sexual abuse is talked about, and of course sex scenes.

 
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Dark Lover (1) Lover Eternal (2) Lover Awakened (3) Lover Revealed (4) Lover Unbound (5) Lover Enshrined (6) Lover Avenged (7) Lover Mine (8) Lover Unleashed (9) Lover Reborn (10) Lover at Last (11) The King (12) The Shadows (13) The Beast (14) The Chosen (15)	Dark Lover (1) Lover Eternal (2) Lover Awakened (3) Lover Revealed (4) Lover Unbound (5) Lover Enshrined (6) Lover Avenged (7) Lover Mine (8) Lover Unleashed (9) Lover Reborn (10) Lover at Last (11) The King (12) The Shadows (13) The Beast (14) The Chosen (15)	Dark Lover (1) Lover Eternal (2) Lover Awakened (3) Lover Revealed (4) Lover Unbound (5) Lover Enshrined (6) Lover Avenged (7) Lover Mine (8) Lover Unleashed (9) Lover Reborn (10) Lover at Last (11) The King (12) The Shadows (13) The Beast (14) The Chosen (15)

Review: Lover Revealed

Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward

Description:

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, Marissa, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. If he can't have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers...


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 but found by a miracle, the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back, though even her love may not be enough to save him...

Thoughts:

Quite a few fans of the series have told me that they hadn't been interested in Butch's story and that it would be a little disappointing to read it.

For me, Butch has been a character that I was dying of curiosity to read about. I wanted more background on him. Best of all, I wanted the scoop on Butch and Marissa hooking up! Butch was the only human male character in the series and I found him completely fascinating.

In the end Butch has enough vamp blood in him to be “turned,” I was slightly disappointed by this. The idea of a human in the Brotherhood really tickled my fancy, but it was till really fun to have Butch join the blood sucking club.

I'm getting a strong feeling that with this series a lot of the relationship issues are mainly due to the characters not communicating. A couple of times I got frustrated with Butch and Marissa when the thing that would have solved there issue was a quick sit and talk. What do I know, tension makes the drama!

As always Ward is fantastic at including side stories. John Mathew's side story was really engaging. The reader gets to follow him as his rage finally gets turned into grief at the lost of Tohrment leaving. He's getting closer to the transition and the borther's are trying to help guide him. Zsadist makes fantastic little appearances as he tries to “help” John out. It's kind of sad as John struggles to accept his muteness, and he sees it as a weakness.

Mr. X has been reinstated as the head Forelesser and he's out to find a permanent way to end his undead life, he does not want to go back to the Omega. Mr. X was the very first lesser we were introduced to in the first book, Dark Lover. I really enjoyed his story as he tried to find the keys to a prophecy that would give one man the power to devour lessers and really kill them. The fact that an evil guy like Mr. X was trying so desperately to escape the “ultimate evil.” The irony was not lost on me.

The story between Vishous and Butch was really interesting. They're really great friends, but Vishous starts to realize that his feeling for Butch may not be as “pure” as he thought. Ward does a fantastic job telling this development as well as them both moving on with it. I was a little leery at the prospect of Vishous getting a crush on Butch. But, I think I enjoyed it. ^_-

Bottom Line:

While this isn't the strongest love story in the series (come on, it's going to be hard after Bella and Zsadist) I really enjoyed Butch's story. His transition to vampire and the back story on him was fantastic! The whole side story of Mr. X was really fun as well as he tries to make the prophecy come true, and getting more details on the Omega was really interesting. As usual all the side stories are fantastic! It's one of my favorite things to see in PNR and I love that it continues through out the series. This one was a little lighter then the the others, but still dark enough to be edgy!

Sexual Content:

PNR, quite a few hot scenes!

5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession.