Mine by J R Ward

Mine by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read -

Pages - 478

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

In this gripping finale of The Lair of the Wolven series, destiny and desire are at war in the Black Dagger Brotherhood World as a deadly male holds the key to Lydia Susi and Daniel Joseph’s future…

Lydia knows time is running out, Daniel’s terminal diagnosis has doomed her to grief, and she just wants to spend as much time as she can with him. When his doctor goes missing, however, their secret lab’s location is compromised and suddenly she is at war with an enemy she doesn’t understand.

As a former black ops soldier, Daniel is very familiar with the danger they’re in, and he’s determined to keep his beautiful wolven safe. This means he must turn to his former boss—and relying on a sympathy for anything is a worst-case scenario on a good day. But what choice does he have?

With Daniel’s sixth sense telling him there’s more to the kidnapping, he and Lydia must work with their allies to defend the underground facility. Little do they know that the sympathy has something even more valuable to offer them… but at what cost?


My Review

Guys I do enjoy the Blackdagger Brotherhood books and this is The Lair of the Wolven but we do have Blackdagger crossover. If you haven't read the previous two books STOP READING HERE as it will be a spoiler (as is the above blurb). So Daniel is terminal, his doctor has been kidnapped, their enemy is brutal, almost unstoppable but finally something solid Lydia can go head to head with, a physical albeit not human enemy. Daniel isn't the only one who is on a countdown, can the missing doctor save any of them?

I thought this book was a real slow burner and so much sorrow and sadness as Daniel becomes more frail, the disease gets more of a grip. The focus is quite heavy on that, Xhex and her brother are more featured in this one so I did find that interesting because she is such a great character.

I feel this book left us hanging with so many more questions than it answered AND some areas had more time (their issues with intimacy from a physical point of view and their passion) that I felt needed. Feel free to chin me but I so wanted more about Xhex her brother, the experimentation past of Xhex. Does her brother have his own book as maybe I have missed that and why I have so many questions.

Also the Wolven, ok we do get a bit of shapeshifting in this one but not as much as I would expect nor it adding a whole lot. I did like hearing from Lydia whilst she was in Wolf mode as even in movies/books we rarely get that side.

I felt this was almost a foundation building type book rather than a book three finale. Maybe once I have read all of the BlackDagger Brotherhood books stuff will become clearer. I liked this well enough I just find I have so so so many questions, 3/5.

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Crave by J R Ward

Crave by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 4 days

Pages - 454

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Seven deadly sins. Seven souls that must be saved. One more no-holds-barred battle between a fallen angel with a hardened heart and a demon with everything to lose.

Isaac Rothe is a black ops soldier with a dark past and a grim future. The target of an assassin, he finds himself behind bars, his fate in the hands of his gorgeous public defender Grier Childe. His hot attraction to her can only lead to trouble—and that's before Jim Heron tells him his soul is in danger. Caught up in a wicked game with the demon who shadows Jim, Isaac must decide whether the soldier in him can believe that true love is the ultimate weapon against evil.



My Review

Jim Heron is still coming to grips with his new found status, learning his "powers" and trying to do his best in the fight for souls to save humanity. With his helpers (Adrian & Eddie) they have their new target to save, Isaac Rothe, prev black ops and now fighting for money he finds himself jailed, a beautiful/powerful attorney assigned to him and being hunted by an assassin with heavy duty power behind them. Torn between his feelings and keeping her safe, Isaac tries to flee but his defender won't walk away, she is like a dog with a bone.

The book has so much going on, good vs evil, humanity, human weakness, evil, angels, she devil demon, Isaac being targeted by some serious professional bad guys but so much is connected. I think that is the thing with Ward, the writing is carved and designed to pull you in and even, dare I say, feel a bit of sadness for the baddy?

As with Ward's books there are adult spicy scenes so if you are new to the books fyi. We follow Jim and co trying to save the world with very little guidance and also get to hear from the evil one alongside Isaac as he tries to get through one day at a time. He has done and seen some badness in his time but Isaac isn't a bad guy.

I liked this one I didn't love it, I felt like I was missing a huge part, like are we going to see any of these souls/characters being fought for again? If not we are abruptly cut from their story, like stuff i really just getting going and then the book ends. There are a fair few of the books in this series but is it just each book is their story then done? If so I do feel a wee bit lacking. The tension between Isaac and Grier (his lawyer) is good, spicy if a bit I will, I won't I will I won't ish but still, I thought Isaac deserved a break. Matthias and Devina, hearing from them was good/riveting and would have liked more. Jim I hope we get more time spent on him because for being the chosen one he is still a bit in the dark about what he is able to do and not although his pals are a bit more versed in what they do. Defo still got questions but I did like it, just not love, 3.5/5.

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Claimed by J R Ward

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

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 509

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

A heart-pounding new series set in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world, with a scientist fighting to save the timber wolves—and getting caught in a deadly trap herself...

Lydia Susi is passionate about protecting wolves in their natural habitat. When a hotel chain develops a tract of land next to the preserve, Lydia is one of the most vocal opponents of the project—and becomes a target.

One night, a shadowy figure threatens Lydia’s life in the forest, and a new hire at the Wolf Study Project comes from out of nowhere to save her. Daniel Joseph is both mysterious, and someone she intrinsically wants to trust. But is he hiding something?

As the stakes get higher, and one of Lydia’s colleagues is murdered, she must decide how far she will go to protect the wolves. Then a shocking revelation about Daniel challenges Lydia’s reality in ways she could never have predicted. Some fates demand courage, others require even more, with no guarantees. Is she destined to have true love... or will a soul-shattering loss ruin her forever?


My Review

This is book one of a trilogy, Lydia is all about protecting the wolves in their natural environment and a new hotel/chain is putting everything at risk. Daniel, a drifter appears at the perfect time looking for a job. Someone has poisoned a wolf, money at the facility is low and Lydia will do just about anything for the wolves safety. Both Lydia and Daniel are mysterious and or aloof in their own way and it isn't long before sparks fly between the two and their attraction has more pull that what they are hiding.

So the book is from the Lair of the Wolven series and we have snippets of chapters going to the Blackdagger Brotherhood characters, specifically Xhex, dreams and freaking out, then back to Lydia with no seeming reason or cross over, I am hoping with book two we will have more clarity and info (I have book two and three at the ready).

There is murder, intrigue, dodgy behaviour, skulduggery, stalking and wolves of course. I would say it is a slow burner at times but when you get to the end it all comes together and absolutely needs book two to be read asap.

There is some spice, intrigue, wolfy interactions, secrets, danger and all is not what it seems, like even the folk Lydia has worked with and it being a small town there are secrets and reveals to be had. I am very much looking forward to book two and seeing what is next in store, a good foundation book setting up for the rest, 4/5.

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The Sinner by J R Ward

The Sinner by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days (in and out)

Pages - 512

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

A sinner’s only hope is true love in this passionate new novel in J.R. Ward’s #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series.

Syn has kept his side hustle as a mercenary a secret from the Black Dagger Brotherhood. When he takes another hit job, he not only crosses the path of the vampire race’s new enemy, but also that of a half-breed in danger of dying during her transition. Jo Early has no idea what her true nature is, and when a mysterious man appears out of the darkness, she is torn between their erotic connection and the sense that something is very wrong.

Fate anointed Butch O’Neal as the Dhestroyer, the fulfiller of the prophecy that foresees the end of the Omega. As the war with the Lessening Society comes to a head, Butch gets an unexpected ally in Syn. But can he trust the male—or is the warrior with the bad past a deadly complication?

With time running out, Jo gets swept up in the fighting and must join with Syn and the Brotherhood against true evil. In the end, will love true prevail...or was the prophecy wrong all along?


My Review

I don't really remember Syn too much in previous books but I do remember Jo Early, the reporter who with another co worker where trying to cover the vampires/destruction when the Lessers and vamps battled. Turns out Jo is a half breed and on the cusp on transition and Syn is brought into her life as a job and Syn has no idea what lies ahead for him. So Syn is a bit rogue, whilst him and his fighters have taken oath to the king he is still a bit nomad, a loner, wild, a killer. He has had a horrific past and not the best of relations with the other sex. We hear a bit about his past and know he is a hitman, man, woman it doesn't matter he is happy to take folk out. So when Jo comes into his path he is not ready for the impact she has on him nor what it can mean for him.

We also get an unexpected pop up from Covet, book one in another series by this author, I think I need to read the rest of them for fear of spoilers in the next in this series, plus I did enjoy that one. Butch features a wee bit more and I feel we haven't seen a whole lot of the Lessers nor the Omega in the last few so it was nice to get a bit more of that side from the series.

As usual there is graphic adult scenes of an adult nature so not for the easy to blush or quick to be mortified, this is book 18 so you should know by now what you are getting. The book has a glossary at the start which I think is a fantastic idea to keep up with the terminology, no matter how long you have been reading the series it is good to have them. Murder, love, friendships, a wee bit almost gaslighting, certainly I was a bit annoyed at some of the behaviours of some but from the beginning you know he has a dark/dangerous/aggressive side. Always nice to see progression from the stories and I think with this one Ward has injected a new lease of life into the series and look forward to seeing where it goes, 3.5/5 from me.

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Covet by J R Ward

Covet by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 5 days

Pages - 496

Publisher - Little brown & co

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

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


My Review

Book one in a new series, Jim Heron is a man with a past, he is now working at a construction site and after an encounter of the adult kind with a stunning woman and an accident Jim finds himself in the company of higher beings. He is now effectively a player in a game of life and death, good vs evil and Jim has been picked as the representative of good. Jim has had a very shady past, he has done some bad things but he has a moral compass so they feel he is a good choice. The other side has their own player and Jim has his work cut out trying to do what is asked of him.

Oooft we have angels, demons, dodgyness, chat of domestic violence, manipulation, lust, seduction, murder, spells, you name it. I think this is a good foundation book one in a six book series. Not for the easily offended, adult scenes (of an erotic nature), evil forces, murder, trying to influence over the deadly sins, one side wants the individual to choose bad, the other side to choose good and humanity/souls are the end game so everything that is anything is at risk.

I do enjoy Ward's writing and normally it is the Black Dagger Brotherhood series I read but thought I would give this a bash. The battle between good and evil is one we see in most genres and it is a formula done over and over but Ward writes in a way, with characters, you engage with and what to see where it goes and folk get their comeuppance. I am going to order book two, I can't wait to see where the story goes next, 3.5/5 for me this time.

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Where Winter Finds You by J R Ward

Where Winter Finds You by J.R. Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages -

Publisher -

Source -

Blurb from Goodreads

When Trez lost his beloved to a tragic death (The Shadows, Black Dagger Brotherhood #13), his soul was crushed and his destiny seemed relegated to suffering. But when he meets a mysterious female, he becomes convinced his true love has been reincarnated. Is he right? Or has his grief created a disastrous delusion?

Therese has come to Caldwell to escape a rift with her bloodline. The revelation that she was adopted and not born into her family shakes the foundations of her identity, and she is determined to make it on her own. Her attraction to Trez is not what she’s looking for, except the sexy Shadow proves to be undeniable.

Has fate provided a grieving widower with a second chance...or is Trez too blinded by the past to see the present for what it really is? In this sensual, arresting book full of the themes of redemption and self-discovery, two lost souls find themselves at a crossroads where the heart is the only compass that can be trusted...but that may require a courage that neither of them possesses.



My Review

If you are a fan of the Trez and Selena story then you will enjoy this book as we follow Trez whilst he is still wallowing in his grief and his meeting of Therese. She looks so much like Selena, they both feel a connection and we go from there. Therese popped up briefly at the end of one of the other books am sure and this is picking up from there. She has her own history and wanting to stand on her own two feet, Trez is a pull that she cannot ignore and it is absolutely mutual. She has no idea of his past and he is doing his best to deal with the attraction and grief.

The book may be a little tough in places if you have lost someone as you can feel the grief part hitting the emotionals. As with Ward's books there is of course erotic scenes of a graphic nature or as someone recently taught me the term after talking about this, gothic porn lmao.

Some of our faves from the Brotherhood appear, just little parts as the whole thing revolves around Trez and Therese, if you like the series you will enjoy this one too, 4/5 for me.

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The Saviour by J R Ward

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

Time taken to read -

Pages - 479

Publisher - Gallery books

Source - bought

Blurb from Goodreads

In the venerable history of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, only one male has ever been expelled—but Murhder’s insanity gave the Brothers no choice. Haunted by visions of a female he could not save, he nonetheless returns to Caldwell on a mission to right the wrong that ruined him. However, he is not prepared for what he must face in his quest for redemption.

Dr. Sarah Watkins, researcher at a biomedical firm, is struggling with the loss of her fellow scientist fiancé. When the FBI starts asking about his death, she questions what really happened and soon learns the terrible truth: Her firm is conducting inhumane experiments in secret and the man she thought she knew and loved was involved in the torture.

As Murhder and Sarah’s destinies become irrevocably entwined, desire ignites between them. But can they forge a future that spans the divide separating the two species? And as a new foe emerges in the war against the vampires, will Murhder return to his Brothers... or resume his lonely existence forevermore?



My Review

So this is book 17 in the series, you don't have to have read all the previous ones however it does help as there is so much going on and back stories with the characters. We had seen Murhder referred to previously, he is no longer in the brotherhood and had some problems with his mental health but we don't know everything just he has a history with Xhex John's good lady. Introducing Dr. Sarah Watkins, her partner died she flung herself into work and now that work has brought her into the way of danger and the path of the unthinkable........vampires.

This book gives us a lot of what we have come to expect, there is passion, erotica (graphic adult scenes so not for the easily offended), relationships, cross over of the human into the vampire circle. We learn more about Murhder's back story (did I say that I feel like I said that). There is an interesting look at the cruelty of humans, study of vampires and we touched on this previously in another book in the series.

Love story, violence, family, history, vampires still battling the Lessers but from the previous book we know we also now have a new enemy. For this book, whilst I think this one took a wee bit to get into its groove it is a good part of the series and a few more bits filled in.

The way we rounded out I am looking forward to the next book that picks this thread up, sometimes the book brings in a new character to our established ones and hopefully book 18 picks up where we left this one off, 4/5 for me.

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The Chosen by J R Ward

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

Time taken to read - in and out over 3 days

Pages - 544

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Xcor, leader of the Band of Bastards, convicted of treason against the Blind King, is facing a brutal interrogation and torturous death at the hands of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Yet after a life marked by cruelty and evil deeds, he accepts his soldier’s fate, his sole regret the loss of a sacred female who was never his: the Chosen Layla.

Layla alone knows the truth that will save Xcor’s life. But revealing his sacrifice and his hidden heritage will expose them both and destroy everything Layla holds dear—even her role of mother to her precious young. Torn between love and loyalty, she must summon the courage to stand up against the only family she has for the only man she will ever love. Yet even if Xcor is somehow granted a reprieve, he and Layla would have to confront a graver challenge: bridging the chasm that divides their worlds without paving the way for a future of even greater war, desolation, and death.

As a dangerous old enemy returns to Caldwell, and the identity of a new deity is revealed, nothing is certain or safe in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, not even true love... or destinies that have long seemed set in stone.



My Review

So I missed this book and read the one after so was going back however the books focus on certain characters and the one I read didn't have any impact from missing this. Book 15, we know Layla and Xcor's history was going to come crashing down at some point, we knew it would be fiery, I don't think anyone appreciated just how implosive it would be.

There is so much history between The Blackdagger Brotherhood & Xcor's band so I don't think anyone could have foreseen where it was headed. Now these books are always adult themed and have erotica with graphic scenes and body fluids galore. However this book actually, I felt, had much more focus on storyline, development of the characters, a lot of things I had been looking for closure or development from previous books/threads came to fruition. There is still romance, erotica and all that jazz but much more action this book round and sometimes I think you need it especially with so many characters. 4/5 for me this time, I have the next few of the series so hoping it won't be long before I get to the next installment.

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The Shadows by J R Ward

The Shadows by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 4 days

Pages - 654

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads


Trez “Latimer” doesn’t really exist. And not just because the identity was created so that a Shadow could function in the underbelly of the human world. Sold by his parents to the Queen of the S’Hsibe as a child, Trez escaped the Territory and has been a pimp and an enforcer in Caldwell, NY for years- all the while on the run from a destiny of sexual servitude. He’s never had anyone he could totally rely on... except for his brother, iAm.

iAm’s sole goal has always been to keep his brother from self-destructing- and he knows he’s failed. It’s not until the Chosen Serena enters Trez’s life that the male begins to turn things around... but by then it’s too late. The pledge to mate the Queen’s daughter comes due and there is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no negotiating.

Trapped between his heart and a fate he never volunteered for, Trez must decide whether to endanger himself and others- or forever leave behind the female he’s in love with. But then an unimaginable tragedy strikes and changes everything. Staring out over an emotional abyss, Trez must find a reason to go on or risk losing himself and his soul forever. And iAm, in the name of brotherly love, is faced with making the ultimate sacrifice...



My Review


You can read this as a standalone but as it is book thirteen of a series you do miss a lot of the back story however each book focuses on a particular character or handful of characters. Trez and his brother iAm are an accepted part of the brotherhood, welcomed to their home, firm respected friendships. Trez is on the run from his *legacy* he was promised to the queen, for the Princess, Trez has never wanted that. Now time is running out and the Royal promise/agreement will be fulfilled.

Life is never straight forward in these books, Trez finally finds someone he loves, Selena (we met her before) but of course there is a huge something that stands in the way. Then fate intervenes and they are together but he has to fulfil his duties or die. His brother iAm is the oppose of Trez, he has never been with a woman and he looks out for Trez, will do anything for him. The royals have reached out and both men will feel the effects of the promise their parents made all those years ago.

As with the other books there is graphic sex and a ton of body fluids so not for the easy offended or mortified. We see Layla and her dilemma with Xcor, I get she feels she is doing the right thing but the danger she puts herself and her unborn, I was beyond exasperated with her at times. Rhage, I don't really know what happened to him in this book, even after finishing it, clearly something is coming and I feel this is setting the scene but he wasn't our normal Rhage and I don't know why.

For the books having romance throughout this book was a bit sad. Quinn's brother Luchas we see a bit more of him in this but again not a lot so I am wondering if he might get a book of his own coming?

I didn't love this book, I didn't hate it, I was left feeling a wee bit empty, maybe loss - I don't know. Usually you get a happy sigh in amongst a lot of danger and badness, I just felt this book had flashes of a lot of the characters and storylines but no real meat for any of them. Usually the book focuses on one person/couple and then you get scenes and bits with the others. I don't know/feel like we did with this one. There was a lot going on, 3/5 for me this time. The last quarter of the book picked up more for me but yeah not my fave of the series. I have the rest to read, most on my tbrm and I look forward to where the story goes but rooting for Layla to sort her crap out!

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Lover At Last by J R Ward

Lover at Last by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time take to read - 1 day

Pages - 608

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: it seems Qhuinn has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young. It’s hard for Blay to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. And Qhuinn needs to come to terms with some dark things before he can move forward…

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one.


My Review

If you haven't read the previous books I would suggest doing so before reading this as there are so many things relevant to that which has passed you really need the back story. Ward usually focuses on a particular couple or love story in the books which threads to a few other story lines. If you have read the previous you will know the back story with the guys Qhuinn and Blay, unrequited love but really good friends, feeling being denied/ignored/hurt. This book has a huge focus around the two as well as the back nods to XCOR and Layla. Layla and Qhuinn, Trez & IAm and Assail and Marisol (Marisol being a new introduction).

As with the previous books lots of graphic sex scenes, body fluids - a bit more fighting in this book although I noticed a huge absence in some of the characters as we are looking at different stories and characters so not a lot of the main Brotherhood. They are in it of course just not featured much as we focus on the duos mentioned above.

Some sad themes in this one, touching on loss, rejection, pregnancy & personal growth and acceptance as homosexuality features a wee bit more in this one. 3.5 for me this time, I have I think another six or seven on my tbrm and looking forward to seeing what is in store for the brotherhood and extended characters.

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Lover Reborn by J R Ward

Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 4 days

Pages - 572

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Ever since the death of his shellan, Tohrment has been unrecognizable from the vampire leader he once was. Physically emaciated and heartbroken beyond despair, he has been brought back to the Brotherhood by a self-serving fallen angel. Now, fighting once again with ruthless vengeance, he is unprepared to face a new kind of tragedy.

When Tohr begins to see his beloved in his dreams—trapped in a cold, isolated netherworld far from the peace and tranquillity of the Fade—he turns to the angel in hopes of saving the one he has lost. But because Lassiter tells him he must learn to love another to free his former mate, Tohr knows they are all doomed....

Except then a female with a shadowed history begins to get through to him. Against the backdrop of the raging war with the lessers, and with a new clan of vampires vying for the Blind King’s throne, Tohr struggles between the buried past and a very hot, passion-filled future…but can his heart let go and set all of them free?



My Review

Guys this is book 10 in the series and whilst I often say you can pick up and read as a standalone I would suggest having read the previous books in this case. The characters have so much back story that whilst some if referred to you will have lost so so much. Lassiter the angel is still hanging around after bringing Tohr back to the brothers. Tohr may be "living" a bit more but he still has a long way to go. We find that Lassiter isn't quite done with Tohr yet and Tohr coming to terms with his grief and moving on affects more than just Tohr. Xhex's mum, Noone is in this book and strikes an unlikely friendship with Tohr which will have bigger impact than either could have forseen.

There is so so much packed into this one, the usurper ?gang - not really sure what to call them, warriors? are getting ready to make their move against the Blackdagger boys. We see more development with John & Xhex, Quinn, Layla, Blay feature and flesh out a bit more in this one (I feel we may see a book on them soon).

If you are no stranger to Ward then you know the books feature violence, fighting (although the Lessers aren't in this one too much) and sex, body fluids and graphicness galore so not for the faint hearted! If you are invested in the series and characters I think you will enjoy this one and look forward to seeing were the story develops next. 3.5/5 for me this time, I have about another 6 of these waiting to be read. Erotica meets warriors, relationships, family, love, friendship, personal growth, same sex attraction, the list goes on. Tis a meaty read that has pretty much a bit of everything in it!

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Lover Avenged by J R Ward

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

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 527

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Gift from a friend

Blurb from Goodreads

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


My review

Book 7 in the series, by now I would advise reading the previous books but you could get away with reading it as a standalone but you miss so much that has passed. Rehvenge is the drug dealing (and allowing other trades to go on) in his nightclub. The club the Blackdagger Brotherhood frequent, Regvenge is a sympath, a sin eater and any and all should be reported and deported due to the threat they carry. Rehvenge's secret isn't known by many but some would seek to use him to further their own cause. Will Rehvenge's sympath side allow for the betrayal and aid the take down that would destroy the vampire society as we know it?

So each book tends to have a character focus, this one is Rehvenge although as with the other books we follow the storylines of some of our favourite and some of out hated characters. Rehvenge finally finds something to interest him than his making money, his club and having to allow his body to be used to keep a secret to protect others.

This book is woven with treachery, good vs bad, as always sex is throughout the book and some of the fall out of that. This book was a bit different from the others are we see the vampires face some of the health issues that humans face which I actually thought they were immune to. Some of our faves are pushed to the limited and have their strengths tested to the limit. I cannot wait to get to book 8 and see what is in store next for our characters and I feel things are set to get a lot darker, 4/5 for me this time. I have set about buying the rest of the series because I need to know.

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Lover Enshrined by J R Ward

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

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 560

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Gifted from a friend

Blurb from Goodreads

In this "frighteningly addictive" paranormal romance saga there's a war raging between vampires and their slayers. Here are the stories of a secret band of brothers like no other—six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. And now a dutiful twin must choose between two lives...

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

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



My Review

So this is book six, by now you know what you are getting, vampires - The brotherhood doing what they need to to keep their legacy alive and fight/kill the evil Lessers. Each book tends to focus on one specific person but all the others still feature, nip in and out and as always there is sex dottered throughout and body fluids. Phury had in the last book stepped up for his brother, he will be the Primale, the one to impregnate the chosen ones, to keep the species going. The Lessers have their own plan, the Omega has a secret weapon that will help sway the war against the vampires in their favour. The war continues, Phury is battling his inner demon, his love of the smoke, trying to do the right thing by himself, his promise, the race, something has to give.

So, I actually think this is my fave of the series so far, yes there is still all the raging physical side, sex, non stop sex drives of the vamps etc however I found this book had so much more story involved. Things that have been in the past books come to a head or are addressed, the story lines developed, shock turns and twists, I gasped out loud a few times and my poor o/h I kept telling him OMG guess what has happened now. Or right I think this is going to happen, oh no I hope this isn't going to cliff hanger, oh where is this going! I love when a book does this to you!

Plenty of developments, character growth and some of the things I didn't love in the previous book have been tackled in this one, fab! Normally when I finish a book from a series I genre switch, I actually am going to pick up book seven, the next in the series. I have had a bit of readers block and even though my mojo is coming back, normally I would read a book I am enjoying in 4-6 hours I am still taking days to get through a book. This has been much easier to sink into so I cannot wait to see what is next in store for these guys! Father Mine is book 6.5 and a novella next in the series, I cannot find it on Amazon (UK) and can't get it delivered from US. So book seven I think next for me. Normally I would say you can pick up just about any book and head in but due to all the things that have passed I would say read the previous ones so you get the jist and feel for all the characters and what has transpired. If sex, graphic sexual content, blood/violence isn't something you read then skip this series because whilst this book doesn't have as much as the previous books it still has quite a bit! 4.5/5 for me this time, also, a character has appeared in this book that I would like to read more about so I need to see her other series and see if it is a crossover or just a new character!

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Lover unbound by J R Ward

Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 5 days

Pages - 528

Publisher - Signet

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

The ruthless and brilliant brother Vishous possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of a human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time-until a destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that does not include her...

My Review

This is book 5 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, you absolutely could get away with starting with this book. Each book tends to focus on one particular member of the brotherhood, this time it is Vishous. Vishous can see the future but after everything that has happened (in the past books) his visions have stopped, he is angry and a bit destructive. Whilst out smashing the Lessers he is mortally wounded and taken to a human hospital. When the staff operate on him they don't recognise him for what he is but do see the anomalies compares to mortals anatomy. The surgeon, Jane, who saves his must be with him until he is healed and taken against her will. It isn't long before she cannot deny she has feeling and could Vishous finally be moving on from his unspeakable feelings for his friend?

The book gives us a few insights into Vishous's past, why he is the way he is, his family history and how he came into The Brotherhood. As with all the books there is sex but in this one, I felt there was more and dare I say more graphic scenes? Vishous has always been into darker, kinkier scene, control, dominance and no feelings involved. He finds a partner who can withstand his darker urges and then they part, so finding someone he cares about is a whole new ballgame for him and we see a new side to him.

We also hear more about some of the duties expected of the Brotherhood for their cause and those involved. Some of it is a bit uncomfortable to read because, without giving spoilers, the whole breeder and obedient side of the chosen ones for the purpose. Wasn't loving it although Phury and Vishous were really good when it came down to it but the whole submissive thing was a wee bit eek for me. Really good next chapter in the story though, learning more about them, their duties and what is expected of them. Each book gives new insight, fresh ideas and we see more of the members get ready for their transition. Looking forward to book 6 (on my tbrm) to see who is the next focus character and where it takes us, 3.5/5 for me this time.

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Lover Revealed by J R Ward

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

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 480

Publisher - Piatkus books

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

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...


My Review

Butch is human but still very much one of the Brothers inner circle, in lover with Marissa (vampire) and knows he has no chance. He helps the brothers hunt down the lessers (those who hunt and kill the vampires) and stuck in limbo between not having his own human crew but not a vampire either. When Butch is attacked brutally by the lessers and infected, it is touch and go if he will survive and the brothers need to find out what happened to him.

The book has as usual action, slaying of vampires and lessers, we follow Butch's progress as his illness takes its toll. His battle with his feelings with Marissa and back and forth between the two, when something seems to go good, something else falls apart.

If you are knew to the series this is book 4, I would suggest going back and reading the others as you get so much back story. If you are offended by sex, especially in graphic detail, the series may not be for you. There is a lot about the society, brotherhood, vamps/lessers but sex features throughout the series and pretty explicit/detailed in the scenes it pops up. 4/5 for me this time, I cannot wait to see what is next for the brotherhood, these books have been on my shelves for years so I have a lot of catching up to do. One other thing to mention, the book has terms that the reader won't have heard of, coined by the author, all the books I have read so far have helpfully had a glossary at the start which helps no end trying to figure out what is going on and who is who within the royalty terms.

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Lover Eternal by J R Ward

Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 2 days

Pages - 441

Publisher - Signet Novel

Source - Bought years ago

Blurb from Goodreads

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...


My Review

Rhage is one of the Brother hood, a vampire who is strong, aggressive, burns through human female lovers like a hungry person on an all you can eat buffet. He has to keep the monster at bay, cursed to literally have a huge beast burst from him if he gets too he up (kind like hulk but less green) and the women/sex help that. He forms no attachments and that is how he likes it, until he meets Mary. Mary is a human, been through more hardship than most and is such a caring a lovely soul. When Mary gets drawn into the vampires world she is in grave danger from their mortal enemies, The Lessening Society, trying to protect herself from her feelings and Rhage trying to keep her safe from harm the odds are against them.

So this is book two, you could pick this up and read as a standalone, I did (this is a reread) but I would suggest reading book one first so you get a better scope of the background. I really like Mary's character, she is so caring, selfless and brave, she has survived cancer, cared for her mother until death, volunteers for the most vulnerable in society and sees herself as a plain Jane. When Rhage can't leave her alone she is confused, standoffish but cannot deny her feelings but she won't admit them. Amongst the relationship stuff we have The Lessers trying to bump off the vampires, Rhage's inner monster, a dragon, that when unleashed puts anyone in the vicinity in danger of loosing their lives.

Action packed, some graphic sex scenes, romance, courting however some of the behaviours of the males is questionable, aggressive, rude, imposing, forceful however when they get up close the females swoon. That did irk me a wee bit but if we remember the old Christopher Lee vampire movies of that time just a look was enough to render a female swoony. We see a softer/vulnerable side of Rhage as him and Mary circle around their new "relationship". We flip between that, the violent clashes/fights with the Brotherhood and the Lessers although I found some of the pages on the Lessers slowed the pace down a wee bit of the story. I do want to learn more about the how and why of them and I think each book may focus on one particular warrior, book one was Wrath, two Rhage, three Zsadist so I am sure the rest of the books may follow suit. I have a fair few of them on my TBRM so will be reading the rest, also this book left me on a bit of a cliffhanger so I really need to know what happens next. 3.5/5 for me this time, each of the warriors are so different and with each book I have gleamed a bit more info on the origins and or Lessers so I look forward to getting my questions answered!

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Lover Awakened by J R Ward

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

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 448

Publisher - Signet

Source - Bought online (I think)

Blurb from Goodreads

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…



My Review

If you haven't read the previous books they are worth checking out for back stories and to avoid spoilers so stop reading here! Ok so if you have kept going and haven't read the previous books The Brotherhood are fierce vampire warriors and fight for their lives against the Lessers who are trying to wipe the vampires out. We ended book two with Bella being kidnapped and if she wasn't dead she would be soon. Bella was intrigued by Zsadist, the most feared and deadly of the brothers, vile to women, scarred, survivor being a blood slave and ruined inside and out. Now that Bella is gone the Brotherhood and Zsadist are in a desperate race against time to find and save Bella before she suffers the fate of so many vampires before her.

Right so, if you haven't read the books, the previous two focus mostly on one of the brothers although everyone gets a bit of a mention. This book is Zsadist, in the previous book he used women, was aggressive, rude, violent, ruthless and we know he had suffered in the past. This book lets the reader get into Zsadists past and start to understand why he is the way he is. We see a softer side as he struggles with how he treated Bella, how he is feeling now she is gone and how helpless he is to find her.

As with the previous books there is sex - graphic in parts, violence, murder, a bit more information on the Lesser society and how they operate. If you like the previous books you will like this one, I hated Zsadist in the last book, he was brutal, pushing the limits to be honest on consent and made a bit for uncomfortable reading . This book sees him go on a personal journey, confront demons and learn some painful life lessons. 4/5 for me this time, I have quite a few on my tbrm and look forward to learning more about the brothers and what comes next.

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Dark Lover by J R Ward

Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 393

Publisher - Penguin

Source - Amazon

Blurb from Goodreads

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.



My Review

The Black Dagger Brotherhood are six warriors who defend and protect their species, vampires! They are targeted by slayers, once human and now their sole purpose is to eradicate the vamps. The brotherhood don't think much of humans although each has their own issues, when something happens to one of their brothers their inner circle is shook and infiltrated in a way none of them seen coming and will change everything.

Wrath is their leader, a pure blood, respected and feared in equal measures. He has his own hangups from his past and that affects how he is now as an adult and a leader. When he has to take his friends daughter under his protection he is in for a rollercoaster of a ride. Everything is challenged, danger is at every turn and Wrath finds himself battling his own demons!

So I have read a lot of vampire books and seen tons of movies, this one flings a fresh take on them. Everything we thought we knew about vampires is turned around in this one. What they need to do to survive, how they interact with humans, their immortality, love, sex, food so much of it is different. I think this is a good opening book, I loved the banter between some of the characters, loyalty, bravery and the female characters. One irritated me for a good part of the book with her passiveness and having seemingly no strength of character. As the book progresses almost all of the characters grow and change or we get a bit more depth about who they are. I have almost all of the other books that follow this one. Certainly a foundation builder type of book and I look forward to the others and sure they will have more depth now we have the basics and a bit of character background, 3.5/5 for me this time.

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