Lover Eternal - J.R. Ward

Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood #2) - J.R. Ward
Grade: Adult - PNR
Rating: 4/5 stars
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... (Description from Goodreads)

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It was easier to get into 'Lover Eternal'; I was aware of who the characters were and understood some of their backgrounds (although I'm starting to realise I only know the surface of their problems, there are a lot more issues hiding underneath).

I was afraid the series was going to be predictable: A damaged brother, a woman falling for a strange warrior in leather, lessers running around causing trouble and a happy ending. And while I have no problem with this, as the romance and action all differs slightly, and the text is easy enough to lose yourself in, even if it's predictable; I'm pleasantly surprised that there were twists in this book that made me think "Wow, didn't see that coming."

Rhage and Mary's struggle to be together is sometimes heartbreaking and super sexy the rest of the time. There are quite a few obstacles to overcome: Rhage's curse, the beast that explodes from within him whenever he's out of control, and Mary's returned cancer. But the two of them show how strength isn't just about how much weight you can lift; sometimes it's about how well you hold yourself together and fight for what you love, or I guess you could say who you love.

I love that the book doesn't just focus on Rhage and Mary, we see hints of future romances and trouble for the other brothers: Phury's celibacy, Tohr and Wellsie's potential child, Zsadist's fear of being touched and loved, Vishous's ability to see the future and Butch's obsession with Marissa. They've all got problems and I can't wait to get a chance to solve their issues.

I'm still not a fan of the lessers POVs, but at least in 'Lover Eternal' the main guy, Mr.O, was a lot more interesting than Mr.X from 'Dark Lover'; and it looks like we'll be seeing him again in the next book, so I guess I'll be prepared for his involvement in the story.


4/5 stars.
Kim.
Originally posted on Goodreads