After Moonrise - P.C Cast and Gena Showalter

After Moonrise by P.C. Cast and Gena Showalter
Grade: Adult PNR
Rating: 3.5/ 5 Stars (Averaged out to 3.5 stars)


Possessed by P.C. Cast

Being a psychic detective who can channel only negative emotions makes Kent Raef good at catching murderers, but bad at maintaining relationships. Then Lauren Wilcox arrives with a most intriguing case: her twin sister has been murdered and is communing with Lauren's spirit - and sharing her body. Raef's the only one who can track the killer and free the spirit. But soon he begins to wonder just which twin he wants to save...and why...

Haunted by Gena Showalter

Artist Aurora Harper is convinced she's witnessed a crime - a murder so brutal she's repressed the memories, only to paint the scene by the light of the moon. Now she needs her new neighbour, Detective Levi Reid, to help her track down the victim - and the killer. Levi's dealing with his own memory issues, but one thing he knows for sure: Harper is meant to be his, and nothing can take her away from him - not in this life...nor in death…
Description from Goodreads
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

After Moonrise is a company that deals with hauntings, possessions, and other supernatural mysteries. Their employees are not your normal detectives. They each have special "gifts" which allows them access to the other realm. They take on cases of unsolved murders, talking to the ghosts of the victim and their loved ones, as well as helping ghosts move on to the afterlife.

Possessed is the first book in the After Moonrise novel, and is written by PC Cast.

In Possessed, Kent Raef's world gets turned upside down when Lauren Wilcox enters his office at After Moonrise. Although the police suspects it was accidental, Lauren knows her twin sister was murdered. She knows this because Lauren's twin, Aubrey, is communicating with her. And that's not all. Aubrey is still being tortured by her murderer even after death. Kent must find a way to save both sisters from this killer before its too late.

I really liked the start of this novel. I thought it was pretty solid and a good lead in to what the novel is about. It was intriguing and I liked the idea of psychic detectives that use emotions to find "the bad guy". But where the storyline for the romance was taken, was just a bit too weird for me and I didn't like it. Paranormal Romance novels are my favourite genre. They are my go-to books and so, not liking the romance in this book has really disappointed me. Everything else though I really enjoyed.
3/5 stars

Haunted is the second book in the After Moonrise novel, and is written by Gena Showalter.

The book starts with us meeting Detective Levi Reid. He isn't exactly sure why he moved to his new residency, in the bad side of town, only that he experiences blackouts and one day found himself in his new place. He suspects these blackouts have something to do with being suspended from his work for attacking a suspect. But when his neighbour knocks on his door and asks for his help, all thoughts about his own problems vanish.
Aurora Harper thinks she's a witness to a brutal murder. The reason she only "thinks" this is because when she wakes in the morning it's to find herself with a paintbrush in her hand and a half finished painting of the brutal scene. Her best friend Lana (who works for After Moonrise) convinces her to talk to their neighbour, who is a "normal" detective, and ask for his help.

I really enjoyed this novel. It kept me guessing all the way and I was surprised with the way it ended. I also liked the romance. I'm a sucker for when two people from completely different upbringings get together. Aurora with her formal gowns and Levi with his foster homes couldn't be more different, and yet they are perfect for each other. Probably because Aurora, despite her upbringing, is no princess. I adored Aurora, she has spunk. And Levi is very alpha like, which is the perfect ingredient for a paranormal romance novel.
4/5 stars


Kerrie

Originally Posted on Goodreads

Angel's Flight - Nalini Singh

Angel's Flight (Guild Hunter Anthology) 
                                                      - Nalini Singh

Grade: Adult - PNR

Rating: 5/5 stars

In Angel’s Wolf a vampire becomes fascinated with the seductive angel who rules Louisiana. But all is not what it appears to be in her court.

In Angels’ Judgment a hunter must track one of her own gone bad, while surviving the deadly tests placed in her way by the archangels themselves. Unexpected backup comes from a stranger who might just be the most lethal threat of all...

Plus FIRST TIME IN PRINT

In Angels' Pawn a vampire hunter faces off against two rival factions and the angel manipulating them both, and a vampire whose help is not entirely selfless...

And NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED

In Angels’ Dance an angel trapped in the mountain stronghold of the Refuge finds herself under siege by a warrior angel from a martial court (Description from Goodreads)

~ * ~ * ~
Sometimes you read a book and all you want to do at the end of it is tell EVERYONE to read it. This is how I feel about every book in the Guild Hunter series, including this one. Angel's Flight holds 4 short stories set in the Guild Hunter world, focusing on those side characters that we all wanted to know a bit better.

The first was Ashwini and Janvier's story. To me, it felt more like a snippet into their lives than an actual short story. This is the beginning of their "flirting relationship" that gets described in other Guild Hunter books. I did like it but I just would have liked more. I would have liked to have seen their relationship develop even further. Perhaps there is still more to come.

The second story is one I have already read. Deacon and Sara's story. I loved this story. I love seeing these big alpha males falling head over heels in love. Theres lots of action but at the heart of it all is a beautiful love story.

Story three surprised me. It's about Noel, the vampire that was brutally attacked in book 2 of the series. Last we heard about him was from Raphael in book 3, who said he was transferred to Nirma's territory. This story takes place straight after the transfer. Noel is so broken and doesn't believe he could ever be "fixed" but as soon as he sees Nirma he starts to feel something.

I love that all of Nalini's characters (both male and female) have something that they are trying to overcome. They are all emotionally flawed. And always it's through love that they all begin to heal.

If I had to choose a favourite story in this novel, I'd have to say story 4- Jess and Galen's story, since we also see lots of Raphael and Bluebell in it. Set just after Raphael has become an archangel, this story shows us how the bonds of friendship were made between the seven. It was wonderful to see them so "young" and playful at times. Also, the love story in this was just beautiful. Galen so big and strong, and blunt but never felt the warmth of love, and Jess so small and fragile looking, with her own anxieties, but a fighter at heart. I feel like I know theses characters so much better now.

I was completely engaged in all the stories. Nalini Singh knows how to write hot paranormal romance. Now is the anxious wait for the next Guild Hunter book.


Kerrie
(Originally posted on Goodreads)

Lover Mine - J.R. Ward

Lover Mine (Black Dagger Botherhood #8)
                                                - J.R. Ward
Grade: Adult - PNR
Rating: 5/5 stars

The hot new novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood by the #1New York Times bestselling author

John Matthew has come a long way since he was found living among humans, his vampire nature unknown. Taken in by The Brotherhood, no one could guess what his true history was-or his true identity.

Xhex has long steeled herself against the attraction to John Matthew. Until fate intervenes and she discovers that love, like destiny, is inevitable.


~ * ~ *~

If you're a long time BDB reader, you would know that John Matthew has had a tough life and that doesn't really end with his own book. I was really looking forward to seeing John get his happy ending. 'Lover Mine' is definitely one of my favourites for this series. I loved seeing not only John's mind, but Xhex's too; and the action (both fighting and private time *wink**wink*) was amazing.

After finishing 'Lover Avenged' last week, I was desperate to jump into 'Lover Mine'. The previous book leaves us with a serious unresolved issue concerning Xhex and her future. I've become super attached to Xhex (it's really hard not to get that way); I never want to see her hurt again. I adored seeing her as more than just Rehv's security guard. I love her strength and her fears; she's not a gentle soul, but she's got good things going for her. The struggle to be accepted and to overcome her past is heart-warming.

We see relationships form and break in 'Lover Mine'; you can't help getting caught up in the drama, especially after so many books. The characters we follow are all so well known to us; they feel like friends. You don't want their actions to end up hurting someone you love *cough*QhuinnandBlay*cough* The unresolved issues only make me want to read the next book already.

I loved reading the flashback scenes about Darius and Tohr. If you haven't read the book yet, I'll tell you only one thing: There's more to these scenes than just seeing Darius again. I started to guess what they were about early on, and it wasn't hard to work out. They leave you feeling pretty satisfied in the end.

Despite loving this book, and despite how important it was to see everything that was happening, I cannot make myself enjoy the lessers POVS. Maybe I'm too desperate to find out about the Brothers and their females, but I don't find these scenes captivating enough, even with Lash being the main focus for 'Lover Mine' and with his story being so connected to John and Xhex's happen ending. It just doesn't interest me.

5/5 stars

Kim
(Originally posted on Goodreads)

Lover Avenged - J.R. Ward

Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood #7)
                                                        - J.R. Ward
Grade: Adult - PNR
Rating: 5/5 stars

J. R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood novels have introduced readers to a "different, creative, dark, violent, and flat-out amazing" (All About Romance)world. Now, as the vampire warriors defend their race against their slayers, one male's loyalty to the Brotherhood will be tested-and his dangerous mixed blood revealed...

Caldwell, New York, has long been the battleground for the vampires and their enemies, the Lessening Society. It's also where Rehvenge has staked out his turf as a drug lord and owner of a notorious night club that caters to the rich and heavily armed. His shadowy reputation is exactly why he's approached to kill Wrath, the Blind King and leader of the Brotherhood.

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. (Description from Goodreads)

~ * ~ * ~

'Lover Avenged' is my favourite Black Dagger Brotherhood book so far. I didn't think it was possible to love a book more than 'Lover Awakened' (because Z's transformation was insane), but I stand corrected. Rehvenge's book displayed so much emotion, heartache and hope. I just adored it.

Like all BDB books, we see the focus fall mainly on one male (Rehvenge) and one female (Ehelena). You know there's going to be a pattern. They meet early in the book, develop a relationship, face an unimaginable obstacle and come out on top in the end. You're probably wondering what makes this book better than the rest? Well, like I mentioned before, the emotion in 'Lover Avenged' is off the chart. I've never cried in a BDB book before, but Rehv's struggle to be the perfect male, even with his symphath side make you ache for him. I really enjoyed finding out more about his symphath history and seeing inside the colony was definitely a different experience. But I'm glad he got his happy ending; he definitely deserved it.

I've discovered that one of my favourite characters in this series is Xhex. I loved getting hints at her past, and she's had such a tough life. Her devotion to Rehv is insanely touching. There's never a doubt in my mind that they're anything more than friends, but knowing she'd do anything for him makes me sigh. We get a chance to see her vulnerability; there's more to her than the fighter-chick image she projects to the world.

I love that we see more than one story in each BDB book. I know we connect each book with one male and one female, but I really enjoy seeing the other stories just as much (unless it involves the lessers because they really don't interest me). What made 'Lover Avenged' a better book was seeing Wrath again, and not just small flashes as he's dealing with the Brothers, but an actual sub-plot that brought his role in the series to a new level. We get another look at Wrath and Beth's relationship - the connection that I've missed from them and wasn't seen much since 'Dark Lover' - and you fall in love with them all over again.

I still have a problem getting interested in the lessers. I find when they turn up in the book that I have to flip through the book to find out when the next vampire will turn up. I thought I was going to be more interested in them, because of Lash's involvement with the Lessening Society, but I was wrong. I just wanted to strangle him most of the time, or skip his parts. However, the lessers' role changed a lot in 'Lover Avenged'. There wasn't a lot of fighting and with Lash in charge there was a lot more planning for the future. I'm hoping I'll be a bit more interested in his role in the next book. I know he's going to be an important player.

'Lover Avenged' ended with a big "OMG!" moment, and I can't wait to dive straight into 'Lover Mine' and hope everything gets resolved soon.

5/5 stars


Kim
(Originally posted on Goodreads)

Hunt the Moon - Karen Chance

Hunt the Moon (Cassandra Palmer #5) - Karen Chance
Grade: Adult - PNR
Rating: 5/5 stars


Cassandra Palmer recently defeated a god, which you'd think would buy a girl a little time off. But it doesn't work that way when your job description is Pythia-the world's chief clairvoyant. Cassie is busier than ever, trying to learn about her power, preparing for her upcoming coronation, and figuring out her relationship with the enigmatic sexy master vampire, Mircea.

But someone doesn't want Cassie to become Pythia, and is willing to go to any lengths to make sure the coronation ceremony never happens- including attacking her mother before Cassie is even born. (Description from Goodreads)

~ * ~ * ~

Poor Cassie! There's always someone or something trying to kill her. The girl needs a holiday- stat! With that said, what an amazing book. I think Karen Chance's writing gets better and better with every book. She invites you into her crazy world and you just don't want to leave. Hunt the Moon has it all; plenty of 'hold on tight' action sequences, 'laugh out loud' moments, 'swoon-worthy' romance and revelations you never saw coming.

The writing flows effortlessly and is so witty that I was laughing out loud many times. I also found it hilarious how Cassie always seems to find herself in dangerous situations butt naked. I know the girl has clothes (she's always putting them on), but she seems to have trouble keeping them on. It makes for some really funny and embarrassing moments.

Now, what can I say about this love triangle Cassie finds herself in? I can count on one hand (with fingers to spare) how many love triangles where I've liked both guys. This series has been added to that very short list. Don't get me wrong- I am most definitely a Mircea girl, but this book focuses largely on Pritkin and Cassie's relationship, with Mircea only making brief appearances (but, oh what good appearances they are). And the thing is...Pritkin and Cassie have a beautiful relationship. If Mircea never existed, then I'd be all for Pritkin and Cassie. They have a rather real relationship. They care for each other, they piss each other off and they protect each other. As I said, I'd be all for them if it weren't for that sexy vamp.

I fell for Mircea when I first read Midnight's Daughter and I just want him to be happy. Mircea and Cassie's relationship is intense and passionate. I love this quote from him:
"It's beautiful, dulceata," he said, his tone awed. "Do you see? Beautiful".
"What is?"
"The snow. The night." His arms tightened. "You."

He is completely swoon-worthy. I think to be fair the next book needs to be Mircea's. I really missed him when he disappeared. Unfortunately, with the way this book ended (yes it end on a cliffy), well I don't think it will - but I can hope.

Not looking forward to the wait for the next book, but I can't wait to see what crazy situation Cassie finds herself in next. The girl has more lives than cats.

5/5 stars


Kerrie
(Originally posted on Goodreads)

Lover Enshrined - J.R. Ward

Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood #6) - J.R. Ward
Grade: Adult - PNR
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

In this "frighteningly addictive" paranormal romance sage 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.... (Description from Goodreads)


~ * ~ * ~

I struggled with 'Lover Enshrined'. Out of all the Brothers, Phury has always been my least favourite. I could never seem to connect with him and his attitude for most of the book didn't change my opinions. I found I was focusing more on the side stories than the main one, and that was what got me through this book.

In the previous book, Phury accepted the role of Primale, the number one male to mate with the Chosen (the women kept safe in the Scribe Virgin's sanctuary). And yet, despite taking the position to help one of the other Brothers, he does everything in his power to avoid the duties he has to perform; most notably 'mate' with Cormia, the Chosen who is assigned as his First Mate. Phury makes multiple mistakes throughout the book they left me uninterested in his journey. I understand the pattern of the series is to have a broken male Vampire in need of finding a way to heal and be better for himself; but the 'broken' nature of Phury didn't impress me at all and didn't inspire any emotions to follow his growth.

Cormia, thankfully, was slightly more interesting. Breaking free of her secluded lifestyle with the Chosen and becoming independent. Although slightly repetitive, as I feel like we saw this sort of journey with Marissa in book 4, it was still good to see her coming out of her shell and discovering technology in the human world.

I loved the side stories. John, Qhuinn and Blay have such a strong friendship. Although they also face a few intense moments throughout the book, it's hard not to smile when they have a chance to sit back and relax with each other. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in the next couple of books. And Rehvenge, he's got such a hidden history and I love the secrecy surrounding who his is and what he's doing with his like. I can't wait to dive into his book next.

The lessers reappear in this book. Any hope that we were free of them was lost. But J.R. Ward has set the scene for the next few books. We're not just fighting random lessers from now on. 'Lover Enshrined' creates a whole new game plan for the Lessoning Society; and I can only imagine how it'll cause trouble for the vampires.

3.5/5 stars


Kim
(Originally posted on Goodreads)

Lover Unbound - J.R. Ward

Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood #5) - J.R. Ward
Grade: Adult (PNR)
Rating: 4.5/5 stars


In Caldwell, New York, war rages between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Now the cold heart of a cunning predator will be warmed against its will...

Ruthless and brilliant, Vishous, son of the Bloodletter, possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a pretrans growing up in his father's war camp he was tormented and abused. 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 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 cannot include her... (Description from Goodreads)

~ * ~ * ~

Another sexy addition to the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and I enjoyed it heaps. You can't help loving the Brothers and wanting to see what happens in their lives. I'm really glad this is a series where you can spot patterns; you know there'll be one guy and one girl, and they'll end up happy at the end, but it's how they get there and how they interact with each other that makes each new story interesting.

Jane and Vishous are prefect for each other. Vishous tends to be tough on himself and tough on the women he is with; while Jane likes to be in control and doesn't let Vishous determine her actions. It makes their relationship really fun to watch unfold because Jane talks back and defies orders and loves completely.

I loved the flashbacks into V's life as a pretrans learning to read, discovering his new powers, getting tattooed. He's had a hard life, but it was interesting to see what occurred to get him to where he is today. I like that there were actual flashbacks and not just a recount from the Brother of his past like previous books. There's something special about seeing it as it happened, not just seeing it in passing comments.

I was shocked by the point of view changes in this book: No Lessers! I think I jumped with joy went I worked out I wouldn't have to read about the undead evil people fighting the brothers. Sure they were still in the story, but only for a few pages and never in great detail. My favourite kind of lesser

My only issue with the book was the relationship between Phury and Bella. I know they're supposed to be friends, especially since they were close when Bella and Zsadist were getting together and I understand that Phury's obsession with Bella had to be highlighted a bit to show his reasons for moving on in his own book (at least I hope he's moving on in his book next); but Bella continuously pushing herself into his life sort of annoyed me. I kept thinking, "You know he loves you and is trying to move on, give him some space woman!"

4.5/5 stars


Kim
Originally posted on Goodreads

Lover Revealed - J.R. Ward

Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood #4) -J.R. Ward
Grade: Adult- PNR
Rating: 5/5 stars

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. His heart belongs to a female vampire, Marissa, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. And if he can't have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers.

But 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, though even her love may not be enough to save him. (Description from Goodreads)


~ * ~ * ~

I put off reading ‘Lover Revealed’ for so long and I’m angry at myself for doing so. It was a really good story. I love Butch, he’s funny and sensitive and SUPER sexy, and I should have known his time in the spotlight would be just the same.

I love the relationship between Butch and Vishous. They’re two guys who really connect with each other. The Brotherhood seem to be friends, although sometimes they get very frustrated with one of more brothers; but Butch and V have formed a very strong brother-like bond (sometimes it hints at more, but I doubt it’ll actually go that way; especially when you see how much Butch loves Marissa). It’s interesting to watch them interact with each other.

I was really impressed with the way Marissa develops. She’s so innocent and sheltered, having only really had contact with Wrath for most of her life. I know her brother was around and she was active in the community, but she hadn’t really lived. You see her get past the social boundaries she’s so used to, and while I was annoyed at her a few times for trying to stop Butch from fighting, she really stepped up as a person.

I thought there were a heap of twists in the last book, but so much happens that I wasn't expecting in Butch’s book. They kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through the book. I kept trying to guess what would happen next and was desperate to find out how the story would end.

Despite how important the lessers are in ‘Lover Revealed’ they didn't annoy me as much as they have in the past. I don’t know if that’s because I'm accepting their role in the series more, or the fact that they weren’t in the story is much as in previous books; but either way I found them a lot easier to handle.

Really looking forward to Vishous’s book.
5/5 stars

Kim
Originally posted on Goodreads

Lover Awakened - J.R. Ward

Lover Awakened  (Black Dagger Brotherhood #3) - J.R. Ward
Grade: Adult - PNR
Rating: 5/5 stars

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… (Description from Goodreads)



~ * ~ * ~
I can honestly say I'm shocked by 'Lover Awakened'. So many things happened that I never could have imagined. I thought the previous book was good with its twist at the end, but 'Lover Awakened' topped that. While I managed to guess the paths of a few twists, some had my jaw hitting the floor. I'm so glad this series isn't as predictable as I originally thought it might be.

Zsadist has such a troubling past. I guess I should say Phury does too, as their lives as twins are so connected, it's hard to escape each other. I love seeing their past through flashbacks and watching them attempt to move on. There's more to the Brotherhood than their warrior facade.

I cannot believe how many heart breaking moments were in this book. I had to stop reading a few times, because I couldn't handle the pain. I hope there's a happier future set for some of the characters in the next books.

I think a reason why I liked Zsadist's book so much was partly because there wasn't as much lesser involvement as the previous two books. They were still in the novel and did have a pretty important role in helping the Brothers overcome the fear of being held captive (especially for Zsadist and Phury); but towards the end of the novel they moved out of the focus and it made the ending more enjoyable.

I am a little confused about the way 'Lover Awakened' ended. There was a lot of time jumping in the final pages and it made me wonder where the next book will pick up the story from. Will it being where the main story ended, or after the time jump?

Such a good story. I adore Zsadist and Bella.
5/5 stars.

Kim
Originally posted on Goodreads

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)

~ * ~ * ~ *
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

Dark Lover - J.R. Ward

Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood #1) - J.R. Ward
Grade: Adult - PNR
Rating: 4/5 Stars.

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. (Description from Goodreads.)

I read a lot of vampire books; it's not a surprise when I turn up with a new one. What does surprise me though is the way the 'vampire' myths and lore are constantly changing. I don't think I have ever read about similar vampires, not once, everyone is different. And that's true of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. 'Dark Lover' was an amazing start to the series, and I know I'm a few years late and I have friends who rave about the books so I shouldn't have been so shocked by how good it was, but I really did enjoy it.

The Vampires in 'Dark Lover' are not your typical stalk-the-night and prey-on-humans vampires. Sure they do need blood to live and can't come out in the sunlight - one step in those deadly rays and up in smokes - but their survival does not depend on human blood. A male vampire needs the occasional drink from a female vampire's blood to sustain himself (and visa versa for females). I found this concept really interesting. Vampires are paired (male-female) and live off each other; and are able to eat 'human' food like any normal person. Furthermore, they're not considered the 'undead'; that role goes to the lessers, a group of humans who have sold their souls for eternal life and promise to kill vampires. Complete role reversal, it's amazing.

I love Beth and Wrath. Beth, a half-human/half-vampire young woman about to go through the transition into full-vampire and Wrath, a Vampire King in denial of his abilities to lead the vampire population. An unlikely match, especially since most vampires don't consider human worthy beings; but so fun to see them get together. Beth breaks through Wrath's tough shell and Wrath helps her find who she really is.

What is awesome about 'Dark Lover' is that we meet the Black Dagger Brotherhood, the reason for the series’ creation. And I can honestly say I'm looking forward to meetings more of the brothers in future books. They're tough, sexy warriors with troubled lives. I'm really happy that they're letting Butch in too, he's pretty cool for a ex-cop human, sort of like an honorary member of the Brotherhood.

My biggest issue was with the changing POVs. I have no problem with third person stories and I didn't mind switching between Wrath, Beth, Butch...even Marissa. But when we followed Mr.X, a lesser who was out to get all vampires (especially the Brotherhood), I started to get bored. His POV didn't contribute much to the story. While he helped me understand what a lesser was and what they did, his role could have been left out. Occasionally I wanted to skip his scenes; I didn't, because I figured they were included for a reason, and it does make sense at the end; but it wasn't interesting. Luckily the rest of the book made up for it, and more.

4/5 Stars.

Kim.

Originally posted on Goodreads: Read review here