Review: The Shadows (Black Dagger Brotherhood #13) by J.R. Ward

The Shadows (Black Dagger Brotherhood #13) by J.R. Ward

Published March 31st 2015 by NAL

Two brothers bound by more than blood fight to change a brutal destiny in the heart-wrenching new novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood by #1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward.

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… 

Arlene's Thoughts

I’d like to note for the record what a good book friend I’m capable of being. I had no intention of reading The Shadows after touting how (1) I’m completely done with the BDB series, (2) J.R. Ward lost me several installments ago, (3) there’s nothing I find interesting in this world anymore, blah, blah, blah… So leave it to my favorite reading buddy who has a convincing, or rather determined should I say, way about her to get me to read something I didn’t have my radar on. You know who you are… ;)
Well it was no surprise that the flavor and style hasn’t changed from the last installments that have been major misses on Ward’s part. Unfortunately, The Shadows didn't keep my interest in the slightest. It’s a wonder I completed the book in its entirety, which didn’t involve me skimming or skipping any parts. No, I suffered through it completely.

I read all about Trez and Selena, which I’ll have to admit that their ending surprised me. I suffered through Rhage’s anxiety attacks, Assail and the Lessors drug fest, iAm’s search for a cure to Selena’s condition and the opening of the new BDB training center, which introduced us to Paradise. As I've said before, too many storylines shoved into one book. Too much going on and nothing that I was interested in.

I will say that for some reason the dialog and narrative in this book annoyed me quite a bit. All the acronyms and lingo made the story feel contrived, which didn’t add to the heavy nothingness that hung in the air.

As I’ve said before, I have no interest in continuing with this series despite Ward’s intention of rehashing all of the brother’s lives once again. My feeling is if you told their story once and you feel you need to tell it again, you clearly didn’t do something right the first time. Yes, that’s a blatant reference to the debacle that was Blay and Qhuinn’s story, but Ward had her chance and I’ve lost interest. Sorry to say…

2.5 Suns

Crystal's Thoughts:
I have given this series everything I have. I've looked past what Ward did to Jane, I've looked past the numerous storylines that take over the entire book and main couple, I've even grudgingly let go of Qhuay, but I can't do it anymore. This was my one last ditch effort to fall back into this series that I once loved and unfortunately it just showed me that I have to let it go.

So many things were wrong with this installment. I don't know if Ward has just lost her mojo or if she is taking this series in a new direction that just doesn't connect with but whatever the reason this book fell flat. What reasons did it fall flat you ask. From the top of my head I can tell you that the language she used which in past books I loved and thought was funny grated on my nerves, I had no connection to Trez & Selena, and the guys were WIMPS!

I'll start with the language. Ward has always had slang thrown in her books and at first it was fun because it wasn't over done. In The Shadows she must have had an expert sitting next to her because every other sentence it felt like she threw in slang words. At one point Wrath said scruued....Yeah it didn't fit. I'm okay with slang when it fits, but it was used way too much. And now that I am thinking about it maybe she used it to man up her men?? Which brings me to my next point...

The guys! WTH?! I remember reading these books and counting down the pages until I saw MINE! I remember thinking I have to wait 20 pages for a steamy scene?! That's too long! My goodness this book if I had to rate it on steam scale would be a negative 100. Okay well let me take that back because the Chosen sure sexed it up in this one. So much so that I felt uncomfortable and started wondering if maybe Ward gave the girls the testosterone! When Cormia came around she wasn't like this and I thought all Chosen were like her, a little timid, a little shy, and not very knowledgeable when it came to the opposite sex. Boy was I wrong. Selena could make even V blush I bet! Anywho back to my main point, the guys were so wimpy and emotional in this one. I just don't get what happened. I miss the MINE days and the selfish arsehole days *sigh*

Trez and Selena were another problem I had with this book which hello was about them so yep its a big problem. I was so psyched when I found out this book would be about the shadows. I have loved them from the beginning so I couldn't wait to dive in. Well what I wanted was not what I got. Basically Trez and Selena were an episode of the Bachelor with only one girl trying to win. Yes it was sad what eventually happened which I thought was unnecessary, but it didn't really bother me because I wasn't connected to either one of them. IAm storyline felt like Ward decided she needed some kind of HEA so she threw in a few minor changes and served a few things on a silver platter for her readers. Yeah not cool in my opinion and just made it all seem ridiculous.

Okay I'm done ranting. I could go on about the whole strange Shadow world that didn't really fit, or the Rhage situation that was a complete waste of time and made me want to scream GROW A PAIR, but I'll leave it and just say I am officially done. I don't need to see what happens with the BoB or the new recruits. I don't even need to see what happens with the angel. I'm just done.

1 sun..yes that's right 1 =/

Review: The King (Black Dagger Brotherhood #2) by J.R. Ward

The King (Black Dagger Brotherhood #12) by J.R. Ward
Published April 1st 2014 by Penguin Group (USA)

J.R. Ward's # 1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood continues as a royal bloodline is compromised by a grave threat to the throne.

Long live the King…


After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle--with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything--and everyone--at risk.

Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response--or the distance it creates between them.

The question is, will true love win out... or tortured legacy take over?

My Thoughts

I feel like I’ve said this before because I probably have, but once again… I’m getting close to calling it quits with JR Ward’s BDB series. Now I know I said I wouldn’t read this installment after the huge disappointment I experienced with Qhuinn and Bhlay in the previous book, but I fell for the hype and at the end of the day, I truly am a BDB fan on some sort of deep level.

However, as with most of the books that have come after the fifth or sixth installment in this series, I’ve completely lost interest in Ward’s secondary stories. They are just noise to me at this point and when I find myself skimming everything that’s not coming directly from the Brothers’ perspectives, I have to admit that a portion of this story has lost its appeal.

My favorite moments were between Beth and Wrath… of course. I even fell into the story when Wrath’s parents took the stage. I liked how it all played out between these main characters and if the story was a fraction of the size because it simply focused on just Wrath and Beth, I probably would have given it closer to five stars.

I won’t even waste my time speculating about why Ward ignored Qhuay in this installment, so I’ll chalk it up to her not being a MM writer and maybe she needs time, research and writing practice for that skill. I’ll leave it at that…

As for Sola and Assail, simply stated… I didn’t care for them at all. For a while there, I thought Ward forgot she left Sola in the trunk of the car. Assail had some bad habits I don’t care reading about, so in the end, I skimmed over their portions.

iAm, Trez and Selena were of mild interest to me, but I really don’t get how the Shadows fit into the BDB world. At the end of the day, they seem to just take up space in the book.

I’m so confused about John Matthews. Is he Beth’s brother? Her reincarnated father? What did I miss?

Zcor and Layla’s part could have been summed up in a short paragraph and the fact that he gives up on the quest for the thrown so easily left me baffled. Overall, I really don’t care what happens to these two.

I still feel resentful every time Jane makes an appearance. I stand firm on my opinion that her ghostly form just doesn’t work. She can patch up a million injuries and deliver a thousand vampire babies, but she still won’t make it on my list of characters I care about. Ward messed up her story the first time and she should just let her go!

Overall, the jury is still out as to whether I’ll invest in unlucky book 13. At a point where I only care about Qhuay and Rhage, chances are I might not crack that book open, but we’ll see. Stranger things have happened.

3 Suns

Black Dagger Brotherhood Part 3: Upcoming Release & Giveaway

This marks our third week of spotlighting J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series. So, for those of you anxiously awaiting March 26th, 2013 which is when we'll FINALLY be getting the long anticipated Qhuay book Lover At Last, here are our reviews of the last four books in the series as a recap.

So enjoy the reviews and be sure to check back next week when we announce the winner for our giveaway of Lover at Last.

Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood #7) by J.R. Ward
Published April 28th 2009 by NAL Hardcover

My Thoughts

As much as this was one of my favorite covers of the entire series, I have to admit Lover Avenged didn't rank highest on my list. I did come to really like Rehvenge and Ehlena. After everything they went through, they proved to be a perfect match.

What I did enjoy about this book was getting a chance to see Wrath and Beth come to the forefront of the story once again. They seemed to have played minor secondary roles since their story, so it was great to revisit these two characters.

Overall, this book continued to cement my addiction to this series. I feel Ward's story just gets better and better, overall, with each installment. Every character that shares their story seems to add substance to the overall adventure. Great installment!

4 Suns

Lover Mine (Black Dagger Brotherhood #8) by J.R. Ward

Published April 27th 2010 by NAL

My Thoughts
Yes, I would hold you up. I will always hold you up and hold you dear, lover mine. - JM

Okay, I can easily commit this review to a snarkfest of molecular vampiric experimenting, but at the end of the day, it’s not deserving of that. I really enjoyed Lover Mine. Maybe because I’ve been waiting for John Matthew’s book since the very beginning and finally having read his story, I have to say it’s my favorite.

John Matthew and Xhex are a great pair. They are both strong and extremely flawed. J.R. Ward writes some pretty good female characters and Xhex is at the top of the list of my faves.

Overall I really, I loved the twists and turns, and most importantly the final outcome for John Matthew and Xhex. It was entertaining to read about Wrath and Payne’s sparring scenes and as always I’m waiting for that moment between Qhuinn and Blay. Kinda bummed it didn’t happen in this book. I’m still holding out that it will. ((wink))

The cliffy at the end with regards to Payne was flawlessly executed and I can’t wait to read her story when it’s released. So far, my fave BDB book.

5 Suns

Lover Unleashed (Black Dagger Brotherhood #9) by J.R. Ward

Published March 29th 2011 by NAL Hardcover

My Thoughts
Well it definitely felt like a long wait for this anticipated series installment of BDB and Lover Unleashed didn’t disappoint. We don’t get too see all of the brothers in their badass glory, but those that we do have a chance to run into, there are definitely sparks and high action. Very entertaining and fast paced from beginning to end.

This installment is told in equal measure for both Payne and Vishous. This set of twins, daughter and son of the Scribe V!rgin and Bloodletter, struggle to define their relationship with each other has they’ve been kept separated for centuries. Payne has know of V’s existence and has even put her safety on the line to protect her brother from the cruelty of their father. Her final act led to her punishment of seclusion for over two centuries. When she’s brought into the world of the brotherhood it’s because she’s suffered a grave injury, accidental as it may be, from their king Wrath. She’s brought into the brotherhood compound and put in the hands of a human healer to save her life. There begins the struggles to become a part of this world and her brother’s life.

I loved Payne and Manny’s relationship. They definitely kept me at the edge of my book sheet. When we met Manny in book five, I was hoping he’d be brought back into the storyline somehow and Ward did a great job weaving him into the brotherhood. There were a few moments of convenience that I had to just take it for what it was worth, but overall, these two deserve their happy ending and I was satisfied with the choices they made for each other. Not everyone has to be a vamp in this story, so I liked that.

Wow! I have no words for what happened to V in this book. The pain and struggle he went through were definitely heartbreaking and the way Butch pulled through for him… well let’s just say… besides admitting that I like those two together… other than that… I have no words. O.O

Overall I really enjoyed this installment. There were mouth dropping moments, drool worthy scenes, and heart pumping action. Everything I’ve come to expect from Ward, so the only reason I’m removing one star is as a foot stomping tantrum for the Qhuay moment that didn’t happen. COME.ON.WARD!!! Just make it happen and you’ll have a ton of happy fans!! Do it already!! We’ve waited too long. Gah!

4 Suns

Lover Reborn (Black Dagger Brotherhood #10) by J.R. Ward

Published March 27th 2012 by NAL

My Thoughts
Chance is unfair by definition, and random...

Our future has come...

Wow! ~rubs face and shakes with emotion~ Just… wow!

The most angsty BDB book to date and that’s saying a lot!

So let me just start by sharing that when I heard the tenth installment of the Black Dagger Brotherhood was going to be dedicated to Torh, my excitement level for Lover Reborn was pretty minimal. I felt Torh had his moment, experienced his tragedy, and fell into a cesspit of despair that I didn’t want to experience for more than a few paragraphs.

So it was with a bit of reservation for Torh and a ton of anticipation for Qhuay… yes Qhuay… that I picked up this latest installment. I felt going in that I’d do a ton of skimming and just use my search feature on my Nook for Qhuay… just Qhuay… nothing else but a moment or two of Qhuay. Right? I don’t think I was the only one, so I’m not blushing too much admitting that little bit.

Anywho, let me tell you… HOLY! HYPOXIA! BATMAN! was I ever wrong!

I don’t think I’ve felt this strongly about a BDB brother since Rhage convinced me not to give up on this series. Torh’s journey in this book is filled with a heavy serving of pain, and ample amount of hope and carefully measured happiness in the smallest of doses. Everything he shares with us in this book, every word, every action had me either on the verge of hysterical tears or skeptical happiness.

There were so many moments that are branded in my brain, but I have to just share one that really stood out to me. See I have a hang-up when it comes to books and characters and it all revolves around names… I love nicknames, I love endearments and I have to know the characters’ names in the story up front for me to feel grounded and set for the adventure. So when Torh encounters No’One, I thought OH HALE NO! I can’t enjoy this story calling someone by the name No’One and I’ll admit now that I skipped ahead to find out what her real name was or would be. Well, there was this scene when Torh and No’One she share a moment where there’s no turning back, and he tells No'One her:

"Autumn is my favorite season of the year,” he said after a time. “It’s not that I’m chicking out or anything…. But I like the leaves when they turn red and orange. They’re beautiful in the moonlight, but more to the point, it’s an important transformation. The green of spring and the summer is just a shadow of the trees’ true identity, and all that color as the night grows cold is a miracle every stinking time it happens. It’s like they’re making up for the loss of the warmth with all their fire. I like… Autumn. You’re like that. You’re beautiful and you burn brightly – and it’s time for you to come out. So I say… Autumn.”

~lurves struck sigh~ So beautiful.

The journey for these two characters was pretty intense all the way through and there was one scene where I was just about to give up on them and call it quits. It’s like every time Torh made some progress, fate would step in and reshuffle the board for him and he said it best when he called fate “sadistic and endlessly inventive.” All so very emotional, but ultimately rewarding.

Lastly, I have to just say that I adored Lassiter in this book. That angel of darkness or light (your guess is as good as mine) stole so many moments of this show and really proved that he deserves his own book. I have a whole string of Lassitisms that I don’t want to forget. He was just that awesome.

Overall, one of the best so far and I canNOT wait to get my hands on book 11. Loved it!

5 Suns

Well those are our reviews of the entire series of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. As you can see, Crystal and I are absolutely HUGE fans of these books, and next week brings us the next installment that we have been pining for what feels like FOREVER!!  Don't forget to enter to win a copy of Lover at Last! We will be announcing the winner on the release date, so be sure to visit us on March 26th! Good luck!

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Black Dagger Brotherhood Part 2: Upcoming Release & Giveaway

Woohoo it is that time again to recap our favorite Brothers!!  Arlene was right in her previous post, this series is one of my favorites and I am bouncing more and more the close the 26th gets!!  This Wednesday I am giving recaps of the 4th-6th books.  And don't forget to check out our giveaway at the bottom!

Lover Revealed by J.R.Ward

Published March 6th, 2007 by Onyx

My Thoughts:

Wow just wow! I wasn't feeling this one until the end and boy was that an ending!
The series continues with Butch's story and he copes being a fragile human in a threatening vampire world. After being taken by the lessers and tortured in an indescribable way the brothers decide he definitely needs to be sidelined in any future fights. He feels like a "kept pet" and it is easy to see why. He doesn't work, is kept out of the fighting, has everything paid for him, and has no responsibility except for being at the brothers beck and call (which he doesn't mind, he just wants more fighting action). So, after the woman (who is a vampire) he wants seems to not want him he decides he can't live in this life anymore. Well when Vishous finds out he is leaving he starts looking into different plans of action and that is when the story really picks up! I don't want to spoil anything so I will just say that Butch's story turned into one of my favorites and I am very excited to see how his new role in the lesser war will affect everything. Also as a side note Vishous is one complicated brother and I can't wait to read his story next! 

4 Suns

Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward

Published on September 27th, 2007 by Signet

My Thoughts:

** spoiler alert **  

After much thought I agree with my fellow booker and I can't give this book more than 2 stars. My favorite female character thus far was decimated. I am still in shock that Ward chose to end this one like she did. I can't even give a summary of this one because the beginning and the end feel like two different books. In the beginning V and Jane were by far my favorite couple. V has his issues that is for sure and he is one crazy freak-o (thanks Arlene =)) but I don't think he deserved to have the love of his life become a ghost. Yes that is right by the end of this story Jane is nothing more than a ghost. Of course for some odd reason she can still have amazing sex and perform life changing surgeries. I just don't understand why Ward didn't bring her back to life if she was still going to have her be "normal". The only saving point for me was the blossoming friendship between V and Butch and John and Z.. I think these friendships are becoming amazing and I am excited to read more about them. On another good note the lessers were not a big part of this book. I am very appreciative for the break, the torture scenes were getting a bit much for me.  

2 Suns

 

Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward

Published on June 3rd, 2008 by Signet

My Thoughts:

** spoiler alert **  

I am giving this one 3 stars for the shock value and for the lost awaited return of one of my favorite characters. This one was a little slow for me. Some parts were great, but the story as a whole dragged on a little too much.
This one centers around Phury, the twin of Zadist. These two could not be more different. While Z displays all his raw anger, Phury hides his inside his mind where the "wizard" reminds him of how much of a failure he is. Phury always tries to do the right thing, rescuing Z and stepping up to be the Primale for starters, but no matter how hard he tries something always goes wrong and he blames himself. His addiction plays a huge role throughout the story as well. His story wasn't as strong as the previous ones as he wasn't phisycally abused, but it kept me interested for the most part.
Cormia was a nice touch to the story added as his first mate but ends up saving his life in more ways than one. I didn't connect with her right away like the previous women but she proved to be a worthy heroine in time. The one thing that bothered me was all the will they ever and the back and forth.
The shocking part was the Omegas son. I never expected Lash even though it makes perfect sense. I am a little scared as to how everything will play out. Lash is violent and just plain mean.
And my favorite part was Tohrment being brought back into the story! He is not healthy emotionally of physically but he is here hopefully to stay. We also got a new character that should put a nice spin on things seeing as Phury may not be fighting anymore.
Oh yeah and that whole Blay and Quinn scene, never saw that coming!

3 Suns

Okay so I know my review ratings give the impression that I am not a devoted fan of this series but I promise that after the 6th book things GET.GOOD and are DEFINITELY worth reading.  So if you are a BDB fanatic like us or if you are dying to know what all the fuss is about then don't forget to enter to win a copy of Lover at Last!  Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below!  Good luck!

 

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Black Dagger Brotherhood Part 1: Upcoming Release & Giveaway

There are a few of us on the Waves of Fiction team that are HUGE fans of J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series. So, for those of you that have been keeping up with the books, you'll know that March 2013 marks the EPIC month that we'll FINALLY be getting the long anticipated Qhuay book!! 

PURE EXCITEMENT!! 

So as we lead up to the release date, each week we'll be sharing mini reviews of the books and running a giveaway of Lover at Last. Check it out!

Lover at Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11) by J.R. Ward
Expected publication: March 26th 2013 by NAL Hardcover

About the book
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: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.

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.

Book Reviews for Black Dagger Brotherhood Series 1 - 3

Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood #1) by J.R. Ward
Published September 6th 2005 by Signet Eclipse

My Thoughts

Okay, I'll admit, rave reviews, everyone was reading them, so I was curious, just downright curious. There were parts that I found very interesting, such as the back stories, the vampire lore, plot and setting. But then, there were aspects of the story that I struggled with, mainly the Lesser's part in the plot.  As I continued with the series, that remained to be the case. I loved learning about each brother, but the lesser scenes were where I started to skim the story.

Overall, I liked Wrath and Beth's characters and it was nice to see Wrath's alpha male tendencies scale down toward Beth and turn into something more genuine at the end. My favorite part in the book has to be during Beth's transition. FINALLY a female vamp protagonist that isn't exempt from the harsh and painful transition of becoming a vamp. I was kind of hoping that the Scribe Virgin would show some sympathy on Wrath and help him with his visual affliction at the end, but it's nice to see an author who doesn't feel all her characters should be perfect.

Intriguing ending with the Darius situation that made me a little curious as to how that will all turn out. So I had decided in this book, that I would definitely continue with this series. Intriguing!!

3 Suns

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

Published March 7th 2006 by Signet

My Thoughts

This second installment in the BDB series was MUCH better than the first. Okay, yes, a guy with the name Rhage that wears leathers and shitkickers is not my normal pick for a fictional man lurves, but when the guy sports a tatt of a dragon out of control, you can’t help but stop and take notice!

I really liked Rhage in this book. Much, much more than Wrath from book one. Now grant it, he was a little shocking and somewhat skilled in areas other than taking down the lessers if you get my drift, but heck I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I read those scenes with interest.

What really got me was Rhage’s ability to be true to himself and Mary. He was honest and willing to let down his guard even when releasing his defenses left him hurt and angered. Great character development on the part of Rhage. Now Mary, with a name like that, you’d expect her middle name to be Sue… well no. Not by a LONG shot. She was flawed, not the best looking girl on the block and for most of the book the best you can hope for was that she'd beat the cancer card she was dealt. I loved her character and I loved her scenes with Rhage. Well done and quite steamy.

I continued to struggle with the lessers and omega scenes and dreaded when I’d come upon those chapters.

Overall, this book hooked me as a BDB fan and there was no stopping me. Loved it!

4 Suns

Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood #3) by J.R. Ward
Published September 5th 2006 by Signet

My Thoughts

I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came… and I was awakened. ~Z

Considering my preferred genres, I surprised myself with how much this series intrigued me and kept me reading about the Black Dagger Brotherhood. These books are definitely not for everyone, some scenes are graphic and others are quite cringe-worthy. But for me, there were aspects of the books that I really enjoy and which seemed to draw me in and capture my attention. Overall, I’ve become captivated by the paranormal world that JR Ward has created and the band of brothers that make up these books.

Lover Awakened shares the story of Zsadist and his is one that is much more dark and torturous than the other brothers. His past as a blood whore had me cringing as I read his back-story and after a few snippets of reading what he had gone through, I immediately had enough. But what kept me going was seeing how little by little Z began to drop his defenses and eventually heal from his past and foster a meaningful relationship with his brother Phury and shellan Bella.

As with the first two books, I really struggled with the lesser scenes and more so in this book because it involved the torturing of Bella who I really came to like quite a bit.

There were a few surprises and a signature cliffhanger that left me curious as to how this story would progress, but when it comes to Z, I liked his ending and how he eventual healed from the wounds of his past.

3.5 Suns

And now for the fun!! Waves of Fiction will be giving away a copy of Lover at Last (BDB #11) by J.R. Ward to one lucky Waves of Fiction follower. The winner will have a choice of either a hardback from The Book Depository or an eBook from either US Amazon or US Barnes & Noble. So if TBD ships to you or you can accept an eBook from Amazon or B&N be sure to enter to win this much anticipated book!

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