Archive for the ‘J.R. Ward’ Category

Lover Mine: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood
So I spent my entire weekend ignoring everyone and everything except for this book. I was hooked within the first few pages and could barely put it down. When I would walk away and *try* to get something productive done, I would find myself in a state of withdrawal…pretty much useless until I finished it.

I loved it! I loved how long it was, I loved how it seamlessly continued into the BDB world, I loved how there were four different stories going on at once, and I loved how J.R. Ward made us (and the characters) work to “get there”.

The author leads the readers through 4 (or is it 5?) stories, all interrelated to the characters in the book. While the main focus is John Matthew’s and Xhex’s story, the other narratives are just as prominent and relevant to the development of their world and affects the reader’s personal experience within their realm.

The author teases us…boy does she tease us. While you become wrapped up in a certain part of the story (and you will with most of the storylines in this one), she cuts you off just when you’re about to hit the “good part” and switches gears – somewhat frustrating, but the next chapter is always just as exciting or at least integral to the story as a whole. And you don’t have to wait too long to get back to the “good part” you were waiting for.

This book, while similar in style to her past installments, takes on a new perspective. While it characteristically reveals the daily lives and emotions of numerous characters at once, the author cleverly takes us back in time, in this one.

I have to tread carefully on my summary, because it is SO easy to give something away that would spoil something else. Every step of the way builds and builds, giving you insight, until it all collides into a grand revelation that will leave you stunned. While everything is pretty much “answered” in the end, you’ll be left with even more questions because of these revelations.

John Matthew (and all of the brothers) are desperately searching for Xhex. Fearing that she is dead, John Matthew devotes all of his energy into avenging the woman he truly loves (despite his impression that she doesn’t love him back).

Meanwhile, Xhex, alive and imprisoned by loathsome Lash, barely survives his nightly brutal physical and sexual assaults. I am relieved that these moments aren’t described in too much detail, but the image that is depicted is terrifying.

Lash’s delusional, sociopathic self is in full form in this book…

When you were the son of evil, there was little you couldn’t do, own, or kill, and yet her mortal self was an elusive trophy he could touch, but not put on his shelf.

This made her rare. This made her precious. This made him…love her.

Eventually, circumstances turn in Xhex’s favor. Lash is weakening and the powers required to imprison and hide Xhex (in plain view) are diminishing. As his powers abate, Xhex takes advantage of her one chance…but she is not completely out of trouble yet…

Her anger at Lash had been sustenance while she’d been jailed and abused, and she’d thought it would have kept her going outside as well. But the instant she’d made the call to Rehv, all her energy had drained out of her and left her nothing but a heartbeat. And not much of one at that.

Not waifish or weak in any sense, Xhex proved herself strong enough of wit, will and strength to hold her own against Lash. However her “humanity” eventually peeps through (ok ok…I know this is pushing it considering she is half vampire and half sympath but anyway…) let’s say… her “sense of self” can only handle so much abuse and mental anguish.

She felt sorry for the female who had been driven to such straits. Who had kept herself apart from all emotions.

The female had been born under a curse. The female had done evil and have evil done unto her. The female had hardened herself, her mind and her emotions becoming steel.

The female had been wrong about that locking down, that self containment.

It was not a case of strength, as she had always told herself.

It was strictly survival…and she simply couldn’t keep it up any longer.

As Xhex continues to struggle with her mental state, John Matthew witnesses her breakdown…

As she screamed and screamed, he vowed vengeance until his heart beat not blood, but the need for revenge.

And then Xhex took a series of big breaths. And a couple more.

“I think I’m done with that,” she said roughly.

I latched onto that whole part. It’s an amazingly descriptive yet distressing section. Despite her newfound “safety”, her will shatters, and she spirals downward reliving past tortures and emotional heartbreaks. This section is very honest, and you don’t just read about it, you experience it with her. In the past books, I enjoyed Xhex’s scenes, but didn’t actually like her (and thought she was all wrong for John Matthew). This book reveals her to be complicated and tough, yet very personal with a vulnerability I could finally connect to.

And while John Matthew and his crew have never failed to be entertaining, John Matthew’s self-indulgent brooding (even at the beginning of this book) was annoying. Yes yes…he had many reasons to brood, so of course he had the right, but I just didn’t wanna “hang out with him” when there were so many other brooding, yet less sullen Brothers to read about. To me, he was just a “kid”, and mostly acted like one.

It all changes somewhere in this book though. While he’s been a “man” in appearance for awhile now, he proves himself while appearing undaunted in the face of Xhex’s breakdown, and even more so in his realization and acceptance of other people’s distress (such as Tohr’s). Being forced to suddenly walk in Tohr’s shoes, so to speak, he learned a few very important things about life, and the unfairness of it, for everyone involved.

A sense of being observed had him lifting his head and looking over his shoulder. Tohr was on the far side of the door, standing in the office, staring out.

The two met each other’s stare and it was male to male, not elder to younger.

John was a different age now. And like so many things in this situation, there was no going back.

And a quick quote from one of many of my favorite moments between Xhex and JM:

Seemed like he’d lost his soul to her the very first time he’d laid eyes on her.

As he clicked off the light and she settled even closer to him, it felt like she was burrowing right into his cold heart and setting up shop, her banked fire thawing his soul out until he took the first honest-to-God deep breath in months.

So while we follow JM & Xhex on their path to self discovery and healing (and fighting – they are both warriors, lest we forget), the book continues to switch gears into different storylines, such as a T.V. production crew visiting a mansion to record a supposed “ghost” for a paranormal show. Huh? Wait- what??! Ghosts? Ok well that’s not a stretch considering Doc Jane, but…..ghosts? Really? And who are these humans we’ve never heard of before? Why are we following them around? And why, after so many of their sudden and somewhat irritating interruptions in MY book,  am I suddenly finding them endearing? It is quite perplexing considering they don’t seem to have anything to do with the Brothers, or even this series for that matter….Just wait, it’s pretty cool.

The book also opens with Darius’s induction into the Brotherhood, and his story continues intermittently, throughout. Wayyyyy back when (1600′s?)…when Wrath, Son of Wrath was just a prince, and Tohr, son of Hharm was also a young new recruit into the Brotherhood.

Experiencing Darius’s struggles as he becomes a warrior, and anguishing for Tohr as his father (also a Brother) disowns him…

Darius went over to the young male. That face…Dearest Virgin Scribe. The boy’s frozen gray face wasn’t sad. Wasn’t heartbroken. Wasn’t even ashamed.

His features were a veritable death mask.

…we venture with the two as Darius takes Tohr under his wing and they investigate the disappearance of a vampire female of worth. This too, keeps interrupting the “good parts” but this story in itself is fascinating, and explains A LOT! Good stuff and very important.

Last but not least, one of the main stories in this installment is that of Qhuinn and Blay.

They were destined to be friends…which compared to strangers, was something huge. Compared to lovers? It was the cold side of a locked door.

They essentially continue to struggle with their feelings for each other all the while adapting to their role in the Brotherhood. THIS story really had me hooked! It didn’t overshadow JM & Xhex, but to me, was just as captivating, almost as distressing, and equally addicting. I want more. I was NEVER disappointed when these two interrupted the part that I was reading…cause well, I love ‘em! While I might complain that there wasn’t enough of them (I think they need their own book, or a VERY BIG part in one), I will say that the tidbits J.R. Ward provides in their regard, were always intense, deeply emotional, and a great lead-up to what’s coming next for them.

And of course, there are some new character introductions. Layla and Payne’s stories are expanded, and as usual with J.R.’s characters, you can almost “feel” them. No matter how small a part a character might have in the book, they never fail to feel authentic (although I must say, The “Chosen” as sweet and angelic as they may be, continue to “irk” me a bit). I feel them (they’re very consistent in their reactions to their environment), but I just can’t quite relate to them.

So that’s it! Actually…that’s not it at all! Not even close. It must be read! MUST! You will not be disappointed…and if you are, read it again – you missed something!

I was thrilled to find out from another blogger that this series occurs in the same area and timeline as the “Black Dagger Brotherhood”series. In fact, one of the characters that we glimpsed in the BDB series (Marie-Terese) is one of the main characters in this book, and we are even granted a quick appearance by Phury (don’t blink or you’ll miss it! – here’s a hint…page 86 )

The story begins like this: Jim Heron, working as a construction worker (on repose from a destructive past employment) is working with a crew building a mansion for a wealthy billionaire. One evening, he, and a few members of the crew, gather at a bar, and he reluctantly “hooks up” with a beautiful but apparently emotionally fragile female. Mesmerized by her, he soon realizes she is the lonely girlfriend of the very billionaire he is working for.

An accidental electrocution at work flat-lines him. During a quick visit to heaven, he is informed that he has been chosen (by both good and evil) as the one who will help determine the fate of the world. There are seven humans that are at a crossroads in their lives, and he is to help them make the proper choice.

“You are the two halves together, Jim. The good and the bad in equal measure, capable of great reserves of kindness and profound depths of depravity. Thusly, both sides found you acceptable. We and…the other…both believe that when you are presented with the seven opportunities you will influence the course of events according to our values. We for the good, they for the evil – with the outcome determining the fate of humanity.”

Resistant to the idea (but comprehending the gravity of the matter) he is returned to earth, and allowed a second chance at life, while he follows through with his first assignment (the very billionaire he is working for).

As he gets to know his charges, he begins questioning the path he originally assumed they were destined for, and learns that there is a lot more to his entourage then he bargained for.

There are a few stories going on at once in this novel, with characters each struggling with their own lives and destinies.

“Marie-Terese” is in hiding (with her child) from an abusive husband, and working (and hating) her life as a prostitute.

As she leaned forward and stood in the lee of his strength, she wondered what it would be like to have a man like this, a good one who might not be perfect, but who was honorable and did right and cared about people.

“Your heart isn’t in this anymore,” Trez said softly in her ear. “It’s time for you to go.”

“I’m fine -”

“You lie.” As he pulled back, his voice was so sure and certain, she felt like he could see right through into her heart. “Let me give you the money you need. You can pay it back interest-free. You aren’t meant for this. Some are. You are not. Your soul’s not doing well here.”

“Jim Heron”, struggling with his past life as a hitman of sorts, simply trying to escape from his old way of life. Mistrustful of most, he has a big heart that he hides with his sarcastic quips. Befriended by a couple of members of his “construction crew”, he begins to suspect that they may have an underlying purpose in their association with him.

Jim closed his eyes. “I’m not coming back. I told you when I left, I’m out.”

“Come on Zacharias, you know the drill. A toe tag is the only way you’re truly done with us. The only reason I let you have a little vacation was because you were too close to the edge. But what do you know, you sound soooo much better now.”

“Vin DiPietro”, a wealthy billionaire who has acquired everything he has ever wanted, with his cunning ruthlessness, and powerful persona. Yet he is never satiated. Deep down, his soul continues to ache with the need for something more profound, but his materialistic ways blind him to the obvious.

And that was when it dawned on him. Maybe this was Vin’s crossroads – right here in front of the man, wanting to love him, hoping to get the chance, but losing the fight to stay connected. If the guy could just see what he had, and not as in his real estate or his cars or his statues and marble, but what really mattered, maybe he’d turn his life and soul around.

“Devina”, a beautiful supermodel, in love with Vin DiPietro. Soon to be his fiancee, she is seemingly distressing over his non-chalance in her devotion to him.

“I love him. I do…It’s just…he’s complicated. He’s a…complicated man, and I know he cares for me in his own way, but sometimes I feel invisible. And you? You actually saw me.

The eventual merging of these characters’ lives lead to an exciting development, somewhat reminiscent of the show “Supernatural”. Demons, angels, and humans living on the edge of good and evil each working for a cause that could irrevocably change the world, (including heaven and hell) forever.

This quick summary of the novel, really doesn’t do the novel justice at all. The plot is far more immersed and intriguing, but to say anymore would risk spoiling some very important and gratifying discoveries. There is of course, an intense budding romance…

Instant. Cosmic. Attraction. The kind you couldn’t hide from other people and you couldn’t bottle up and you couldn’t turn off if you ever got the chance to act on it. With their stares locked, they were both naked in each other’s arms, not for hours, but for days.

…but the danger lurks from many angles, and everything is not always what it seems. The character’s back stories are poignant, and their soul searching revelations are touching. This is a great start to what promises to be a gripping series!

Throughout this series, I have never found my self particularly interested in Rehvenge. Perhaps this is due to the strategic writing of the author. She introduces us to upcoming characters, allowing us to familarize ourselves with the camaraderie that will be the mainframe throughout the novels, however she leads us to focus on the main couple at hand.

With each new book, I found myself becoming completely absorbed with the main couple, enjoying them just as deeply as I enjoyed the magic of the couple I just read about in the last book.

Knowing that I have this tendency, I still didn’t quite believe that I could possibly find Rehvenge’s story all that intriguing. I should have known better! I absolutely LOVED this book (and Rehvenge). Dare I say that he is perhaps my new favorite male?

It ties at 2nd place after Zsadist’s and Bella’s story (first favorite being Zsadist and Bella, and 2nd favorite being Wrath and Beth’s story).

The main part of the story explores Rehvenge’s life and his troubles of  being half Symphath and half vampire. His honorable character (despite making his living in nefarious ways) is portrayed throughout. His loyalties towards his staff, the females of his family, and the Brotherhood are the motives for the decisions he makes.

He finds himself intrigued by a female vampire nurse that works at Haven’s medical clinic (which he visits often due to his need for Dopamine, that helps keep his sociopathic “Symphath” side at bay). She is different from the usual women who surround him (the usual club goers, prostitutes, and heavily made up beauties that seem to have no depth), and her true beauty and gentle demeanor have his “exterior walls” crumbling.

Ehlena was naturally lovely, with fine small features and that strawberry blonde hair and those long lean limbs. Her lips were pink because they were pink – not from some eighteen-hour, glossy, frosted grease coat.

The hard edged, no nonsense Rehvenge that usually makes women uncomfortable in his presence, notices that this female could possible be returning his interest. Despite the reader (us) appreciating his noble nature, he does not realize his value, and does not feel worthy of her. He feels as dirty as the world he lives in, from his hard-edged Drug Lord career, to his deep dark secrets (including another woman that has been blackmailing him for years). He debases himself to her, simply as another way to keep his “Symphath” secret safe. His self destructive ways, along with Elehna’s need to save him, entwines them deeply, no longer allowing them to continue denying each other.

She hit the send and brought her cell to her ear. “Hello?”

“Is this you?”

Rehv’s deep voice still managed to shoot through her on a warm thrill, even though she was pissed off at him. And herself. Basically at the whole situation.

“Yes,” she said. “This isn’t your phone number though.”

“No, it’s not. My cell had an accident.”

She rushed ahead before he got to any sorrys. “Look, it’s none of my business. Whatever’s going on with you. You’re right, I can’t save you -”

“Why do you even want to try?”

She frowned. If the question had been self-pitying or accusatory, she would have just ended the call and changed her number. But there was nothing but sincere confusion coming through his voice. That and utter exhaustion.

“I just don’t understand…the why,” he murmured.

Her answer was simple and from the soul. “How can I not.”

Other than his “mobster” side, everything about Rehvenge personifies the ideal man. Strong, loyal, loving, and non-judgemental.

“Don’t you get it, Ehlena.” With gentle hands, he stroked down her calf and brought her foot forward, balancing it on his thigh. As he undid the laces on her cheapo Keds sneaker, he whispered, “No matter what you wear…to me, you will always have diamonds on the soles of your shoes.”

We even come to realize that his seedy career choice, may not actually be his choice at all…

Like the other books of the series, this one does seem to concentrate on a main couple (their struggles and potential love, being the theme throughout). However, we get a much deeper glimpse into the lives of many of the other characters, also (seemingly foreshadowing the next novel to come). We were even afforded the luxury, many times over, of private moments between Wrath and Beth (which I adored).

One of my favorite scenes in the book, actually involved a self awareness moment for Wrath, which was deeply touching.

“I stay with you because, whether you have sight or not, I see the future in your eyes.” His lids fluttered as she brushed gently across the bridge of his nose. “Mine, The Brotherhood’s. The race’s…such beautiful eyes you have. And you’re  even braver to me now than before. You don’t need to fight with your hands to have courage. Or be the king your people need. Or be my hellren.” She put her palm in the center of his broad chest. “You live and lead from here. This heart….here.”

Wrath blinked hard.

Funny, transformative events were not always scheduled and not always expected. Yeah, sure, your change turned you into a male. And when you went through the mating ceremony, you were part of a whole, no longer just yourself. And the deaths and births around you made you view the whole world differently.

But every once in a while, from out of the blue, someone reaches the quiet place where you spend your private time and changes the way you see yourself. If you’re lucky it’s your mate…and the transformation reminds you once again that you are absolutely, positively with the right person: because what they say doesn’t touch you because of who they are to you, but because of the content of their message.

Payne nailing him in the face woke him up.
George brought him back his independence.
But Beth handed him his crown.

There is plenty of action in this book, that involve numerous enemies. Turmoil abounds from all angles, and love finds itself troubled, in more ways than one. From John and Xhex, to Tohr and his own personal turmoil, we personally experience their struggles. I will admit, that the ‘Lessers’ continue to bore me somewhat, however Lash does bring some interest to that side of the story, since he is not simply a mindless drone of evil, but the son of evil himself.

Their constant growth and self awareness continue to strengthen these stories into a deeply woven tale, that has so much future book potential.

J.R. Ward has created each character lovingly. Each individual has a personality, a life of his/her own. Fears and weaknesses, triumphs, and nobilities that follow them through each installment into the next chapter of their lives. These characters truly “live” in these books. They eat ”Frosted Flakes”, they wear “Keds”, they cry alone in the night, and nurse their insecurities…. they love with abandon. To read this series, is to know these characters as people.

1. Dark Lover
2. Lover Eternal
3. Lover Awakened
4. Lover Revealed
5. Lover Unbound
6. Lover Enshrined
7.  Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 7)

This is the latest published book of this series (although more to come soon).

As much as I loved “Phury” (he was one of my favorites out of the brothers. You know – the noble sweet virgin Vampire, that is in love with Bella – his twin’s wife?), well…when it came to his character development in this book, I was left somewhat unsatisfied.

Although this book tried to focus on Phury and his potential mate “Cormia” (one of the “Chosen” – very sweet- by the way), it revolved mostly around a somewhat valid yet irritating ”woe is me” struggle with his constant self sacrificing.

He painted himself into a corner of being unloved, unwanted, unthanked (although the opposite is true) and stayed in a self absorbed, drug addicted stupor. In my opinion, from what I have learned from this actual character in past books, he seems to be simply too nice of a character for this type of “angst” and I feel he was slightly shortchanged here.

Phury’s deep downward spiral kept on an insistent pace before the upturn. The emotional connections, in my opinion, took so long to develop, that I was struggling through his scenes, but nonetheless, I can’t wait for further development of his character in future installments. I’m certain they will be good.

Oh and some of the scenes were as steamy as the past books.

One of my particular favorites (a nice touching moment): When Phury was drawing Cormia while she posed for him:

“It’s done”  he said roughly.

“Is that…who I am?”

“It’s how I see you.”

There was a long silence. Then she said with a kind of astonishment, “You think I’m beautiful”

Ok ok, so maybe I should give Phury a break…After re-reading this scene, I mean, I guess he does have reason to be angst ridden (you’ll see why too…). Perhaps I’m being too hard on the character (due to the deep depression that was simply wearing thin on me). I just wanted more of that kind of scene, above.

I do love the character development of all the others involved (and there was a TON of extracurricular character activities) so this made the book a lot easier to read. John Matthew and his trio were terrific, and that story line (Lash and all) are what keeps the readers on the edge of their seat. You’ll see!!

Best to read the books in this order:

• Dark Lover
• Lover Eternal
• Lover Awakened
• Lover Revealed
• Lover Unbound
• Lover Enshrined
• Coming soon: Lover Avenged (April 28th 2009)

This is the 5th book in this series, however it is my 2nd favorite! Vishous, is an active Vampire character in the entire series, a computer genius, with some cool Vampire powers to boot! He has psychic visions, and a glowing hand that he has to keep gloved (it can heal as well as kill. It’s kind of electric). Despite his psychic powers just recently drying up, he is seemingly balanced enough in the grand scheme of things. He is loyal to his Brothers, and bonds deeply with his human roommate “Butch”. He keeps his dark side disguised…

In this chapter of the Brotherhoods life, we discover that Vishous, too, has a deep tumultuous past (a ruthless heartless warrior of a father, a “survival of the fittest” upbringing, and an absent mother) which has hardened his heart such, that it doesn’t allow him much leeway for love in his life. In fact, he has bonded so deeply to “Butch”, which is a fairly new feeling for him, that he actually feels like he is in love with him (I didn’t see that coming!!).

In the past installment, we see Vishous trying to comprehend the love between Marissa and Butch. He imagines what it would be like to love someone that deeply, trying to come to grips that it will never be that way for him and Butch, and possibly him and anyone, for that matter.

After a near fatal shooting, he ends up in a human hospital and meets his surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb. unbeknownst to her, he instantly starts bonding (in the typical “Mine” vampire way). His brothers “break him out” of the Hospital (daylight is coming, and he needs to hightail it out of there, before he turns into a Vampire crisp). Low and behold, as they escape, ”Rhage” throws Dr. Jane over his shoulder, caveman style, and steals her away as per Vishous’ demands (much to her resistance).

While being forced to care for him in the Brother’s compound (the Brothers have promised her that she will be released as soon as Vishous is well), Dr. Jane realizes just what she is dealing with.  Despite her “captive” status, she takes advantage of learning as much as she can (for the sake of genetics!). She has to consistently remind herself to keep in check, since she is discovering that she is quite taken by Vishous’ charms.

There was nothing more attractive to her than when a man was into smart women.

Crap.

Stolkhom. Stolkholm.  Stolkhom-

Lots of good stuff here! Vishous discovers what it’s like to truly be in love (Butch who?), and over the numerous days they spend together, their bond becomes quite secure. Unfortunately, due to certain obligations (he has a big future ahead of him), he has to let her go…

I won’t go any further than that. There is so much more to this book (more personal discoveries, spiritual awakenings, and an answer to where Vishous truly comes from) that make this book an exciting read. The angst in this book is well suited to the story. Lots of it, but not just for the sake of creating empty drama.  The story, in my opinion comes full circle.

a touching scene: When Vishous has to take her memory so she won’t remember the Vampires, and she can go back to her life:

He pulled back and pressed his lips to her. “I love you and I’m going to keep loving you even after you don’t know I exist”

WOW! That whole chapter was heart wrenchingly real (you know, I mean, without the whole “vampires erasing memories” thing) 

Through this book, we also see John Matthew through his transition, his discovery of who his real father is, and how much he takes after him. We get a glimpse into the lives of the “Chosen” females and their hierarchy on the “Other Side”, and the future breeding plans of the species as a whole.

Best to read the books in this order:

• Dark Lover
• Lover Eternal
• Lover Awakened
• Lover Revealed
• Lover Unbound
• Lover Enshrined
• Coming soon: Lover Avenged (April 28th 2009)

The fourth installment in the series, features “Butch”, the human cop that has abandoned his life to join the trials and tribulations of the Vampire Brotherhood. Best friends and roommates with the Vampire, “Vishous” , we join Butch through his struggles as a limited human that is in love with an Aristocratic Vampire “Marissa”.

Marissa, unconditionally devoted to Butch (his humanity and weaknesses do not deter her), has to consistently face-off with Butch’s male instinct to protect and be strong for the love of his life. He feels shame in his inability to fully fight with the Brother’s in battle, and comes to the realization that all of his fancy clothes, cars and “digs” have not been earned by him, but are just provided to him by way of his living in Brother’s mansion.

Again, much angst to deal with, and a constant push and pull of just letting things happen, vs. fighting for one’s dignity. A few excellent twists and turns in this one along with Butch’s lineage, and just how deep the relationship between Butch and Vishous, really cuts (that love almost seems to rival Marissa’s).

Butch does grow as a character, with a twist on his past, along with a new found ability that proves to be scary, and yet could be of great value to the Brotherhood, against the Lessers.

We also learn more about “Rhevenge” (Bella’s half sympath, half vampire brother), Marissa’s own struggles against a male dominated aristocracy, and their expectations for the female roles.

In this novel, while the two main characters are Butch and Marissa, there are other characters that are also richly explored, helping set us up for future stories, including John Matthew (still Pre-Transitional) and his deep depression while he misses the only father he ever knew.

My favorite part ? The ceremony at the end of the book, was very well described. Every emotion, every visual, it was as if I was there…and, you just gotta love “V”!

Best to read the books in this order:

• Dark Lover
• Lover Eternal
• Lover Awakened
• Lover Revealed
• Lover Unbound
• Lover Enshrined
• Coming soon: Lover Avenged (April 28th 2009)

This is Book#3 of the series, and was my absolute favorite! The emotional connections and self discovery were deeply explored, and not a single thing was left out. I bonded with the characters, and enjoyed the journey they took me on, from self loathing, to unconditional love.

Zsadist. The name says it all. A deeply damaged character that instills fear in anyone that sees him. With his seething pitch black eyes, his towering, skeletal physique, his shaved skull, piercings, tattoos, and nasty jagged scar running down the middle of his face, you get the impressions that HE IS the nightmare vampire that all the horror stories warn you about. Full of hate, anger, and emotional disconnect. How could anyone ever try to even approach him, let alone, be attracted to him?

Ahhhh but our heroin Bella, the beautiful Aristocrat Vampire from Book two, (and in Book two) only has eyes for him, and even SHE doesn’t understand why. Each encounter she had with him was unpleasant and full of dangerous warning directly from him to STAY AWAY.

As “Phury”, his twin brother describes him,

“You need to stay away from him…My twin’s not broken. He’s ruined”

In this book, she has been captured and held hostage by a particular Lesser (who is pure evil, but discovers he’s in love with her, as she reminds him of his dead wife – that story in itself is deeply ugly, and delusional on his part).

When Zsadist discovers she has been kidnapped, his only mission in life is to find her, and save her. Despite his hatred of life, and of himself, his need to rescue her consumes him. The turmoil in his feelings towards her, when he does find her, and cares for her, protecting her from even his own Brothers, despite this being against his nature, is quite intense.

A great struggle of love and hate ensues, just a constant roll of angst (letting go and then pulling back). What’s worse, is that Zsadist’s  noble, pure, self sacrificing BEAUTIFUL identical twin (Phury – a “Brother”), is also deeply in love with her (and you’ve still got to deal with that damn crazy “Lesser” stalking her to get her back). If you’re up for the see-saw, crazy love triangle, the reward is well worth the path that the reader has to travel to get there.

Some of my favorite parts:

When Bella tries to cuddle Zsadist while they sleep.

“He jerked away from her-and fell off the mattress, landing on his ass”

When Bella comes into her “needing” period – think of it as a female dog in heat – it’s the male dogs that go crazy (the other Brother’s reactions are simply hilarious)

“Holy shit” someone said with a groan. “This can’t be happening” another growled.

Best to read the books in this order:

• Dark Lover
• Lover Eternal
• Lover Awakened
• Lover Revealed
• Lover Unbound
• Lover Enshrined
• Coming soon: Lover Avenged (April 28th 2009)