Kelly reviews Blood Vow by J.R. Ward

TITLE: Blood Vow
SERIES #: Black Dagger Legacy #2
CHARACTERS: Rhage & Mary, Axe & Elise
AUTHOR: J.R. Ward
PUBLICATION DATE: December 6, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
#1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward returns as her thrilling, original spin-off series set in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood continues! When a brooding vampire warrior-in-training teams up with a quick-witted aristocrat to solve a deadly mystery, the only thing more dangerous than their mission is their undeniable attraction.
Trainees at the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training center continue to prepare for the war against the Lessening Society, but fighting is the last thing on Axe’s mind. Still plagued with the guilt of his father’s death, the brooding loner finds himself battling an unlikely attraction to Peyton’s enticing, aristocratic cousin, Elise. Elise feels it, too – especially when the two are thrown together in unusual circumstances, and she must decide whether she can trust Axe as she uncovers the mystery surrounding her sister’s death.
Meanwhile, Mary and Rhage are fostering Bitty, a young pretrans orphan, and hope to adopt her… until the appearance of a young male claiming to be Bitty’s blooded uncle threatens to tear the new family apart

REVIEW:
Let me start by tell you that if you have not read THE BEAST yet, you may want to hold off reading BLOOD VOW until after. There are some spoilery stuff that might ruin your journey with Rhage and Mary in THE BEAST.
But back to BLOOD VOW. I really enjoyed this story. I also am liking that Ms. Ward is getting back to basics in the BDB world. We meet Axe in book one (BLOOD KISS) but we didn’t know much about him. Axe has an extremely dark and self destructive side. It was really good to learn more about his backstory and understand him more. Even though he is pretty rough around the edges he needs love just like everyone else. But he doesn’t believe that he is worthy of anyone’s love.
Elsie is great. She knows what she wants out of life and willing to go to any lengths to get it. When she runs into roadblocks she finds a way around them. And she is perfect for a stubborn man like Axe. But while she might be able to teach him about the softer side of life. She is about to learn that trust is more important and that she can be just as judgmental as the rest of the Glymera.
And of course we get a lot of Rhage and Mary in this book. It was good to see them and how they are doing. And Lassiter!!! Seriously! This guy better get an epic book! I loved seeing him in a different light and the ending do dear lord I laughed my butt off!!!
If you are a fan of the BDB world this is a solid addition to the series! I am very much looking forward to the next book in the Black Dagger Legacy Series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Ballantine Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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December 10, 2015December 6, 2015

Kelly reviews Blood Kiss by J.R. Ward

TITLE: Blood Kiss
SERIES #: Black Dagger Legacy#1
CHARACTERS: Craeg & Paradise
AUTHOR: J.R, Ward
PUBLICATION DATE: December 1, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The legacy of the Black Dagger Brotherhood continues in a spin-off series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author…
Paradise, blooded daughter of the king’s First Advisor, is ready to break free from the restrictive life of an aristocratic female. Her strategy? Join the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training center program and learn to fight for herself, think for herself…be herself. It’s a good plan, until everything goes wrong. The schooling is unfathomably difficult, the other recruits feel more like enemies than allies, and it’s very clear that the Brother in charge, Butch O’Neal, a.k.a. the Dhestroyer, is having serious problems in his own life.
And that’s before she falls in love with a fellow classmate. Craeg, a common civilian, is nothing her father would ever want for her, but everything she could ask for in a male. As an act of violence threatens to tear apart the entire program, and the erotic pull between them grows irresistible, Paradise is tested in ways she never anticipated—and left wondering whether she’s strong enough to claim her own power…on the field, and off.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Great start to Ms. Ward’s spin off series. Blood Kiss reminded me of why I fell in love with the Black Dagger Brothers in the first place. We got back to basics in Blood Kiss, back into the training center and back with the story focused on the Brotherhood. I was really happy that there was not much focus on the Lessers. While this new series is highly focused on the new recruits we get to see the Brothers again up close and personal.
1st up Butch and Marissa. I have always loved Butch from day one (okay he was a bit of an Asshat in the beginning with the whole Beth thing…. but he is awesome). It was great to have a closer look at Butch and Marissa’s relationship. One that always seemed so perfect on the outside, but we learn that there are problems. It was great to see them both step out of their comfort zone to make sure the other knew where they stood. Oh and Marissa, DANG girl you rock all kinds of awesome. Just wait and see 🙂
As for our new kids. I like them a lot, okay there are a few that get on my nerves and a few that I thought that underneath all of the tough I am an island stuff are going to be great characters and I can not wait to see where they all go and what the future holds for this series.

Favorite lines:
“…Since one of you is already on the horizontal, no one has to worry about fighting Hollywood over here.”
“Personally, I’m about to cry over that,” Rhage said……

“And to show there’s no hard feelings for you being a douche just now, I’ll set you up with a good TV, internet and a twelve month calendar of Rhage so you have something pretty to look at.”

“You ever do females?”–This whole conversation had me rolling on the ground.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Penguin/Signet in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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July 31, 2015July 28, 2015

Natasha reviews The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward

TITLE: The Bourbon Kings
SERIES #: The Bourbon Kings #1
CHARACTERS: Lane & Lizzie
AUTHOR: J.R. Ward
PUBLICATION DATE: July 28, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood delivers the first novel in an enthralling new series set amid the shifting dynamics of a Southern family defined by wealth and privilege—and compromised by secrets, deceit, and scandal….

For generations, the Bradford family has worn the mantle of kings of the bourbon capital of the world. Their sustained wealth has afforded them prestige and privilege—as well as a hard-won division of class on their sprawling estate, Easterly. Upstairs, a dynasty that by all appearances plays by the rules of good fortune and good taste. Downstairs, the staff who work tirelessly to maintain the impeccable Bradford facade. And never the twain shall meet.

For Lizzie King, Easterly’s head gardener, crossing that divide nearly ruined her life. Falling in love with Tulane, the prodigal son of the bourbon dynasty, was nothing that she intended or wanted—and their bitter breakup only served to prove her instincts were right. Now, after two years of staying away, Tulane is finally coming home again, and he is bringing the past with him. No one will be left unmarked: not Tulane’s beautiful and ruthless wife; not his older brother, whose bitterness and bad blood know no bounds; and especially not the ironfisted Bradford patriarch, a man with few morals, fewer scruples, and many, many terrible secrets.

As family tensions—professional and intimately private—ignite, Easterly and all its inhabitants are thrown into the grips of an irrevocable transformation, and only the cunning will survive.respectable people to swoon.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts As a fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood novels, I had high hopes for this book. Unfortunately it just wasn’t as addicting as I’d hoped it would be. The characters each have very different personalities, but not much that makes them particularly memorable or likable. I didn’t feel like I got to know many of them very well. While interesting, they didn’t stick out too much to me. The story also moved very slowly, it definitely wasn’t a page turner. More of a casual stroll type of read. Some may definitely enjoy that, it just wasn’t my favorite kind of story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Penguin Group in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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November 3, 2014November 2, 2014

Natasha reviews Immortal by J.R. Ward

TITLE: Immortal
SERIES #: Fallen Angels #6
CHARACTERS: Jim, Sissy, Eddie, Adrian & Devina
AUTHOR: J.R. Ward
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/7/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From J.R. Ward, the #1 New York Times bestselling author who has kept readers on the edge of their seats with her phenomenal Fallen Angels novels, comes one of the most heart-stirring and eagerly anticipated events in that acclaimed series.

This is a world where sin and salvation collide. This is a world where a cynical fallen angel struggles with the seven deadly sins and seven chosen souls. With the spellbinding Immortal, the riveting series that “changed the face of paranormal romance” comes to an epic close as mankind’s reluctant savior struggles with his greatest challenge yet…

REVIEW:
This is the final installment in the J.R. Ward Fallen Angel series. We’ve followed Jim for six books now in his fight against the evil Devina for the souls of all of humanity. This has been an intense series. Jim is extremely frustrating throughout this series and there are times when you want to strangle him. However, in this book he’s finally made some progress. He’s still a super volatile macho man that has to overcome his evil side, but he’s much more clear-headed and sane. Sissy was a big reason for this. I had my doubts about Sissy’s importance throughout this series, but I know understand why she was introduced as such a monumental character. There were times I literally cried during this book (Adrian & Eddie, Nigel & Colin). It was super emotional on many levels. The connections made through these characters were deep. I was very invested in all of their futures. There are many time when a series closes out and many followers are left disappointed. Though this series started off slow and rough for me, it definitely ended on a high note. I’m very pleased with the series closure and am very happy I stuck through the entire series.

Disclaimer:
I purchased a copy of this book on my own. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

August 22, 2014August 17, 2014

Kelly reviews Lover At Last by JR Ward

TITLE: Lover At Last
SERIES #: Black Dagger Brotherhood #11
CHARACTERS: Blaylock & Qhuinn
AUTHOR: JR Ward
PUBLICATION DATE: March 26, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
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

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts So much better…. So so so much better than the previous book. I put off reading Lover at Last because I was so beside myself with how much I did not like the Lover Reborn. I was a little gun shy to say the least. But I am so glad that I read Lover at Last. Blay & Qhuinn needed this book so badly. While it was so very emotional and heart breaking to watch these two dance around each other the end result was worth the pain and torment they endured. Do I agree with the way they went about things? Not so much. I wish that Blay didn’t keep things from Qhuinn, but all part of the story. While a had an issue with a few minor things about Blay & Qhuinn’s story it didn’t change that I love that these two are happy.

I did find myself skimming over a few parts. There seem to be at least 3 stories being told in this book and I found that a few of those sub stories didn’t really interest me much. But all in all it was a good book and I am looking forward to starting The King.

Disclaimer:
This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

April 17, 2014April 12, 2014

Natasha reviews The King by J.R. Ward

TITLE: The King
SERIES #: Black Dagger Brotherhood #12
CHARACTERS: Wrath and Beth
AUTHOR: J.R.Ward
PUBLICATION DATE: 4/1/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
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?

REVIEW:
Let me start by saying how much I love this series. I have been such a dedicated fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood for the past five years and believe it is one of the most intense paranormal drama series out there. J. R. Ward writes in a way that is dark and lovely all at the same time. Her character development, world building and ability to allow readers to truly feel every, single emotion her characters portray is absolutely phenomenal. With all of that being said, this book was really hard for me to like. The past few books in the series have involved a changing plot line and lots of new character introductions. Each book has had a main couple and then three to four side stories developing at the same time. Though it’s been noticeable in the past, it was flat out distracting in this book. There were five different stories happening all at the same time in this book and the constant flipping back and forth was slightly disorienting. I found myself getting sucked into a storyline, then all of a sudden it would switch to two different characters and I had to start my mind processing all over again – it was exhausting. In addition to this, I found the story lacked any type of intense climax, unless you count the very end – which was intense yet predictable. I am happy that the big “problem” with Beth and Wrath was addressed and we can now move forward without that hanging over the heads of readers. Overall the book was enjoyable, yet it lacked the deep connection that I usually get from the BDB books. Maybe it’s just because all of the main characters have been exhausted and we’re starting to explore new characters. It’s a little like watching your child walk into a kindergarten classroom for the first time – bittersweet. Of course I will continue with this series, the characters are still amazingly flawed and loveable and I can just never get enough of these Brothers!

Disclaimer:
I purchased this book. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

October 12, 2013September 27, 2013

JR Ward’s Fallen Angels Series

Covet

The Fallen Angels #1

Seven deadly sins. Seven souls to save. This is the first battle between a savior who doesn’t believe and a demon with nothing to lose!

Redemption isn’t a word Jim Heron knows much about-his specialty is revenge, and to him, sin is all relative. But everything changes when he becomes a fallen angel and is charge with saving the souls of seven people from the seven deadly sins. And failure is not an option. Vin DiPietro long ago sold his soul to his business, and he’s good with that-until fate intervenes in the form of a tough- talking, Harley-riding, self-professed savior. But then he meets a woman who will make him question his destiny, his sanity, and his heart-and he has to work with a fallen angel to win her over and redeem his own soul.

*****

Crave

The Fallen Angels #2

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

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

*****

Envy

The Fallen Angels #3

Seven deadly sins. Seven souls to save. And a man and a woman treading the lines of danger, desire and deliverance …

As the son of a serial killer, homicide detective Thomas DelVecchio Jr grew up in the shadow of evil. Now, on the knife-edge between civic duty and blind retribution, he atones for the sins of his father. Hired to monitor Veck is Internal Affairs officer Sophia Reilly, whose interest in Veck is both professional and arousingly personal. But Veck and Sophia have a common interest. He’s Jim Herron, a mysterious stranger enlisted to save the soul of a killer’s latest victim, one precariously hovering between heaven and hell. Before Herron’s job is done, Veck and Sophia will be inexorably drawn into a battle of good against evil, where the risk is nothing less than total damnation.

*****

Rapture

The Fallen Angels #4

Mels Carmichael, reporter for the Caldwell Courier Journal, gets the shock of her life when a man stumbles in front of her car outside the local cemetery. After the accident, his amnesia is just the kind of mystery she likes to solve, but she soon discovers they’re over their heads with his past. Over their heads with passion, too …As shadows walk the line between reality and another realm, and her lover’s memory begins to come back, the two of them learn that nothing is truly dead and buried. Especially when you’re trapped in a no-holds-barred war between angels and demons. With a soul on the line, and Mels’s heart at risk, what in heaven – or in hell – will it take to save them both?

After reporter Mels Carmichael hits a disheveled man with her car
outside the local cemetery, she pays a visit to the stranger in the hospital. The only thing he remembers of his past is seeing a name written on a headstone: that of Jim Heron—a fallen angel charged with rescuing souls from the seven deadly sins. Now, as Mels struggles to help this mysterious stranger rediscover himself, Heron himself returns to prepare for a battle between good and evil.

*****

Possession

Fallen Angels #5

#1 New York Times bestselling author J.R. Ward explores what really happens when good and evil toy with humanity in her new novel of the Fallen Angels, as the salvation of a doomed soul depends once again on a crossroads…

When Cait Douglass resolves to get over her broken heart, throw off her inhibitions, and start really living, she’s unprepared for the two sensual men who cross her path. Torn between them, she doesn’t know which to choose–or what kind of dire consequences could follow.

Jim Heron, fallen angel and reluctant savior, is ahead in the war, but he puts everything at risk when he seeks to make a deal with the devil–literally. As yet another soul is unwittingly caught in the battle between him and the demon Devina, his fixation on an innocent trapped in Hell threatens to sidetrack him from his sacred duty…

Can good still prevail if true love makes a savior weak? And will a woman’s future be the key, or the curse, for all of humanity? Only time, and hearts, will tell.

June 7, 2012July 4, 2012

Lover At Last by JR Ward

FINALLY!!!!!

The WARDen has released the cover for Blay & Qhuinn’s book.

It is perfectly titled “Lover At Last”

I am super excited!!! Looks like another March release day.

It is projected release is March 31, 2013.

So far away..

What do you think of Qhuinn on the cover?

did you see the eyes???

I wish the Blay was on the cover too.