Sandy M’s review of Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 7) by J.R. Ward
Paranormal Romance published by NAL 28 Apr 09

Well, I have a feeling I’m going to be in the minority once again when it comes to these Black Dagger Brotherhood books. Which is just fine. ‘Cuz I’m loving the series still. I really loved this book in particular, mostly because all of the previous characters were involved in the story more than in the last couple of books and the romance didn’t suffer at all. Ward is so good at doing that, I hope she continues to so from here on out. It is a brotherhood, I want them all involved all the time in just more than a few pages each.

I actually liked Rehvenge more than I thought I would. I figured it would be a hard sell to make him hero material after all he’s done in his life, even considering the circumstances for which he did those things. But Ward gave me such emotion when it came to his character that I found myself feeling for Rehv once his interactions with Elhena really began. The scene where Elhena doesn’t stay for the evening in his home, after silently begging her not to go, he walks to the dinner table he had set for her,  “Two candles lit. Two place settings of silver. Two glasses for wine. Two glasses for water. Two napkins folded precisely and laid on top of two plates. He sat down on the chair he’d been going to give to her, the one to his right, the position of honor,” I could just feel his despair, his aloneness, his loneliness, his hopes going up in smoke along with his heart. And that’s just one of a number of emotional scenes I found in this book.

Elhena is just the mate for Rehv too. She’s strong and though she makes a mistake or two where he’s concerned, though he tries to keep her safe when all hell finally breaks loose, she’s right in the thick of things to rescue her mate when she learns the truth and truly sees the man under all mess he’s made for so many years to protect those he loves. Their early scenes together getting to know one another are heartwarming, including the phone sex, which is only one of some terrific loving between these two.

We finally see V’s vision concerning Wrath come true in this book. When it happens, it happens with a vengeance, curtailing his fighting, which is just as well since he screwed up and got himself in trouble with Beth and the other Brothers because he’d been sneaking out fighting on his own. He now has to deal with being king and understanding what that means, and the light does come on for him with help from his mate that he can even advise Rehvenge for his newly acquired similar situation.

Scenes between Bella and Rehv are some of my favorites too, especially the one near the end of the book when he asks her for permission to come closer to her and her daughter, he won’t harm either of them, after she’s learned he’s part sympath, something he’s hidden from her all her life. He’s thinking she won’t want anything to do with him now, even his presence would revile her, but he’s just beginning to learn what love can do.

The lessers scenes don’t bother me.  I know some folks are saying they’re tired of those, but now that Lash is involved as such, it’s a different ballgame the Brothers are at when dealing with him. I actually thought these scenes weren’t nearly as long as they were in previous books, so maybe that’s why I didn’t mind them all that much. And it’s conflict for the Brothers. Take them away and you have no conflict at all or Ward just has to come up with something else, which wouldn’t make sense at this point because of the overall storyline going on.

John Matthew is still having a hard time with life. Transitioning is more than he imagined, but it hasn’t helped the awkwardness that seems inherent in him. Xhex does that for him and it certainly didn’t turn out the way he expected. That’s a hard way for him to have grown up, but it’s done and their book should be chockful of every emotion under the sun. John has his work cut out for him now.

This is a big-ass book in hardcover; so much goes on, this review would be at least five pages long if I tried to hit either more highlights or my favorite scenes. As long as I can read about the Brothers, their mates, and other major characters that I’ve come to love after seven books and I get a good storyline for them and the hero and heroine, I’m going to be enjoying this series for as long as Ms. Ward continues to write it. I’m never bored. I love all the characters and how they’ve developed, even those dang lessers as long as they keep making life interesting for the Brothers. I haven’t heard whose book is up next, just assuming it’s John Matthew and Xhex, and, if so, my anticipation is quite high because of the way this book left everything wide open.

Grade: A+

Summary:
.
Caldwell, NY, has long been the battleground for 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 notorious nightclub 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. Because he’s a sympath, his identity is a deadly secret- the revelation of which will result in his banishment to a colony for sociopaths. And as plots within and outside the Brotherhood take their toll against Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in a darkening world- Elhena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on him- and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.
.
Read an excerpt here and here.

Other books in this series:

Limecello’s Reflection of Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 7) by J.R. Ward
Paranormal romance hardcover released by NAL 28 Apr 09

Well now. That’s about as much of a review as you’re going to get. After “talking” to Sybil about it, we decided this would go in the Ponderings section, which made everything much easier for me. No reason to be professional, or thoughtful and insightful within the constraints of writing a good review. Now, I get to ramble and let my thoughts wander at will. If I can even manage to type these words correctly. 

Oh… right… and since this isn’t a review, this post will likely be spoilerific. If you hate spoilers, skip the middle part, and scroll down to the end where I talk general book stuff, please, because I really would like your input. (And I’m sure you’ll have something important to add – my hope, as always, is that someone important will see it and listen.)

I can’t write a review for this book in good conscience, because I’d say I didn’t read a good 40% of it. How does that work? I flipped through all the pages that had anything to do with “lessers.” And the civilian vampires. Frankly, I don’t care. I came into this series expecting to read about the Black Dagger Brotherhood members. And that’s what I chose to read. All the rest? Pretty un-involving.

I came into the series, and really liked it. (Oh as an aside, can I say I really like this cover? Looks great. Of course he also looks nothing like what I imagined Rehv would look like, but win some lose some. I will say that Ms. Ward does a pretty good job of including characters from previous books. (Perhaps a problem is she can’t let them go? Or at least… they jump in and out of importance as she needs them.)

First issue with the book? Wrath. And Beth. And you know, the other Brothers too. How would nobody but Butch know that Wrath is out hunting? First of all, I think the character are all too clever to be tricked for four months. Yes, Wrath has all those smart king genes, but come on. Aside from the obvious – in that Wrath is madly in love with Beth, and Beth is not a blithering idiot, the truth would have come out sooner. Wrath would have told her. He may have gone out regardless, but… it’s not really a secret he could keep. It would not have been a shock to Beth.

Then, Butch knows because he has to inhale the lessers. Ok, whatever. However, when Butch does this, he needs to be healed by Vishous. If Wrath has indeed been out killing lessers for four months, you’d think he’d have killed a lot. So Butch has to do his thing a lot. Which means a lot of recovery, and healing. He has a wife you know, okay, a shellan. Marissa would know. And she’d probably let it slip to someone else. And Vishous would’ve known too, as he would’ve had to heal Butch. Major gap here, but that’s like the first few pages, so we’ll ignore that.

I’m not really clear on the sympaths thing. I’m sure we’ll find out more about it later. I’m going to be honest and also say I pretty much forgot everything about the book already. I probably would’ve given it a C+ based on what I read. I mean, it’s good, don’t get me wrong – on the better side of average, a good, average read. Gets a C+ here. I don’t like what is going on with Phury. (And what is going on there?)

But I will say I LOVED Ehlena. She of course has a difficult life as all J.R. Ward heroines do, but she’s a real person, with a relatively normal struggle… and then she goes has a weak moment and steals drugs. (Ehlena is a nurse -she steals prescription meds for Rehv.) Of course she’s also fallen aristocracy. Whoops. There goes the normalcy. I don’t care. I heart Ehlena. I thought she was very realistic – until the breakup with Rehv. Yes, it made some sense because she was a nurse and so horrified by the drug overdose deaths, and finds out Rhev = the master dealer… but she was so emotionally invested at that point. I didn’t believe she could just walk away, or be so very unwilling to hear what he had to say. Then she bounces back a few chapters in – so it was all for dramatic effect, really.

Anyway, the strange and twisted courtship between Ehlena and Rehvenge is the cutest thing ever. I wish I could re-read all the scenes between them, but I can’t because the book was due. (Yes, I got it from the library. I’ve been drifting away from this series so I didn’t want to shell out the $25 for it – but also, I generally read books from the library. Libraries, being the wonderful, terrific things they are probably provide 70% of my leisure reading material, possibly more.)

My personal pet peeve is how spastic the characters are. Especially in their speech. And… I cannot imagine a brother, if he’s seriously as hardcore and badass as the book suggests, saying “oh em gee.” Even my uber geeky nerdboy friends don’t say “omg.”

Anyway, I love how Rehv and Ehlena are connected – they both feel alone, are drawn to each other, and find such comfort in the other’s presence. I loved their stilted courtship, and the conversations they had over the phone. It was so high school and cute. (I wonder if this is what the Twilight books are like – sans the high school/hormonal teenage emotion.) I really liked how into Ehlena Rehv was. There’s one line where it says his chest sparkled because he was so happy to be with her. It just makes you love them.

I will say that I liked Lover Avenged a lot more than the previous two books. I know it being in hardcover annoyed a lot of people, but …  well it didn’t bother me because I got it from the library! I also liked that Ehlena had purpose, and was necessary. She also really and truly didn’t need Rehv to survive. Ehlena and her father were lucky enough to inherit a good sum of money, and she was totally fine on her own. (Aside from that whole emotionally involved thing.)

And now, we come to what bothered me most in the book. Xhex being “lost.” Are you kidding me? Especially considering how Ehlena found Rehv? Even if there’s some weird thing that empath blood is different… Rehv can still track Xhex down. Why? Because he’s half vampire. Accordingly, he can sense his blood in Xhex. Thus, Rehv can pinpoint where Xhex is, which is how a number of other characters have been found previously in the series. Perhaps John doesn’t know this. However, I think this is a giant plot hole, and I really hate unnecessary or weak drama. Ridiculous. (I’m also not big on a John/Xhex romance, but then what do I know. I also hate the idea of a Teddy/Lucy romance, for SEP.)

I also think everything has gone a bit far. Lash can now shoot energy balls? (And I didn’t know about it until the end/the big fight because remember I don’t read Lesser stuff. How the hell can you win over that? And Lassiter just stands around being useless – but I hope he hooks up with some vampire girl. That would be fun. Also because it doesn’t seem like the end is near, so with a slew of more books in this never ending series, I can hope for all sorts of ridiculous things that have a high likelihood of happening.

And what is with Dr. Manny? I also think/hope that Tohr and Payne will get together.

Anyway, enough with my wild conjectures. What do you think about the series? What did you think?

Oh, and here are a couple of excerpts:  here and here.

Devon’s review of Dead After Dark by Sherrilyn Kenyon, J.R. Ward, Susan Squires and Dianna Love
Paranormal Romance Anthology released by St. Martin’s 2 Dec 08

This anthology was truly a mixed bag. One story I loathed, one I loved, one I liked, and one…meh. At least I had a clear reaction to each, that makes it easier to review. I can’t wait to finish this review, because then I can check out other’s reviews. So let’s get to it, shall we?

Shadow of the Moon by Sherrilyn Kenyon

This story features Fury Kattalakis, Katagaria wolf, brother to Fang and Vane, and familiar to longtime readers of the series. After many years, Fury comes across Angelia, the Arcadian wolf who stabbed and betrayed him hundreds of years ago. The (gag) connection between them is still there, though.

Yeah, whatever, I’m going to cut to the chase. I loathed Angelia. HAAAAATE! I can’t ever remember hating a heroine this much in my life. She stood idly by (twice) while Fury was tortured, both in the past and in the present day. She was involved in some really repugnant stuff. Perhaps if the story had been longer, with more time to develop her psychological issues and her redemption…but I could not believe that she turned from a cold bitch to realizing her love for Fury in 24 hours. Man, I wish Zarek had killed her with his pointy claw jewelry. Poor Fury got screwed. Sherrilyn Kenyon’s usual style is much in evidence, but if you haven’t read her before, please don’t start with this one.

Grade: D

The Summary:
Angelia has fought her entire life to make herself strong. Now, with her patria under fire, she has to protect her people from Fury and his werewolf clan. Vowing to bring him to justice, Angelia sets out alone…until the hunter becomes the hunted, and the only way for her to survive is to trust the very wolf she’s sworn to kill.
Read an excerpt here

The Story of Son by J.R. Ward

I’m very curious to find out the reader reaction to this story. I absolutely loved it. I thought it was pretty sick and twisted in tone. If Ward ever turns her hand to Southern Gothic or something, I’d buy it. I mean, a vampire who has been kept prisoner in a basement for 50-odd years, and who doesn’t even have a name? And the career-obsessed lawyer who’s kidnapped and thrown in there with him?

Son’s situation is treated with the gravity it deserves, not some glowy, sentimental way. And he was quite an appealing character, vulnerable, odd, with an inner strength. I totally bought their attraction and love story. The genius of J.R. Ward’s writing is that it is so immediate and vivid, I find it easy to suspend all disbelief or qualms.

Despite the fact that I thought this was a fascinating and romantic story, I must point out the issues that troubled me (once I wasn’t totally caught up in the story). Astute readers have pointed out the penchant for isolating her characters. In this story, we have an extremely isolated hero, and a heroine who becomes isolated along with him, even in their HEA. The hero is so vulnerable, and will be so dependent upon the heroine, that I found it off-putting. The guy needs therapy for sure.

I’m also sometimes put off by Ward’s characterization of strong women. In the throes of passion, Claire thinks about how she has always felt like a “man in a woman’s body”, I guess because she is career oriented and not girly. Yeesh. She doesn’t find fulfillment until meeting her man, of course, and totally changing her life to suit his. Sigh…oh well. ‘Cuz I still love this one. Great story, great characters.

Grade: B+

The Summary:
Claire Stroughton is a beautiful lawyer who would rather spend the night with a legal brief than the man of her dreams. Then a routine client meeting turns dangerous—and deeply sensual—when she is held captive by a gorgeous man with an unworldly hunger…
No excerpt found

Seize the Night by Susan Squires

This is the only story with a historical setting, and it is connected to Squires’ Companions series. Followers of the series will get the most out of it, I think. This is my first read by Susan Squires, and I found the concepts of “Harriers” and “Aspirants”, especially the role that sex plays, to be a bit unclear. I enjoyed the story though. The hero, Drew Carlowe, and the heroine, sad vampire Freya, had good chemistry and the romance developed nicely. I did find the two characters to be a little bland. And there was something off about Freya, a distance and otherness, which was interesting, but kept me from really getting into the story. Overall, the story kept my interest, and left me curious about the series and what Squires can do with a longer length.

Grade: B-

The Summary:

When Drew Carlowe returns home to win back a lost love, he is quick to dismiss rumors that his estate is haunted by a stunning young ghost…until one passionate encounter leaves him mystified—and aching for more.
No excerpt found

Midnight Kiss Goodbye by Dianna Love

This one was okay, but underwhelming. Everything in it reminded me of something else. We have a secret band of warriors with telepathic powers who fight dark supernatural forces. We have a hero who had to leave his lover for her own good, but has watched over her from afar. Despite his stalking and powers, he has neglected to realize that his ex is a witch. There are evil immortal warriors. The brotherhood is connected to a Goddess (a Celtic one), and there are a bunch of other figures from various pantheons popping in and out. Even the storytelling, the description and dialogue, sounded familiar. The only refreshing thing was the inclusion of Indian mythology and religion, though I was not sure about the accuracy of the usage of the word “Hindu.” I think I’m just burned out on this type of story.

Grade: C

The Summary:

Trey McCree possesses an insatiable desire for Sasha Armand—and supernatural powers that could endanger her life as a human. But when they team up to stop an evil warlord, Trey discovers that Sasha can do way more than drive men wild…
Read an excerpt

Check it out of the library and read the Ward. And let me know what you think!

Overall Grade: C+

With these four tales of paranormal romance, it’s never been hotter to be close to death…

Sandy M’s review of Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6) by J.R. Ward
Contemporary Paranormal Romance released by Signet 3 Jun 08

Yeah, I’m so behind in reading all the blockbusters of this past summer.  But you know what?  I kinda like that I am behind because I got to hear all the hullabaloo about what everyone thought about this book, especially the whiners out there, before I finally jumped into it.  I can tell you right now, all those whiners are so off base about this one, it’s not even funny.

I don’t know how many posts I saw all over the net that said “I’ll never read another book in this series again” after they’d finished Lover Enshrined.  Please.  If you’re a serious reader, if you’re a true fan of this series, this book is a damn good book and it stays right on course with what we’ve come to expect from J.R. Ward.  You don’t want to read another book in this series, you go right ahead, whiner.  It’s your loss.

Even the parts I thought I might not like after reading those net posts I loved.  Back then I thought I’d be disappointed that the storyline follows the three young males, John, Qhuinn, and Blaylock, more than ever before — only because I love those Brothers so.  I wanted more about them and only them, but I really enjoyed every bit in this book about those three young friends.  What’s between those three is what friendship is about.  I should never have doubted Ward for one iota of a second.   That won’t happen again, I can tell you that.

Now the lack of romance allegations.  I’ll agree with those up to a point.  The fact is Phury could not have sustained any type of love at this point in his life.  He had to straighten himself out first.  He had to do it.  Both Z and Wrath tried their way to get him back on the straight and narrow, but nothing worked; hence Wrath’s drastic measures.  And Cormia needed time on this side of her sanctuary to realize her feelings for Phury.  If they’d done anything before either of these circumstances came to pass, it just wouldn’t have worked.

I confess, I was a little upset at Wrath’s solution to his Phury problem, but Ward pulled it all together for me at the end so that my ire was calmed a tad.  I’m still not 100% that I like the new situation, but I think the next book will help me out on that better.  But it all worked because Phury did things his way and he did them the best he could considering all he’d been through over his lifetime.  In a way he’s nearly as innocent (in more ways than one!) as Cormia when it comes to life, despite all he’s lived while with the Brotherhood.  They both had a specific journey to follow and they both had to come out on the other side on their own terms to get them where they needed to be in the end — together.  Worked for me just fine.  Feel me?

I’m sure I’m part of the majority when I say I don’t care for the Lessers.  They’re just plain evil and slimy.  But I have to say that the new twist we’re given with the Omega was interesting and it gives a whole new light on upcoming books with a new and different enemy in town.  They did cause a lot more destruction in this book, but it was fascinating to watch it all unfold.

All in all, there’s not much wrong with this book.  We all have our own pet peeves about certain aspects of it, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s in keeping with the spirit of the series and the characters.  It’s pure escapism and that’s why I read.  So who gives a rat’s ass if something isn’t done in a particular “true” or “real” way as we know it in life?  Hell, it’s not real life, people!  Lighten up, sit back, and enjoy it for what it is and let go of all those hangups on what you think should be happening in the series.  Ward gives us 150% every time, and I know each one of those Brothers would agree with that.

Grade: A+

Read LauraD’s, Gwen’s, and Limecello’s reviews.  Read all sorts of news, reviews, and information by following the Black Dagger Brotherhood series tag or the Lover Enshrined tag.

Summary:

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 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 sees the emotionally scarred male behind all his noble responsibility. But while the war with the Lessening Society grows more grim, and tragedy looms over the Brotherhood’s mansion, Phury must decide between duty and love.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

LauraD’s review of The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider’s Guide by J.R. Ward
Paranormal Romance reference released by NAL Trade 7 Oct 08

If you aren’t yet familiar with J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood, then I’ve gotta ask: where have you been? Whether you’ve read the books or not, whether you like the books or not, Ward created both a phenomenon and a train that won’t stop rolling. When she announced on her website that a “compendium” about the Brotherhood would be released before her hardback debut next year, I was one of many Khool-Aid drinkers eager to find out more about the alternate world she’s created.

The Insider’s Guide manages to be both a treat to fans, and disappointing as well. It opens with the lovely novella “Father Mine”, a continuation of Zsadist and Bella’s story. If like me, you are a fan of that particular couple, then “Father Mine” is pure cake and ice cream. It focuses on Zsadist’s inability to deal with being a new father, and shows him making some peace with his past. Ward is quite open about her love of Zsadist, and it shows in a well-paced story that combines action, emotional development, and a pretty hot love scene.

“The Brotherhood Dossiers” include a questionnaire “answered” by the respective character, and then an “interview”– actually short stories in which Ward inserts herself as the interviewer. Readers familiar with the author’s message board — probably the most unique romance fan community ever — will recognize the style. It provides a fun opportunity to catch up with where favorite characters are in their private lives. Also at the end of each character’s section are notes on that particular novel, and “craft notes” pertaining to both that specific book and Ward’s writing practice in general. I appreciated that she acknowledged the almost universal dislike of the ending of “Lover Unbound”, and she touches on the homoerotic nature of the Butch/Vishous relationship as well.

Also included are a letter from Ward “to writers”, the original proposal for Dark Lover, and a few deleted scenes from the books — well worth reading even if they didn’t work in the context of the original novel. Then the Guide moves into what I frankly found to be pure filler. “Kicks and Giggles” are Ward’s favorite dialogue quotes from the novels. “The Brothers on the Board” are verbatim “appearances” that Ward’s characters have made on her message board, and they are still available there. Also available on the website, “Slices of Life”– short stories featuring the Brothers. Finally, Ward is interviewed by her own characters — again, a first person short story.

I closed An Insider’s Guide having enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with old favorites, but without any additional insight to the characters. As a fan, I had hoped Ward would expand on both her mythology and her world building. I was disappointed that she chose to devote so much of the book to material previously published on her message board — close to 150 pages of a trade paperback is a lot of recycling.

Grading this one is hard. “Father Mine,” the novella, is totally A+ material. (I believe the novella to be available by itself as an eBook.) The “Dossiers” and interviews were pure fan candy, and I’m sure Ward’s cellies are pleased to have a bound edition of the message board material. It’s interesting to have insight into Ward’s writing process, and she has a self-deprecatory voice that serves her well as she discusses her craft. Balancing the great, the good, and the filler, I’m saying…

Grade: B-

Read more news, reviews, and information by clicking on the Black Dagger Brotherhood series tag.

Summary:

This is a book no Black Dagger Brotherhood fan should miss-an insider’s guide that will seduce readers as powerfully as the sexy band of Brothers and the world they live in. And also included is an original short story about stars Zsadist and Bella!

This comprehensive guide features insider information on the Brotherhood, their dossiers, stats, and special gifts. Readers will savor interviews with their favorite characters, deleted scenes, exciting material from the J.R. Ward message board and the answers to their burning questions. They’ll learn what it’s like for J.R. Ward to write each installment of the series, and in a fascinating twist, read an interview with the author-conducted by the Brothers. Plus readers will get a sneak peek at the much anticipated next book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Lover Avenged.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series (all dates are mass market paperback release, except for Lover Avenged, which releases hardcover next May):

			Lover Avenged

This just in…
JR Ward (also writing as Jessica Bird) will be at The Bookstore – Radcliff, KY on Saturday October 11 from 2-5 for a Question and Answer session and a book signing.

~The address for the store is:
The Bookstore
301 W Lincoln Trail Blvd
Radcliff, KY 40160
270-351-1801

~The store is located about an hour south of Louisville, KY and an hour west of Lexington, KY.

~There will be a Q&A session for fans of her books.

~Ward will also be signing her newest release The Black Daggerhood, An Insider’s Guide.

Tiffany Johnson!!!!

Please email me your address and I will have your books sent to you.

This just in…

Sylvia Day has a lot going on, so listen up! You have to pay attention or you just might miss something important…

If you’re going be in San Francisco at RWA’s annual conference, you can pick up a copy of Eve of Darkness, the first book in Sylvia’s Marked series – nine months before it hits the shelves!

Sylvia will also attend the Literacy Signing at the conference on Wednesday, July 30, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the San Francisco Marriott Hotel. Be sure stop by to say hello and pick up one of her books. Or two.

All About Romance’s Favorite Books for Favorite Authors is still going strong and Sylvia’s books are currently in the running. Other authors such as J.R. Ward, Kathryn Caskie, Keri Arthur, Rachel Gibson and others are also competing. Check everything out and place your ballot here. Hurry, though, the contest is only open through July 6.

Sylvia will also be at Lora Leigh’s 2008 Reader Appreciation Weekend September 19 – 21 at the Pullman Plaza Hotel in Huntington, West Virginia.

A new series with a new pseudonym is also on the horizon for Sylvia. Her Sapphire series is being written under her new pen of Livia Dare. The first book, Sapphire’s Worth, will be released in June 2009 with two more following in June 2010 and June 2011, respectively. The first book was written in 2004 and sold to Kensington Zebra in 2006. “It’s been a long time coming, so I’m excited and hope that those of you who have been waiting for this book since it was first posted on my site find it to be worth the wait!” Sylva said.

Now for the contests! Sylvia has two current contests running at her website. In her Christmas in July contest you can win a “Fairies On The Moon” figurine. Taken from Nene Thomas’ immensely popular fantasy art print , “Star Gazer”, this is a wonderful ornament to decorate and accentuate any home area. Plus, the winner will receive two Marked series coffee mugs.

In her Sizzling Summer Reading contest, one winner will receive copies of Sylvia’s Pleasures of the Night, Heat of the Night, and Alluring Tales I: Awaken the Fantasy.

Also included in this great prize package is a book cover, playing cards, and a Marked series coffee mug.

Go here to enter both contests! Now, aren’tcha glad you stuck around?!?

Consider yourself flashed.

Limecello’s review of Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6) by J.R. Ward
Contemporary paranormal romance released by Signet on 3 Jun 08

I’ve been a huge fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood books since I started reading them, and I’m curious as to where the series is going to go. I liked this book more than I expected, based on Lover Unbound. I tried to avoid reviews before I read Lover Enshrined – but I still got a sense of disappointment from readers, and it pains me to agree. For those of you who have read the series, you understand. Those of you who haven’t read it yet – I recommend reading the series and formulating your own opinion.

I like Phury – and respect him a lot. He devoted his life to finding his brother, then shot his own leg off to save them both. He’s happy to help out anyone and everyone, and is always sacrificing himself to make the lives of those he loves better. I felt that this book, unfortunately, took a little of that away from him. The fact that he’s a drug addict, and the way he reacts to his addiction makes him a rather unsympathetic character.

Something I found conflicting in the book was the badass seven foot tall ruthless killers, that sounded like middle school girls. The constant texting in the book was also something I could easily have gone without. Then, there was one scene that was minor, but so disappointed me – it was when a character was arrested and Mirandized. That’s not how it works, as anyone with a cursory background in criminal justice would know, which I would expect Ward as a lawyer to have.

While this wasn’t much of a romance – Phury and Cormia are both so troubled – I liked most other aspects of the book. The secondary stories, characters, and plot were almost more interesting than Phury and Cormia, which is sad, because Phury got the short end of the stick with his book. I enjoyed learning what all the secondary characters we’ve already been introduced to are embroiled in – but the storylines are getting more complicated, almost too much so.

The books are no longer stand alone – and least, not completely, in my opinion. If I hadn’t read the five previous books, I think I would have been rather lost. Too many issues were left unresolved. Not only that, but more characters and issues were brought in. The characters are more angsty than group of high schoolers a month before prom with no date. And they deal with their issues in pretty much the same way.

The focus on the younger males – John, Blaylock, and Qhuinn, was fun. I’ve enjoyed following their story since Lover Eternal.

I like the way the book was written, and how well developed it is – the descriptions of the characters emotions and experiences. The settings, atmosphere, is all well done. Ms Ward has an impressive attention to detail – as noted, with the strong focus on the younger characters, even the activities and preferred drinks in the book changed.

To be honest, when I first heard about the BDB, I mocked. ‘Come on! Characters named Rhage, Zsadist, Vishous, and Phury? Give me a break.‘ But I read the first three, and was hooked. I waited impatiently for the fourth, and then the fifth. After reading the sixth, I do plan on reading the seventh.

I’m someone who generally has to follow a series until the bitter end (which is why I’m not that into series – the potentiality for it being written into the ground is too high, as evinced by Gilmore Girls). I felt apprehensive after Lover Unbound, and started reading Lover Enshrined with some trepidation, but overall, I enjoyed it. I have to say though, I miss the stories and books from the beginning of the series. I hope the next one will be more like those.

Grade: C+

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 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 sees the emotionally scarred male behind all his noble responsibility. But while the war with the Lessening Society grows more grim, and tragedy looms over the Brotherhood’s mansion, Phury must decide between duty and love.

Read an excerpt here.

For more reviews, excerpts, and posts about this and other Black Dagger Brotherhood books, click on the BDB tag below.

If you have been a reader of the blog for a while, you no doubt are aware I am something of a fan of Jessica Bird, a.k.a. J.R. Ward. I happen to think the author is beyond cool. I was blown away by Dark Lover and still to this day am in love with that book as well as Lover Awakened. Hey… everyone has a favorite brother.

When it came time to for Lover Enshrined I thought it would be tres nifty to have her CP, the ever nifty Jessica Andersen do the interview… we got lucky (or they gave in so I would shut up), at the end of the interview you can read how YOU can get lucky *G*

Dr. Jessica Andersen, author of the newly released paranormal Nightkeepers, interviews J.R. Ward, otherwise known as the WARDen, author of the also newly released Lover Enshrined. Read on…

Hey Duckies, author Jessica Andersen here! I don’t know where you all are at, but here in the Northeastern USA it’s hot as blazes. Hello, early heat wave! In an effort to cool things down, I thought I’d keep it light today. I’m joined by my good buddy and critique partner, J.R. Ward, and we’re going to do a little quacking about her awesome new release, Lover Enshrined, the sixth book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.

Jessica Andersen: Hey JR, dude. Thanks for agreeing to do this mini-interview!

J.R. Ward: Actually, thank you for doing it!

JA: Staying on that ‘keep it light and cool’ theory, I thought we could do a ‘these are a few of my favorite things’ list… so here goes. As always in the BDB books, Lover Enshrined has got a ton of great zingers and one-liners among the characters. What’s your favorite line in the book, and why?

JRW: Man, there are a number of them! I think my fav is when Wrath is explaining to John Matthew that the last time Lassiter, the fallen angel, was on the planet there was a plague in central Europe. Lassiter’s response: “Okay, that was SO not my fault.”

JA: Building on that idea, what’s your favorite scene in Lover Enshrined?

JRW: Lemme think… the one with John Matthew on page 497 (I’m quoting the page to avoid a spoiler) just tore at my heart, in a good way and a bad way. I also like the one with Phury on page 492… that was just a great scene (it’s the one where he emerges from the Scribe Virgin’s private quarters.) That one also leads up to my favorite line in the book: “He finally felt like the hero he had always wanted to be.” But my absolute favorite scene… was the one at the end when Z comes to Phury, with the Brotherhood. Got me all teary when I wrote it to be honest. It was so great to see the twins reunited and the Brothers all together… and yeah, that’s my fav.

JA: Thinking of the series as a whole, which of the book covers is your favorite, and why?

JRW: You know, I like them all but I think Dark Lover is my favorite. I love the red and the black, plus it was the first one and set the standard for them all. So, yeah, have to go with the king on that one!

JA: Okay, shifting the topic slightly, what’s the funniest thing a fan ever asked you, either online or during a public appearance?

JRW: Actually, I’d have to say it wasn’t a question, but how a question was raised. This lovely woman who always attends the Cincinnati signings, lifted her hand up to her face, putting it on her forehead (to indicate she had something to ask). The thing was, she had her fingers orientated so that it put a loser sign on her forehead as she looked up at me. I busted out laughing and was like, are you losering me at my own signing?! Of course everyone cracked up- she handled it very well, though. And she’s still coming to the signings!

JA: What was your favorite song (or songs) to listen to while you were writing Phury? Did you mainline the opera, or was the soundtrack straight up ZeroSum fare, or…?

JRW: Huh… well, I listened to opera a lot, yes. But as always there was rap and hip hop in my ears while I ran during the writing of the book. And when I run I plan a lot so even Phury was touched by the likes of Fifty and Pac and Kanye and Lil Jon and Jay-Z…

JA: When you’re treating yourself, what’s the treat? Chocolate? Massage? White water rafting?

JRW: Right now? Breyers vanilla and coffee ice cream!

JA: And now for the lightning round… please answer the following with a word or phrase only, no explanations:

Favorite DVD? “The Office”, any season

Favorite guilty pleasure on TV? “Flavor of Love”, any season

Favorite guilty pleasure in the fridge? Ice cream, see above

Favorite word for the Chicago Manual of Style? Okay that’s a trick question! LOLOLOL geeee I’d have to go with c***sucker.

JA: And finally, what is your favorite recent release about the Mayan 2012 doomsday and the men and women who are bound to protect us from the apocalypse?

JRW: OMG, it’s totally Nightkeepers by Jessica Andersen! Have you ever heard of her? Fabulous writer, wicked sense of humor… and excels at fondue. You.are.welcome.

JA: And there you have it, Duckies! Straight from the WARDen herself, a little light fun on a hot day.

Gwen’s review of Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6) by J.R. Ward
Contemporary paranormal romance released by Signet 3 Jun 08

I caught up to Ward’s Brotherhood when I read Lover Eternal. Loved it – it wasn’t perfect, but damn it was a good story with a very hot hero. I quickly bought and read Dark Lover – I admit I didn’t like it as well as LE, but still loved the shit out of it. I was disappointed by Lover Awakened - not sure why. Loved Lover Revealed – Butch was one hot hero. Didn’t really love Lover Unbound. Now that I’ve read Lover Enshrined and all I can say is “DAMN!” Read on to find out if that’s a good thing…

I won’t keep you in suspense – I really loved Lover Enshrined. Not so much because it was a good love story as it was just a good damn story. I feel like Ward got back to something here. I ‘m not sure if it’s the roots of the story, the original intent behind the series, or just her story-telling bones. But she got back to something here.

Enshrined contains the Phury-Cormia love story, but it also contains so much more. It’s a true telling of the story of this race that inhabits Ward’s other reality. It’s multi-layered, peopled by a large and fascinating cast of secondary characters, and even has interesting bad guys once again. (I felt like the Lessers got very uninteresting in Awakened and didn’t make it out of that hole until now.)

When I read Enshrined, I felt like I was reading everyone’s story. By “everyone” I mean the males. In my opinion, Ward’s books focus primarily on the males. I suppose that’s why we don’t get too many interesting females in the stories, and we still don’t with this entry, though Cormia is no less interesting than the other heroines. I still like Bella best, but I think that’s because I got to know her very well in both Eternal and Awakened. We see a bit of her in Enshrined, and she’s still a lovely person. There’s one brief scene with Beth and a few scenes with Jane – not a hide nor hair is seen of Mary or Marissa – but Jane’s are perfunctory doctory scenes with no real interaction between her and others on a personal basis. Bella befriends Cormia and they have a couple of nice friendship scenes unfortunately with “Project Runway” in attendance, but at least Ward avoided the cliche of “Sex and the City.”

In Enshrined we learn quite a bit more about Rehvenge, the Omega, John Matthew, Blaylock, Qhuinn, Xhex, and, of course, Phury and Zsadist. This character development was fascinating to me. There was so much “other” story in this book, I even hesitated to call its genre “romance,” though there is undoubtedly romance in it. The scenes without the hero or heroine in them are incredibly interesting, even the ones with the Lessers (huge concession on my part – I used to skim over the Lesser scenes before and I didn’t in this book).

We get a full, well-rounded story in Enshrined. Ward digs deeply into Phury’s psyche and delves into the nature of his addiction. She does not “prettify” drug addiction or smooth over the turmoil it can cause within a family and friends. You get a raw, unvarnished depiction of where it comes from for Phury and how he strives to overcome it. It was really quite fascinating.

I could go on with what I liked about this book, but I don’t want to ruin it for you. You’ll just have to read it. If you’re a fan of Ward’s BDB books, you can’t miss this one. Enshrined is the beginning of something very different for the Brothers and for their society – both good and bad, I think. I can’t wait to read the next book. If you’re a fan of paranormal novels, I think you’ll like this one, but you may be a bit at sea with this complex world Ward has built – reading one or two of the previous books is recommended.

Lover Enshrined is paranormal storytelling at its best. Plus it has the spice of romance, sensuality, and action we have all come to expect from Ward. I highly recommend this book.

Grade: A

Blurb:

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists 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 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 sees the emotionally scarred male behind all his noble responsibility. But while the war with the Lessening Society grows more grim, and tragedy looms over the Brotherhood’s mansion, Phury must decide between duty and love.

No excerpt is available yet.

Other books in this series:

Coming 7 Oct 2008, The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider’s Guide.

Click on the Black Dagger Brotherhood tag below to read reviews, posts, and more about this and other BDB books.

LauraD’s review of Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6) by J.R. Ward
Paranormal romance released by Signet 3 Jun 08

Full disclosure: I am a J.R. Ward fanghirl. I have smoked the crack, I have consumed the KoolAid. However, I think I’m still capable of being honest about the good/bad/wonderful fraternal shift that is Lover Enshrined.

First of all, if you haven’t read any of the other Black Dagger Brotherhood Books, don’t start with this one. Ward doesn’t even try to give enough backstory to make sense of the multiple storylines making up the current book-you need to be familiar with the characters, their histories, and the world of the Brotherhood. In theory Lover Enshrined is the romance of Phury, the Brotherhood’s sensitive and drug addicted soul, who has been named Primale of the vampire race; and Cormia, who was named First Mate of the Chosen(a sort of pure vampire breeding pool).

However, as in Ward’s last book, the romance really takes a backseat to several other storylines-which is fine with me, because the continued development of John Michael, Quinn, and Blaylock, is obviously the future of this series. Three young warriors-in-training, great friends with a bond that will be both strengthened and tested. All three undergo separate rites of passage, and I can’t wait to see what happens to each of them next. For me, these guys were the strength of the book

The Lessening Society returns, and is a major part of the plotline. I’m not a big fan of the Lessers, I think they’re boring and they’ve never seemed to be much of an obstacle to the Brotherhood. There is a major plot twist involving the Omega, and readers do get a much better idea of where the Society came from and why they hate vampires.

Then of course, there are Rehvenge and Xhex, the sympaths. Rumor has it that the next BDB novel will be Rehvenge’s, and he certainly shows us something….new. And kinky. I kinda liked it. Xhex and John Michael manage to win hottest couple, without ever really touching — I’ll be looking forward to that book, and hoping Ward gives them plenty of private time.

Phury. Poor Phury. His romance got short shrift; he spent more time getting high than he did with Cormia. I can see Ward’s dilemma: she has to cure his addiction before he can get the girl. Unfortunately, he was so busy getting high and feeling guilty he never spent any time with Cormia. She is a typical BDB heroine; very bland. Their attraction felt very forced, and the ending of the whole Primale situation just didn’t feel right to me.

Some readers will be disappointed at the absence of old favorites. The Brotherhood Warriors make cameo appearances only, with the exception of Wrath. Shellans Beth, Bella and “Doc Jane” make appearances, and Jane still bugs me. Ward’s “cellies” will be excited to see a character that has existed on her messageboard for some time finally appear as part of the book mythology.

Overall, I gave Lover Enshrined a B. Yeah, the romance was weak. But I was invested in almost every character, lovedlovedloved the 3 young males (does that make me a vampire cougar?), and cannot wait to find out what happens next. More KoolAid, please!

Grade: B

Blurb:

As Primale of the Chosen, the fiercely loyal Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of his race. But his first mate, the Chosen Cormia, wants not only his body but his heart for herself. As tragedy looms over the Brotherhood’s mansion, Phury must decide between duty and love…

Read an excerpt.

Lucky Gwen.  I have no clue what all she took with her as I was too busy petting the cover of the Ward book I just got in the mail.

FYI THIS IS BEING POSTPONED DUE TO THE IMPENDING ICE STORM IN THE LOUISVILLE AREA.

It will be rescheduled for later….

Anyone out there live in the greater Louisville area? Because we have received notice that J.R. Ward will be giving a romance writing workshop at a Louiville Barnes & Noble this Thursday, 21 Feb.

Yes, J.R.Ward, the woman who took shitkickers, gangsta rap, fated mates, vampires, and the letter “h” and swirled it all together to make enslaved fangirls of us all (or most of us anyway). Well worth the time for any aspiring writer or fan.

The following announcement went out to Ward’s Yahoo Group:

     Hi there! I just wanted folks to know that I’ll be giving a talk on writing romance this Thursday, February 21 at 7 p.m. at the Barnes and Noble at The Summit (4100 Summit Plaza Dr. Louisville, KY, 502.327.7440.) It’s part of a series on genre writing that the store is doing. If you all have a little free time and are in the area, I’d love to see you!

     And I r alive!! Just finishing up Phury by going through his copyedits! Only ten more days and he is done, done, done!

     MUUAH! The WARDen

Didja see the bit about Phury? Didja? Man, if I lived within two states, I’d go. Clutching my little notebook and copy of Lover Eternal, bouncing in my seat like a twelve year old at a Jonas Bros. concert. I imagine the chances of Ward coming to Lawn Guyland are slim. Sigh…

Here’s the official blurb for Phury’s book:

     In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists 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 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 sees the emotionally scarred male behind all his noble responsibility. But while the war with the Lessening Society grows more grim, and tragedy looms over the Brotherhood’s mansion, Phury must decide between duty and love.

J.R. Ward (a.k.a. Jessica Bird), author and personal bitch scribe to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, shares some of her favorite cinematic experiences with us.

Don’t forget that her reader message boards re-open tomorrow, 1 Jan 08, at noon US Eastern! And that her next BDB entry, Lover Enshrined (BDB Book 6) , comes to us June 2008!

My 12 Favorite Christmas/New Year’s Eve Movies

	12. Scrooged. Bill Murray confronting the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future as TV exec.
	11. One True Thing. Okay, not so Christmassy necessarily, but GREAT screenplay.
	10. How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Not the Jim Carrey one – the animated classic. Not a movie. Still watched it like every year when I was little. Had to go on the list.
	9. Jingle All the Way. The Terminator does Christmas – competes with Sinbad for toy. Does battle with Phil Hartman’s reindeer.
	8. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn. Long story. Watched it one vivid Christmas vacation and yeah, now I always associate it with the holiday. Great movie. Ricardo Montalban in a burlap sack suit. William Shattner at the helm. Always magic. Except for those ear worm things. EW.
	7. Elf. Yeah, Will Ferrell. Parts are really stupid and not in a good way. But I still laugh.
	6. When Harry Met Sally. Last scene, New Year’s Eve. “I hate you, Harry, I really hate you…” ‘Nuff said.
	5. A Christmas Story. Ralphie. The Red Ryder bebe gun. The soap in the mouth. The leg lamp. The dogs and the dinner. TBS does a marathon Christmas Day and I watch it every year.
	4. While You Were Sleeping. LOVE it. Yes, it’s chicky for my tastes, but come on- Joe Jr.? With her shoes on? And at the end? Luuuuuucy, I got something to ask you? Awwwwwwwwwww…
	3. Scrooge. The original black and white version that scared the p*** out of me when I was younger. Still love the scene when the old guy goes running out into the snowy street with his night cap on. Tiny Tim and that little crutch. Ugh, gets me EVERY stinking time.
	2. Trading Places. Dan Ackroyd putting a smoked salmon into a grotty santa suit. Eddie Murphy explaining how G.I. Joe with the kungfu grip effects the national economy on Christmas. LOVE IT.
	1. Die Hard. Wherein the following classic line in American cinema was uttered: “Yippee-kyay-motherf***er.” Absolute favorite Christmas movie EVER.

How about you readers – any movies remind you of a time in your life or a holiday?

Looks like Phury’s book Lover Enshrined, is being pushed back. It will hit the shelves on June 3, 2008 now (it was April 2008).

I am not sure if this is because of the reaction to LOVER UNBOUND, the new series J.R. Ward is starting, or the current SSE series she is doing (which rocks) . The BDB Compendium is still on schedule for Fall 2007. (Doesn’t Kenyon have one coming out too? Or is that this fall? I forget.)

Personally, I hope this means LOVER ENSHRINED will be great. Maybe the quick publishing schedule played into LOVER UNBOUND not being the best it could have been. What do you guys think?

If you register for J.R. Ward’s Yahoo Group or Message Board I am sure there will be more info.

Unfortunately due to scheduling conflicts JR Ward will not be able to do her guest author day today. I am sure you are as disappointed as we are but we do have contest to award. And even better more contests and excerpts to post!

Lover Unbound did release yesterday and if you haven’t already you can find it all over the place. Gwen’s review is here, do be aware it contains spoilers as I am sure the comments do. So enter at own risk….

And next week will be historical romance in all its glory when Madeline Hunter and Lisa Kleypas guest on the 2nd and 5th.

Gwen’s review of Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5) by J.R. Ward
Paranormal romance published by Signet 25 Sep 07

This is the fifth book in the Brotherhood series.  It’s based on a group of warrior vampires who protect their species, a species who is (we believe) secret from humans.  Who are these warriors protecting their fellow vamps from? Why, some bad guys who smell like, uh, baby powder – the Lessers.  Just roll with it, okay?  Oh – don’t read all of this post if you care about spoilers.  I have a few after the grade. 

I love reading about the Brothers.  I love that they’re giants and still have table manners.  I love that they’re the protectors of their race, but still have flaws.  I love the easy camaraderie between them.  I have loved nearly all of the Brother’s stories.  I even spent time on the BDB discussion forums – until they kept editing or deleting my not-always-PG13 posts (I know, shocking, isn’t it?  LOL).  I will probably keep reading the BDB books, but perhaps with a little less anticipation now that I’ve read LU.

I actually blame myself for this dilemma.  I have come to expect so much from a BDB book.  It would be nearly impossible for an author to consistently meet that archetype every time they step up to bat.  At the same time, there are things I really did not like about this book, and those I place squarely at the author’s feet.

Ward has not managed to create a heroine I consistently like (really in any of her books, to be honest – not as Jessica Bird or J.R. Ward).  All of her female characters have been weaklings or stricken with the TSTL curse.  This book is no exception – the heroine starts strong, but ends on a weak, confusing note.

I was glad that this book didn’t harp on the bad guys, the Lessening Society.  Those are the parts of past BDB books that I skipped or skimmed.  The only time I felt the Lessers had any true evil was in Dark Lover.  After that, they were too plastic or cookie cutter.  All they lacked was a t-shirt that said, “I’m the bad guy.”

Unlike other reviewers, I had no trouble with the unusual aspects of Butch and V’s relationship.  Complicated relationships and confusing emotional attachments are a fact of life.  For a species for whom life is on such an emotional, primal edge as these vampires, it’s not surprising that Ward felt she needed to complicate this relationship between best friends.  Complexity is a fact of life and it’s interesting to read about it – to me at least.

I had a problem with the amount of ink spent on Phury in this book.  I would have preferred to get less of his back story, and more of V and Jane.  I don’t doubt Phury’s story will be interesting to read, but I thought I was here for V and Jane.

There be spoilers ahead.  Don’t click past the grade unless you wish to read them.  For those of you who won’t be reading thru,

Grade: C

Summary:

The ruthless and brilliant brother Vishous possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. 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 a 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 does not include her…

Read an excerpt.

Keep reading for the rest of the review, spoilers and all…

Still with me?  Okay.

I hate what Ward did to Jane in this book.  It was tragic when Wellsie died, but it spurred an interesting storyline that I can’t wait to see how it pans out. In this book, Ward kills off another Shellan - Jane.  I was sitting there crying, almost sobbing right along with V.  Wondering what on earth would V do now, how would he survive without his mate, WHAT WOULD HAPPEN NEXT.  I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

So what was there for me to dislike, you ask?  What I disliked was WARD BROUGHT HER BACK!  She kills Jane off – unnecessary, but hey, it’s a gritty, dramatic book, so I was prepared to deal. Main characters don’t die often enough in romances, in my opinion.  There’s a whole different level of drama you get when characters have to deal with a loss like that.  BUT THEN Ward ”resurrects” Jane as a spirit! It was just weird and it relies too much on ”suspension of disbelief” on my part. And the whole “non-corporeal” sex thing going on between V and Jane is just odd.

Ward had me until that happened.  I mean, there were problems with the book – what book doesn’t have a bump or two – but it was totally an A review book.  THEN SHE BRINGS HER BACK.  Arrrgh!

Who knows. Perhaps Jane’s spirit-ness will play a key function at some point in a future book. Right now? It just pisses me off.

Other books in the series:

C O M I N G S O O N

Starting September 19, 2007 romancenovel.tv will be counting down to V Day!!

AKA

Lover Unbound‘s official release

They will debut a new interview they did with JR Ward in Dallas and be sure to check out their message board (ppssttt there will be a contest).

On September 26, 2007, JR Ward, will once again be our guest!

She will be brought to you by the letter V and the number 5. We will celebrate all things Brotherhood, ask some nifty questions, see what spoilers we can shake out of her and of course have a contest!

I need to send her questions. I think Monday is a good day, I am hoping sleep deprivation from RAW might help a spoiler or two to slip. Hey! One can hope.

After I finished Lover Unbound, the first thing I did was read Lover Revealed again. And then decided to start with Dark Lover – followed by Lover Eternal, Lover Awakened and then yes… Lover Revealed *again*.

To end with a reread of Lover Unbound… 

My planning blows because I was doing historical guest days at the time so my head was so not wrapped around what was going on here at the time. The whole time I was rereading, I was thinking of things to talk about. Themes, characters, actions that made sense or didn’t and just ‘stuff’. The book doesn’t release until September 25 and J.R. Ward will be on blog September 26.

So I figured what the hell… lets discuss the Black Dagger Brotherhood…

We will have a post for each book, then a post on the females, the brothers and finish with a wish list. We can even have prizes. Do keep in mind this is just one of my many random ideas and any books given away will most likely not be signed (for that you need to be around on her guest author day) and with J.R. Ward’s schedule and active message board I doubt she will show up in any of these posts or be on board before September 26.

For all I know it will be just gwen and me talking to ourselves – while wendy laughs at us.

THE RULES:

1. NO SPOILERS FOR LOVER UNBOUND

2. In order to win (whatever I post is the prize for that post) you must leave a valid email address. I will try to keep it open to all but will note if the prize is US only (dude we don’t charge for the stuff we do here or run ads). And will make a note what the prize is in the body of the post – if nothing else some will be ebooks – that I can hopefully give out all over. You can enter by commenting in any “Let’s Chat: Black Dagger Brotherhood” post until 2am CST September 25, 2007 (unless otherwise noted on the post).

3. You can post as many times as you like and will be entered for each post – as long as the comment fits the post (and/or comments in the post). Meaning ‘me too’ every other comment will not count as an entry. AND If there is more than one person who live with you/uses your computer please email me [redwyne @ redwyne . com] – otherwise I will toss the names out when it comes time to draw winners.

4. This is a long way from pollyannaville but be respectful of ALL opinions. We not only respect your right to disagree, we want you to voice your views.

5. We want to discuss the books. We want to discuss the characters. We want to think about their actions and where we see/want/wish them to go. Hell you can just sqqquuueee over your favorite brother if you want but personal discussion or questions of J.R. Ward are not the aim here. You can email her.

6. If you have never read the books, expect spoilers for all of the novels EXCEPT Lover Unbound, V will of course be in the discussions but only up to what we know from the books. We will have reviews going up of the books, as I have only done Dark Lover. We will do one or two on Lover Unbound but closer to the date of release.

We can and will add to the rules as we see fit.

To start… rank ‘em (at the end we can see if you change your mind ). !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In order, starting with your fave ‘overall book’ and work your way through the four released novels. You can give your reasons if you want or wait until we post about the book. Then tell us your most reread book.

Order of the books from my most fave (rating’s aren’t here I will rambling on more in the book posts ):

Sept 2006 March 2007 Sept 2005 March 2006

BUT my most read is:

I love, love, love me some butch/marissa. And Z is such a hard read for me. But man I love him, like a fat kid loveseses cake (tm karens)

So what about you?

**prize awarded for this post will be an unsigned copy of Lover Unbound, to be awarded when I get my copy or when after the 25th date will be announced for the close of contest sometime next week**

The Billionaire Next Door is Jessica Bird’s newest Silhouette Special Edition. It is an august release, which means you can order if from eHarlequin right this second in print or ebook.

If you weren’t already aware Jessica Bird is the 2007 RITA winner for Best Short Contemporary Romance for her novel From the First. 

I think Sean O’Banyon first appeared in the Moorhouse series (FtF was the final book) and then there was a stand alone that tied into it, A Man in a Million, where I Sean was a major player. I thought the character was fab so I was very excited to see him get his own book. And once I was done with it emailed Jessica first thing… she was nice enough to answer a few questions for the blog.

I noticed Sean is was friends with Butch O’Neal. Is that something of an ‘in joke’ or will he play into the trilogy more later?

LOL that was an ‘in joke’. And a little shout out to BDB readers! Spike, the hero from my SSE A Man in a Million, is Zsadist’s distant, distant relative- something I knew all along. I can remember before I even sent the proposal in for Spike’s book looking across the table at my SSE editor and going, um, see there’s this one thing about Spike you should know. Fortunately, she was cool with it!

You often say the ‘brotherhood’ write the books and you just tell what you see. With your SSE books and the new “The O’Banyon Brothers” do you feel you have more ‘control’ over the them or is just another movie. Minus the vamps *g*

No, I don’t have much control over any of the folks in my books. The Brothers are louder and more demanding, sure. But the other people in my SSEs are just as clear to me.

I like Sean. I really like Sean. In fact I would say this is one of my favorite Special Editions you have done. And of course he is very alpha. Very much alpha… and I was wondering do you think I will ever do a beta hero? Or have you done one and I missed it?

Um… probably not. Betas aren’t- wait, actually. That’s not true. I have written one. Well, my version of one. He’s part of anthology piece I’ve done which is coming out late next year.

Lizzie was a great heroine and I LOVED the end of novel. I don’t think I have seen a heroine ask that of a hero before. Err… guess that isn’t much of a question *g*

LOL I love Lizzie and let me tell you, she did the right thing. If you consider the emotional ramifications of Sean’s background, and the fact that he’d never talked about what happened to anyone, you’d need him to get some help of the professional variety if you were going to be in a relationship with him. She was right to ask and he was strong to agree.

How much of your past life in working in healthcare in Boston went into the setting of this? Was it something you drew on or just second nature in the back of your mind?

OMG totally something I drew upon! I told my editor I loved this book because I got to back home!

I recently ask Shannon McKenna about her heroines and the flack she has gotten from many a person about them being weak or weaker than her heroes. When we spoke in Dallas you said you had a much harder time writing the women. Do you feel you are improving and what are you doing to work on it?

If I’m getting better, it’s because I’m trying to balance the attention given to them a little more. Other than that, I’m not really changing the way I work- I still just follow the stories in my head.

The most asked question I hear or see about Jessica Bird/JR Ward (other than omg they are the same person?) is ‘What is the deal with the glasses’. Care to answer?

My eyes are photophobic and have been for about the last seven or eight years- the result of too much time in front of the computer. Under florescent lights or in front of flashbulbs, my vision frizzes out. So either I wear them or I don’t see very well.

After I read the answers and saw a question or two over at Dear Author I asked two follow up questions and Jessica was kind enough to answer.

Will the anthology be by Jessica Bird or J.R. Ward? If it is Ward will it be apart of the Brotherhood? Or is it the start of the new series you are doing?

The anthology is J.R. Ward and vampire, but it doesn’t have any Brothers in it. The new series will start in 2009 with full length novels.

Since the news of Rhevenge being in hard cover, two questions are being asked, which I am not even sure you would have answers for: Will the first books be reissued in HC for those of us who are anal and like our books to match. And how many more books are going to be in the series after Rhev? Since I really doubt you know that can you at least tell us how many are contracted?

As far as I know the first books will not be reprinted as such right now- but who knows what the future will bring. At this point the Brotherhood is open ended. Originally there were ten books, but now with so many other folks appearing, I intend to keep on going for as long as folks will read!

**A Note I do not think Jessica Bird will have time to come by and answer any reader questions. But she will for sure be here in October to guest. So if you have questions about the SSE series or the brotherhood you are more than welcome to ask. And I will see about getting them worked into the October Q&A.**

In case you haven’t noticed… JR Ward has started to answer some of the questions in her Q&A post… 

Wonders of wonders, she is really answering some of them! So go look, unless you hate spoilerish stuff. Then don’t go.

ETS: JR Ward is also on Romantic Times in their Ask the Author feature. Go check it out if you haven’t.

Really.

No going and then whining about the spoilers cuz I would have to beat you.

I am going to add links to reviews as I see them… I will mark with spoilers IF I KNOW they are there. I willl not be able to read them all first. I will be updating this all day. Fill free to post a note if you have one up!

soooo enter at your own risk:

Bam takes on Lover Revealed

Janine takes on Lover Revealed

Cindy takes on Lover Revealed

Tara Marie takes on Lover Revealed

Angie takes on Lover Revealed

Rosario takes on Lover Revealed

Paperback Reader takes on Lover Revealed

Arielle guest reviews on rosario’s blog and takes on Lover Revealed

Devon takes on Lover Revealed

Nath and Ames take on Lover Revealed

Guess who hit #5on the NY Times… 

WoOT! Way to go Cop!

Mad Congrats to J.R. Ward

Having had the chance to talk at length with J.R. Ward about the brotherhood, I have to say it is beyond cool. And if you ever have a chance to go to one of her signings I would so do it.

At the same time, I still say it is beyond wrong to delete a comment from a message board of a site that is trying to sell its self as ‘by romance novel lovers’ for ‘romance novel lovers’. And that something smells funny about the whole thing.

But well… see the first part…

Then go watch JR Ward first part on Romance Novel TV. And yeah I will see if she will come post about the sunglasses before everyone asks.

J.R. Ward book signings/discussions/readings for Lover Revealed:

March 10, 2007 @ 2pm to 4pm
The Bookstore-Radcliff

Location:
Radcliff, Kentucky

Details:
they will be talking with readers, autographing books, and giving away door prizes

First of all I want to say thanks to Sybil for having me as a guest blogger. And I have to say I am terrified! *g* Why? Because I’ve been looking through her site and I am majorly impressed with her list of guest bloggers. How did I rate a spot? I think it has to do with my night job, my favorite job — as Romance Manager for an independent bookstore in KY. 

I have always been a fan of romance, the house is overflowing with books, especially romances, much to the dismay of my DH. So when I was offered the opportunity to work a few hours at our local bookstore, I jumped at it. I’m thinking that it would help pay for my huge book addiction. What I didn’t know was how involved my little part time job would soon be!

I started a website for the store, featuring romances. I do author interviews every month, romance previews of upcoming releases, the occasional review, and best of all… I’m in charge of author signings. Ah.. that’s the real fun and challenge.

First let me tell you that I am basically a shy person. Ok, all you that know me can quit laughing now! I have always been in awe of authors, especially romance authors. The fact that their books take me away to different eras, different lifestyles, different everything and has the HEA that I craved, has gotten me through some pretty rough times. And I love the fact that romances have branched out into so many different areas.

I was also very wrongly under the impression that authors were way to lofty for little old me, so when it came time to do interviews, much less ask one of these awesome people to come do a signing at our store, I was petrified!

I must say that all the authors I’ve met have been friendly, witty and all around wonderful people. We’ve only had a few signings so far but one of my favorites was last September with J.R. Ward and Lora Leigh. I had met both these ladies at the RWA conference in Atlanta last year and even had a nice chat with Lora at one point and I was thrilled to find they lived in my area of the country. I had been introduced to J.R. by our chapter president and I was so overwhelmed by meeting this author I could barely say a word! I don’t even think I got out that I was a bookseller. The seemingly magic word to an author. *g*

After getting back home and off cloud nine I gathered my courage and wrote J.R. and asked her if she would be interested in doing a signing for our store. She said yes and asked is she could bring Lora Leigh with her. Could she? Well of course! She could have asked to bring my worst enemy and I would have jumped at the chance for her to come do a signing, much less another KY area author whose books I loved!

After lots of planning and worrying, doing PR work for the signing, telling everyone I know about the books, getting decorations done, gifts for the authors, baking a ton of cookies and praying constantly that things came off well, the day arrived and the fun began…

The fans came from near and far, even several states away! They started arriving well before it was time for the signing. Now those are devoted Cellies! All just to visit the WARDen and get her newest book signed. Of course Lora had a good following too and to say we had a good day of sales would be an understatement! And for the ones that didn’t order ahead of time or couldn’t make it to the signing, J.R. and Lora signed back stock for us which sold well too!

I had read and was totally fascinated by the whole Black Dagger Brotherhood series (and had recommended them to everyone) and of course I had my own questions but I was amazed at the detailed questions that J.R. received about her books and the Brotherhood. You could tell the books had been read multiple times and the Cellies (and yes I am a Cellie too) had really bonded with the Brothers. Sometimes they got the answer they wanted sometimes it was the typical WARDen answer of “Keep Reading”! Oh course we all wanted hints about the Brotherhood, especially about upcoming books and I can happily say that we did get a few interesting tidbits into the Brothers lives.

Watching J.R. laugh and talk with her fans was absolutely amazing! You could see the love she had for her craft, her characters and the honest appreciation she had for her fans. It made me want to know that much more about the Brotherhood and the author that brought them to life. To say that having J.R. Ward do a signing at our store was fun and totally amazing would be like saying the sun was a little bright.

To hear the WARDen tell it, the Brotherhood’s world came to her fully formed and it was like watching a movie unfold in her mind. She writes the stories they tell her. To have the talent to express that world so vividly that it keeps us enthralled and anxious to constantly know more about the Brothers and their lives is a major accomplishment that she should be very very proud of.

She shares the joy and the heartbreak of the brothers with her fans and definitely makes us care. And you know what the best think of all is…..SHE’S COMING BACK TO OUR STORE ON SATURDAY, MARCH 10th from 2-4 P.M. Can you tell I’m excited to see her again and hear more about the Brothers? Oh yeah!

I’ve only got one complaint major about J.R. — she keeps forgetting to bring the Boys with her! I even offered to do a special midnight signing just for them. Talk about having fans lining the streets!

Oh well, I can dream… but remember J.R. if the boys ever want to stop by with you, they are more than welcome!

If you would like to know more about J.R.’s signing at our store, please check out our store site or you can drop me a line at bookstorenews@gmail.com.

J.R. Ward will give away a signed copy of Lover Revealed to a random commenter. The comment needs to be on any Ward related post, with the comment dated 3/9/07. You can of course comment as many times as you like but may only enter for yourself (i.e. no posting for your mom, your sister and her boyfriends cousin’s son).

I will post the winner tomorrow with the other contest winners I have to post (from last week’s alluring week).

It will be a winning sort of day *g*. Good Luck!

****DO NOT POST LOVER AWAKENED SPOILERS IN THIS THREAD*** please and thank you

I will try and mark if there are spoilers… try! BUT, read at the JR Ward reviews at your own risk

JR Ward takes on Lover Awakened… kinda
should be spoiler free… chat from 9/4/06 at Romance:By the Blog

Rosario takes on Lover Awakened

JMC takes on Lover Awakened
spoilers spoilers spoilers…

Jane takes on Lover Awakened

C2 takes on Lover Awakened… sort of
but I can’t comment cuz stop beta blogger won’t let me and she doesn’t allow other or anon comments

Nikki takes on Lover Awakened

Paperback Reader takes on Lover Awakened

some what spoilery but great review

Cindy S takes on Lover Awkened

Nath takes on Lover Awakened

Dana takes on Lover Awakened

Devon takes on Lover Awakened

Tara takes on Lover Awakened

Kris takes on Lover Awakened

Angie takes on Lover Awakened

I can’t think of an introduction for today’s guest author. Because really, who hasn’t heard of Lover Awakened (released today!)?

Do I even need to pull out my button?

No matter if you are lusting after the book or tired of hearing about it, ten to one, JR Ward, Black Dagger Brother Hood and Zsadist are names you have seen around.

At a time when paranormals seem to be on every author’s coming soon list,

JR Ward

has created a stand out series with The Black Dagger Brotherhood.

Dark Lover will grab you, Lover Eternal keep you and Lover Awakened will tear you apart and slowly put you back together again.

And then leave you lusting for Lover Revealed. Lucky for us there are still more brothers out there.

And they all need a happy ever after, it is just a matter of getting through what Ward puts them through to reach it.

I have a fab Q&A to post (sez she who wrote the questions) hopefully they aren’t things you have already read 20 million times.

And if they are, feel free to ask your own *g*. Ward will be popping in through out the day to answer your questions.

Or you know… say keep reading.

I do ask you that you keep any Lover Awakened Spoilers to ONE thread – Spoiler Zone.

All other threads must be spoiler free for the virgin readers who wish to remain untouched.

For more things Zsadist, Brotherhood or JR Ward… you can see her website, message board (you have to join to play) and/or yahoo group.

Thanks again to JR Ward for being a guest author and giving away such a nifty prize. She is the first author to return… it brings a tear to my eye.

Okay, so no big surprise here but I’ve got a thing for tortured heroes. And I was thinking about them the other night. Why? Maybe because Z’s coming out now? Well… yeah.

But more because I reread FLASHPOINT by Suz Brockmann. I was staying over at my mom’s house and I picked it off the shelf and totally got lost in it. AGAIN. 

Jimmy Nash, the hero, is what I would consider tortured. I’m not going to go into the particulars because I couldn’t do him justice- suffice it to say he’s in a job that’s a killer, literally, and he’s got a hardcore past. Anyway, there is an amazing scene where he’s talking to the heroine and he’s struggling to express himself about some targets that he eliminated. I was like, breathless, even though I’d read the dayum book like how many times?

Why was I all in Jimmy Nash’s head? Why was I up in the middle of the night reading when I should have been sleeping? Because I’m a Suz fangirl?

Well, DUH.

Yes. But fangirl stuff aside, there’s something gripping about the raw emotions on those pages. Because when a tortured hero opens up, you get a lot out of him and that’s what I like to see.

As a writer, I find that the most tortured heroes of the Black Dagger Brotherhood books are my favorites: Zsadist, Vishous, Rehvenge and Qhuinn, as I said. As a reader, my taste is consistent with this… so I’m curious what tortured heroes folks have liked best in the books they’ve read lately (and yeah, I’m kind of looking for recommendations for me- I don’t read vampires really, but I’m open to everything else!)

What’s doing for you? What do you suggest I check out?