Book Review: Black Dagger Brotherhood 8: Lover Mine by J.R. Ward *sigh*

Oooooh.... John Matthew!

I was completely absorbed and enthralled by his story. Since we met him way back in the earlier books as the scared, abused pretrans. Then his growth and changes, meeting his support system, watching all the pain and suffering he goes through to become who he is at the end of this book. Oh.my.god!

It just killed me over and over. It took me a lot longer to get through this one due to the heavy subject matter, not only with John, but also with Xhex, the flashbacks of Tohr, and Lash. It all melded nicely together in this story, but it also hurt! Especially, Xhex's storyline. Wow. Incredible.

I really liked learning more about where Xhex came from and learning about John Matthew and his connection to Xhex. His story is hard to read, but it's so well told.

I also loved seeing Blay in action and his storyline coming out. I'm hoping we get more of his story in number nine. It is so refreshing to have a m/m storyline other than what we learned about some of the Brothers in earlier stories. This is a dedicated storyline and it's awesome. Angsty and beautiful :)

These books have me so completely addicted. It's ridiculous. And I've begun enabling others and bringing them along too :) At least I'm not alone!

You can help our friends in the South AND get great goodies!

Who doesn't love goodies? Who doesn't love good karma? Who doesn't want to assist our dear compatriots who've been seriously affected by tornadoes?

Step right up and assist away!

On April 27, 2011 a massive tornado traveled from Mississippi to Georgia destroying everything in its path. The hardest hit areas are in Alabama. The towns of Tuscaloosa, Pleasant Grove, Phil Campbell, Cullman, Pratt City, Hackleburg and many others will never be the same. There are people who lost homes, cars, photographs, books, toys, places of employment, pets and loved ones. Entire neighborhoods cease to exist and there are rural communities who no longer have grocery stores, gas stations and government facilities. Some people have nowhere to go except for a camping tent and forced to rely on the generosity of strangers.

All 4 Alabama will be holding auctions in order to raise money to help rural Alabama communities that may not get the financial assistance that the larger areas like Birmingham and Tuscaloosa will. All the proceeds will go directly to the communities in need (currently Hackleburg, Alabama and Phil Campbell, Alabama).

My dear friend Crystal and several other bloggers, authors, and publishers are all working together to help the folks who were affected by the tornadoes of the South. We would be much obliged if you would take the time to visit the pages of the auctions and bid to your heart's content.

ALL 4 ALABAMA RELIEF

I've donated a query and chapter beta and critique and several authors have donated books and swag bags. I know there is something for everyone to bid on!

Please visit and donate if you can. Any help will be appreciated!

Book Review: Black Dagger Brotherhood 7: Lover Avenged

Yep... I think I have fallen for every brother and now Rehvenge.

What an awesome story. My heart is still stuck on John, but I'm also totally enthralled with the others. This one took me four days to read. A lot longer in comparison with the others.I blame my own writing and work. If I didn't have to work and support my husband, I would've read all day and gotten it done sooner!

Rehv as he's known throughout the book is such an interesting character. Full of self loathing and a savior complex. He feels like everyone is worth of love and care save himself... he feels he is worthless, worth no one's time, and is willing to sacrifice himself for everyone else.

His story begins in tragedy and just kind of wanders around a garden of thorns and landmines. When the addition of Ehlena comes in, you just sit back and watch. You know what will happen- Beauty and the Beast a la vampires and sympaths.

It's totally easy to call, but at the same time, you are glued on that story... on them. They are a fun combination. A spunky, spendthrift nurse and a angry, self hating, drug dealing pimp. You would think oil and water... and you're right. But man is it fun to watch.

You also get to know Xhex and the Moors more, which is great. I'm hoping with the next installation we'll learn ever more about these guys and John Matthew and his boys.

I am really enjoying this series as I'm sure you all can tell. In the last 15 days I've read all seven of the BDB books and I've enjoyed every single one! :)

Anyone know how I can get a hold of J.R. Ward so I can thank her with much gusto and fervor?!

An open letter to the loves of my life, my girlfriends.

Dearest Friend,

When life looks dark and the trail lost, think about all you have rather than all you've naught.

“I admit it’s tempting to wish for the perfect boss – the perfect parent – or the perfect outfit. But maybe the best any of us can do is not quit, play the hand we’ve been dealt, and accessorize what we’ve got.”
- Carrie Bradshaw

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.  ~Judy Garland

If you cannot be a poet, be the poem.  ~David Carradine

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.  ~Dr. Seuss

"Made a wrong turn, once or twice.
Dug my way out, blood and fire.
Bad decisions, that's alright.
Welcome to my silly life.

Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood.
Miss 'No way, it's all good', it didn't slow me down.
Mistaken, always second guessing, underestimated.
Look I'm still around.

You're so mean, when you talk, about yourself you were wrong.
Change the voices, in your head, make them like you instead.
So complicated, look happy, you'll make it!

Filled with so much hatred, such a tired game.
It's enough! I've done all I can think of.
Chased down all my demons, I've seen you do the same."

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocDlOD1Hw9k&w=640&h=390]

Enjoy the rain as well as the sun :)

I love you and I think your perfect!

-B-

Book Review: Black Dagger Brotherhood 6: Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward

Lover Enshrined... encapsulated... controlled... captured.... frozen.

 

 

Although this one was much shorter, this book had a lot of heart.

Between the main story about Phury and the subplots of John, Quihnn, Blay, Bella, Z, and the others as well, you become enshrined.

And you can see each one of these storylines mingling within each other and how each of the characters has an entrapment. Phury's addictions, Cormia's prison-like home, Rehv's nature, John's emotions, and Blay's heart, Bella's pregnancy, Z's past, hell... even Lash's patronage.

I was really impressed with this one when it came to the story line, the continuity, the push and pull between all the characters for dominance. I really liked Phury and Cormia... their story was so strong and passionate and not just because of the physicality, it's that mental connection of them both being captives to their situations and how they rose above that both separately and together. It was so beautiful.

Something about Cormia's character called to me. Maybe it's my situation in my life at the moment. The call of duty outweighing the need for independence and chasing your own desires... it really hit home for me.

Cormia seems so weak in the beginning, such a pushover. She's so willing to submit and serve, but as she breaks out of that shell, with the help of Phury, John, and Bella... she finds out that she is a living, breathing choice. Not just a Chosen one. She has more to her than subservience and duty. With each of these stories I fall in love more and more with these characters.

It was really well done and I can't wait to start number seven.

This was such a quick read, it took me less than eight hours and I had to work today too. It was just that.... enthralling? What's the right word.
Just a good read :)

Book Review: Black Dagger Brotherhood 5: Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward

Okay, so yeah, read this one in about 5 hours and sobbed my eyes out for the last 20 pages.

And when I say sob, I don't mean delicate, feminine little ribbons of saltwater softly trailing over flushed cheeks... no this was a torrential, cathartic, snotsobbing-style weeping. It wasn't pretty.

Vishous' story was so full of pain... I thought Zsadist's story was painful... it was. This mounted that pain and made it it's bitch.

God, my stomach still hurts.

The ending was fantastic and I adored the tête-à-tête that was V and Jane co-mingling and challenging each other. It was such a beautiful, real, raw love story. Add the mother stuff, well, for those of you who know me in real life, this all really affected me.

Vishous' story is just poignant. I don't want to say more and ruin others reading, but this was an extremely good one.

I think V's story and Z's story are by far my favorite so far.

Can't wait to read on!

Book Review: Black Dagger Brotherhood 4: Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward

Awwww Butch!!!!

Okay so this was a great one too! I loved the story of Butch and his history as well as him coming together with his mate. It was so well done!

We still have all the subplots going on around us with John and Tohr, Bella and Z, Wrath and Beth as well as we get another peek into V's world and his story is compelling.

I'm guessing the next one is about this one brother. He needs his story told badly!

The action sequences were really well thought out and executed and of course the lemons were wonderful as well :)

I am truly enjoying these stories!

Oh and an update on my girl Rheana- she had her baby today :) Congratulations!!!!