Review: Blood Fury by J.R. Ward

Series: Black Dagger Legacy Book #3

Format: eBook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)

Genre:Paranormal Romance, Vampires

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

A vampire aristocrat of the Glymera, Peyton is well aware of his duty to his bloodline: mate with an appropriate female of his class and carry on his family’s traditions. And he thought he’d found his perfect match in Paradise—until she fell in love with someone else. When his split-second decision in a battle with the enemy endangers the life of another trainee, Peyton has to face the idea that his future, and his heart, actually lie with another.

Novo, as a female in the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training program, feels like she has to prove herself to everybody—and she has no interest in being distracted by falling in love. But when Peyton proves to be so much more than a rich playboy, she is forced to confront the tragedy that has broken her soul and closed her off from love.

As the two grapple with Novo’s past and Peyton’s present, another couple must contend with an erotic connection that is unparalleled—and potentially scandalous.

Saxton, who has had his heart broken, discovers in himself a deep-seated attraction to Ruhn, a new member of the household. But will the other male explore the connection? Or will he close his mind and his heart to what could be true love . . . and cost Saxton everything?

Review

I'm so glad I was able to get this from Overdrive so quickly. It was my favorite book in this spin-off series. Both romances and all four POVs were well-developed and engaging.

Going in I actually knew very little about this book. I definitely didn't know about Ruhn and Saxton so that was a nice surprise. I'm glad Saxton finally got his HEA. And Ruhn was so different from the alpha males Ms. Ward normally writes. It's great to read someone more calm and simple. I mean simple in a nice way.

Of course the romances were fast, but it works well here unlike some of the others in these two series. I wanted both couples and to be happy and I would get that anxious feeling in my stomach when things would go badly for them.

Novo especially got to me. Her story made me cry a little. And I loved reading her growth and grieving process.

This reminded me again why I like the BDB books/world. J.R. Ward still has that magic.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Blood Vow by J.R. Ward

Series: Black Dagger Legacy
Format: Ebook
Rating: 3 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Ballantine Books

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

The Black Dagger Brotherhood continues to train the best of the best to join them in the deadly battle against the Lessening Society. Among the new recruits, Axe proves to be a cunning and vicious fighter—and also a loner isolated because of personal tragedy. When an aristocratic female needs a bodyguard, Axe takes the job, though he’s unprepared for the animal attraction that flares between him and the one he is sworn to protect.

For Elise, who lost her first cousin to a grisly murder, Axe’s dangerous appeal is enticing—and possibly a distraction from her grief. But as they delve deeper into her cousin’s death, and their physical connection grows into so much more, Axe fears that the secrets he keeps and his tortured conscience will tear them apart.

Rhage, the Brother with the biggest heart, knows all about self-punishing, and he wants to help Axe reach his full potential. But when an unexpected arrival threatens Rhage and Mary’s new family, he finds himself back in the trenches again, fighting against a destiny that will destroy all he holds most dear.

As Axe’s past becomes known, and fate seems to be turning against Rhage, both males must reach deep—and pray that love, rather than anger, will be their lantern in the darkness.

Review

This was a good book, but it let me down a little bit. The romance was rushed-which is normal for these books. I liked the characters-especially Elise. My main problem is that I cared more about the Rhage and Mary storyline than the Axe and Elise one. This should be about Axe and Elsie, in my opinion. The problem is that I've been wrapped up in Rhage and Mary's story for like 10+ books so it isn't hard to feel that way. I wasn't as emotionally invested in the romance between Elise and Axe. I'm glad they're happy and everything but it just didn't quite grip me.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: The Beast by J.R. Ward

Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood Book #14
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 508
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from Library
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: NAL

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Nothing is as it used to be for the Black Dagger Brotherhood. After avoiding war with the Shadows, alliances have shifted and lines have been drawn. The slayers of the Lessening Society are stronger than ever, preying on human weakness to acquire more money, more weapons, more power. But as the Brotherhood readies for an all-out attack on them, one of their own fights a battle within himself…

For Rhage, the Brother with the biggest appetites, but also the biggest heart, life was supposed to be perfect—or at the very least, perfectly enjoyable. Mary, his beloved shellan, is by his side and his King and his brothers are thriving. But Rhage can’t understand—or control—the panic and insecurity that plague him…

And that terrifies him—as well as distances him from his mate. After suffering mortal injury in battle, Rhage must reassess his priorities—and the answer, when it comes to him, rocks his world...and Mary’s. But Mary is on a journey of her own, one that will either bring them closer together or cause a split that neither will recover from... 

Review

I love Rhage and Mary. They are my second favorite couple in the series, so I was super excited about this book. But I was a teeny bit let down. It was kind of slow and had too many unresolved things for me.

Even though this was slow, I liked how parenthood is explored. There is definitely baby fever running through the mansion. Seeing Rhage and Mary work through their inability to have kids is one of the best parts of the story. But Ms. Ward also explored a couple who doesn't want children and was showed as a valid life choice.

The relationship between Bitty and Rhage was so adorable. I hope this series continues for years just to see her turn into a teenage girl.

I'm actually getting really into the Layla/Xcor story line. I read the next book will be about them and I'm curious to see how this progresses. I'm also finally liking Assail. I have not idea what will happen with him, but I'm curious to find out.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: The Blood Kiss by J.R. Ward

Series: Black Dagger Legacy Book #1
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 397
Rating: 4 stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from Library
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Signet

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Paradise, blooded daughter of the king’s First Advisor, is ready to break free from the restrictive life of an aristocratic female. Her strategy? Join the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training center program and learn to fight for herself, think for herself…be herself. It’s a good plan, until everything goes wrong. The schooling is unfathomably difficult, the other recruits feel more like enemies than allies, and it’s very clear that the Brother in charge, Butch O’Neal, a.k.a. the Dhestroyer, is having serious problems in his own life.

And that’s before she falls in love with a fellow classmate. Craeg, a common civilian, is nothing her father would ever want for her, but everything she could ask for in a male. As an act of violence threatens to tear apart the entire program, and the erotic pull between them grows irresistible, Paradise is tested in ways she never anticipated—and left wondering whether she’s strong enough to claim her own power…on the field, and off.

 
Review

This actually reminded me a lot of the early Black Dagger Brotherhood books. I don't know what the spin is, but I wouldn't read this without reading the first BDB books.There's the obvious spoilers, but I actually don't think those are that bad. I think you would need more backstory on the world than this provides.

There are three kind of overlapping plots--it's kind of like a three-circle Venn Diagram. The most minor is a murder-mystery. It was kind of just thrown together and was very predictable.

I actually kind of liked the Butch/Marissa story line. They have never been my favorite couple, but this kind of raised their stock. And they faced some very real relationship struggles. Ms. Ward seems to be doing this more which I liked. It makes the couples feel more developed.

Then, there's the Paradise/Craeg romance. This is what I actually came for and probably is my favorite. It's definitely insta-lovey, but that's how these vampires actually work. The chemistry was spot-on. And Paradise is great. She has a physical strength which is built on a strong mental will. And she has so much generosity. Her  relationship with her dad also melts my heart. Craeg is also interesting, but she just overshadows him.

I'm very excited about the potential of this series. There is so much groundwork for this to turn into another found-family series. I love those and nothing would make me happier than to see that happen.

Thanks for reading!
Holly