Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward

Genre: Fantasy, romance, paranormal, vampires

Release Date: April 28, 2009

Publisher: NAL Hardcover

Format: Hardcover                            Pages: 527

Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood     Sources: BookSmart

Goodreads Synopsis:

J. R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood novels have introduced readers to a "different, creative, dark, violent, and flat-out amazing" (All About Romance)world. Now, as the vampire warriors defend their race against their slayers, one male's loyalty to the Brotherhood will be tested-and his dangerous mixed blood revealed...

Caldwell, New York, has long been 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 owner of a notorious night club 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, for he harbors a deadly secret that could make him a huge liability in their war against the lessers. As plots within and outside of the Brotherhood threaten to reveal the truth about Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in his darkening world, Ehlena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on him-and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction.

My Thoughts:

The Cover: I liked the cover for Lover Avenged very much. It really was what convinced me to purchase it. Lots of dark shadows; sexy dark stare of a well-muscled, tattooed male. Definitely looks like some interesting reading material. I look at the cover and wanted to know Rehvenge’s story.

The Plot:  Rehvenge’s story is truly a dark and daunting tale. But it is not only about Rehv and Ehlena. The story of the Black Dagger Brotherhood continues and other characters lives continue and hang in the balance. I think that’s what I enjoy most about J.R. Ward’s books. That there really are multiple plotlines carrying through each book.

There are so many twists and turns and plot explosions that caught me off guard. Lover Avenged is one amazing ride and I totally enjoyed every minute of it.

Characters:  Ehlena is absolutely my favorite. She is one strong woman, who’s loyalty is tested time and time again. As always, each character is very well written, with just enough teasers about the nature of each brother to make you want to read all their stories. I like that even though a brother’s tale has been told in a previous book, they are still present in the current one.

Is it Worth Reading?: Absolutely! Lover Avenged is a dark tale of vampires (NO sparkling allowed here, Edward!)  and the women they love. It is an awesome story that kept me reading as much as I could even if it was only 5 minutes on the bus. I definitely recommend Lover Avenged and give it 4/5 crossbows, covered in lesser blood!!