This series keeps getting harder and harder to review. Each book covers so much information across so many characters that I can't possibly begin to touch on everything. So I am going to do something I don't normally do... I am going to do gif reactions. If you want me to elaborate anything, just drop me a comment. Wrath -Rehv -Ehlena-Xhex -Xhex and John -John-Beth -Rehv and Ehlena -Wrath and Beth -Rehv and Bella - Wrath and PayneEnding - 4 STARS!

I don't even know where to begin with this review. Like so many of Ward's other books, this book consumed my thoughts. Even when I wasn't reading it, I was pondering the interactions between the characters, hoping for the best, and dreading the worst that I felt was coming. I don't know how the WARDen does it, but my love for this series and her writing grows even more all-consuming with each book. I do know that she understands the power of evoking emotions in the reader. I can't read any of her books without getting my emotions involved in the process.I loved Rehv before I read this book. I love him even more after reading this book. Rehv is a great example of why antiheroes are so compelling to me. He is a mass of contradictions and not predictable in the least. He is so sexy, so powerful, yet so vulnerable at the same time. He's no boy scout, but his does have honor and duty. He sacrificed himself again and again for those that he loved, even allowing some of them to think the worst of him. Inside he bore his loneliness like a burden he felt he deserved. I was glad that he had two families, his mother and sister, and Xhex, Trez, and i.am. I didn't like the drugs, the violence, and the prostitution, but I could understand why Rehv and Xhex inhabited that dark world. They felt that this was the only place they belonged. Fortunately Rehv also has the tether of his family, although he has to live a lie for many, many years. Xhex doesn't even have that. The sympaths were as fascinating I thought they would be. Even though this book delved into that world, I'd be perfectly happy to read more about them. They manage to exude a menace that jumps off the page as I read about them.Like most outstanding books, the scenes were vivid like a movie in my mind. I love the realism mixed with magic and the supernatural. I am in awe of the WARDen's imagination. She has taken an hip/upscale/urban motif, mixed with the culture and world of an ancient race, and created several love and relationship stories and put them all together into a delicious confection that is this book. But it's the three-dimensional characters that really seduce me. Even the casual characters manage to grab my notice and my interest.I am so glad that Rehv found Ehlena. It was great seeing such a tough, isolated guy fall so hard and fast and give his heart away. The interactions between Rehv and Ehlena was sweet and romantic, but erotic at the same time. He really knows how to treat a woman with tenderness, to cherish her as though she is the only woman in the world. At times, I was worried that Ehlena didn't deserve his love and devotion, but she proved true and worthy of it. Ehlena is one tough, steadfast woman. Just what Rehv needs. And Rhev is what she needs as well. My heart can rest in peace that Rehv does have the love and acceptance he always secretly yearned for. I am happy that he has a deep, loving relationship with Bella, and is like a brother to the Brotherhood. It was also nice to see more of Wrath and Beth interacting. As they were the first couple, some of my memories have faded. So reading about their relationship and how it has remained deep and true was really great. What the WARDen has done with Wrath was so well-executed and felt right although some might feel that it was a dark way to go.John Matthew is at a really dark point in this book, and I vacillated between despair and rage at what he is doing to himself. But I am so excited to read his book when it comes out. I wish it was coming out sooner. I can't wait to see him come into his own and claim his shellan in Xhex.Xhex is my girl. I love the woman. She is all over it. I enjoyed getting perspective on her emotions and her thoughts. Her loyalty to Rhev is unquestionable, and I know there is more to learn about that, as well as her past. I felt her sorrow as she tried to push JM away although she clearly loves and is as drawn to him as he is to her. The next book in the series is going to be awesome as we see what transpires with Xhex and JM and follow along from how things ended in this book.The whole Lash situation promises to grow even more enthralling. At first I dismissed him as an immature bully. But he is proving to be a formidable antagonist. The way things will go down with him is going to be something else. He's evil as all get out, but he's a fascinating character. I think he will definitely prove to be the supervillain in this series. And boy did he go there at the end of this book. Let's just say it's going to be 'on' in the next book.It was nice seeing the other brothers, but like the greedy BDB fan that I am, I wanted more of them. Short stories about other brothers and their shellans, please??? I miss Marissa and Cormia. Haven't seen much of them lately. More Butch, V, and Jane too. How about Rhage and Mary updates.Ah, I never get enough of these books... Let this be a warning to you. Do not read these books if you want a life outside of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Not that I'm complaining, mind you.

Excellent, just excellent. JR Ward is back with a vengeance! For anyone who was disappointed with the previous two books in the BDB series, I urge you not to give up on it--Lover Avenged is every bit as good a book as the first four of the series. Its got everything that you could want, starting with an outstanding hero and heroine in nightclub owner/ drug lord Rehvenge and nurse Ehlena. Its a testimony to the authors writing skills that she can make a drug lord, mobster pimp into one of her most endearing heroes ever! I absolutely adored Rehvenge, and I never thought I would say that. His character has always been so-so for me. But now that JR Ward has fleshed out his character, and we learn the WHY of who he is and why hes done the things he has, I just could not resist him. I totally fell for the mohawked, sable-fur wearing hardass with a heart of gold. By the end of the book, he proved that he truly was a male of worth.As for Ehlena, well, she may be my favorite heroine of the whole series. She was brave, compassionate, a caregiver for her mentally sick father, and most of all, forgiving. I wanted her to have everything I thought she deserved. And she took no crap from Rehvenge! But when she broke up with him it just about killed me, and I wasnt too happy with her. It was funny because when they first started out she didnt think she was good enough for him, but at the end the tables turned and Rehvenge insisted he wasnt good enough for her. Clearly these two belonged together and were perfect for each other. They are one of my favorite couples of the entire series.And Ward brought the romance back! Not with just Ehlena and Rehvenge, but as an added bonus the reader gets a renewed romance between Wrath and Beth. And both romances were sexy and super hot--no skimping on the details either. Whew, Beth and Wrath had one scene that took them under the desk and across the floor And Rehvengewell, he was one generous lover is all I can say without giving away spoilers. For fans of Lora Leighs Breeds series, youll be interested to know that theres some common ground between Rehvenge and the BreedsAbout the plotits pretty simple. It starts out four months after the previous book, and Wrath is secretly fighting again, while dealing with an increased loss in his vision. Being the King, fighting's a big no-no, but the ranks of the Brotherhood are depleted with Tohr gone and Phury involved with the Chosen. And the lessers have been on a raid all summer, killing and stealing from the glymera, and it looks like theyre making serious inroads in their war with the vampires. So Wrath is keeping secrets, which isnt good for his marriage. And when Beth finds out shes mad about the lying, and that places a serious strain on their relationship. Add to that a plot to get rid of (as in kill) and replace the King by some of the glymera, and its no wonder Wrath has one giant headache all the time.Then we have nightclub owner, drug lord, and secret half-breed sympath Rehvenge, brother of Bella, whos married to the Brother Zsadist. Rehvenges identity as part sympath is a closely guarded secret-- and it comes with a host of medical complications in order to suppress that side of him-- if its revealed he could be banished to a colony for these sociopaths. Rehvenge is getting blackmailed from a couple of people who know his true identity, and one of them wants him to go in on a plot to murder Wrath. Although theyre not exactly friends, can he do that to Wrath and the Brothers?Then Rehv meets a nurse at Dr. Havers clinic, the beautiful Ehlena, and sparks start to fly. Rehv is so drawn to her, but he cant be honest with her. If she finds out who/what he is and what he has to do once a month with the vile scorpion princess (one of the most disgusting villains ever--straight out of a Stephen King horror novel), she would be repulsed. When it looks like destiny is leading Rehv on a clear path that cant include Ehlena, will he be strong enough to give up the one woman who brings light and hope to his increasingly lonely life?Fans of the series will be happy to know that almost all the characters have at least a cameo appearance, except I dont recall Marissa or Cormia mentioned except in passing. But no matter, all the Brothers are back, with their wisecracks and idiosyncrasies, including Tohr, who finally looks like hell be getting his act together. I loved the interaction between Tohr and Lassiter, the fallen angel who helped rescue him and sticks around a while with the Brothers. He has some of the funniest moments in the book--his fascination with The Mary Tyler Moore Show and the Bette Midler movie "Beaches" and the brothers reaction to that had me laughing out loud!There also is a mention of the character of Muhrder, who has a connection to Xhex (which Im sure well hear more about), a brief reappearance of Payne (who has an encounter with Wrath), Lash (who's back with a vengeance and is crucial to the plot) and an adorable new character, George.There is lots of humor in the book, which helps relieve some of the tension that builds up in the plot. I laughed out loud many times--for example, when Butch called Wrath Rapunzel (due to his long hair), or when Wrath questioned the effectiveness of a bullet-proof vest he was wearing because of how light it was, and V suggested he strap a garage door, or maybe a car, to his chest. There were LOTS of moments like that, and clearly, the brothers have not lost their sense of humor.We also get to see where the series is headed with the new blood--John Matthew, Quinn, and Blay. John Matthew and his obsession, tough girl Xhex finally hook up, but sadly, its not all it could be. These two have a lot of growing up to do, because they spend most of their time in the book hurting themselves and each other. Theres way more than meets the eye with Xhex though, and the author gives us just a hint about her troubled past. She was a hard character to love, especially when she hurt John Matthew--I wanted to scratch her eyes out! But then as more and more of her background was revealed, I felt sorry for her and all that she went through in her life. She is a big part of the plot in this book, and because of where the story takes her, Im sure she will be in the next book. Her situation and her relationship with John is clearly left unresolved.This is a very long book (over 500 pages), but it moves along so fluidly you wont notice the length. There were no spots where I was tempted to skip passages--I wanted to read every detail, although some were very gory. (What Xhex does to some creep who murdered his girlfriendyuk!)Theres quite a few plots going at one time, yet it never gets confusing. Frustrating, sometimes, when Ward leaves you hanging to switch to another plot just as things are heating up romantically with one of the couples, but that just makes you want to read faster!And the conclusion? Youll think maybe JR Ward had a little help from Stephen King, is all Ill say. My, what an imagination.As you can see, I loved this book. This ranks right up there with my favorites of the series, and I think Ward is in the groove again. I found this one extremely hard to put down, didn't want it to end, yet had to know the ending! Wrath and Rehvenge struggle with but finally accept their destinies, and it helps that they each have their true loves by their sides. I cant wait to see where JR Ward takes us with this series--theres lots more to tell! 5 Big Stars!

Lover Avenged was a great entry into the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. The writing was very good this time: the narrative flowed well, the romance was there and the storyline was furthered. The entire story packs a serious emotional punch, you will root for and cry with all of your favorite characters.I don't really review these books because it's too hard for me. I think everyone takes something different from the books in this series but for me I love the stories. I love finding out more about my favorite characters from previous books and falling in love with new ones. J.R. Ward gets serious props for taking a rather negative sounding character like Rhevenge, who we know as a drug dealer, pimp and bruiser and fleshing him out so well that we are rooting completely for him. He was a very three-dimensional character who had done some bad things in his life for good reasons - always to protect those he loves at great cost to himself. He sacrifices a lot for his loved ones and never expects anything back. Ehlena was a worthy mate for Rhev, she was a strong woman who refused to let the challenges in her life bring her down. That is one of the qualities I find most admirable in a person, so she is probably one of my favorite heroines in this series. She puts herself out there for Rhev and comes through for him when he needs it the most.Random thoughts on the book and characters:Wrath and Beth - One of my favorite parts of the book was seeing the growth in their relationship. I love this couple so it was great to see them up close again. Wrath had a lot to come to terms with in this book but was able to make progress with the help of his shellan, who was a rock for him when he needed it the most. Parts of their story brought tears to my eyes because they were so intensely emotional. There some really hot love scenes too!Rhevenge and Ehlena - I love them as a couple. I liked Rhev coming into the book despite what he did, but once I knew even more about him and his devotion to keeping his mother and sister safe I fell in love with him. He was in a bad situation because of his need to care for his females but bore the burden all by himself and did whatever he had to do to keep Bella and his mother from being hurt. He finally found someone for himself when he and Ehlena got together, it was wonderful to see someone care so deeply for him. These two lonely people finally found a safe place and comfort with each other.Rhev and Bella - The last scene was wonderful where he thinks he will always be her Rooster.Ehlena to Rhev - Hilarious line by Ehlena to Rhev: "It's probably quiet because of the ball gags next door" LOL, even though I love V and Jane that line was pretty funny.John Matthew and Xhex - Oh John Matthew, what the heck are you thinking? He needs to grow up and stop acting like a bratty teenager. You don't give up on your loved ones no matter what. Tohr finally reached out to him and I felt John was pretty selfish in his actions. As for the stuff with Xhex, I think he way over-reacted. He has NO clue what Xhex has been through in her life and never really tried to get to know her. He is only thinking about himself and his pity party, not about her. I hope he gets his head out of his rear end in the next book as he searches for her - because she is going to be in a very bad place. George - How cute!Mary - She is a wonderful person and a blessing to her friends. She may not be beautiful outside but she has a wonderful soul. I love how she is always there for the Brotherhood and the other shellans, even willing to listen to the horrors that Z endured despite the cost to herself. I am glad Rhage loves her as much as he does.Payne - That female scares me! Think about a female V - she is going to need to find a very tough guy. I really think she may be a female Brother eventually.Lash - I don't really care for him or the parts with him, but I realize we need to know his motivations and actions because they will affect the Brotherhood in the future.Xhex - Wow that girl is scary with a knife! I must say I do think all rapists and abusers deserve what Grady receieved - but I am a bit blood thirsty. Her history was shown a little bit and it's not pretty. I understand better her reluctance to get with John Matthew given the horrible way her last relationship worked out. I am glad she is a very strong person because she is going to need that strength to make it through the next part of her life.I can't wait for Lover Mine to come out in a year. I would recommend Lover Avenged even for those who were disappointed with the last two books - the romance is there in this one and it is very wonderful. There are other stories going on as well but they compliment the romance rather than overwhelm and detract from it. I laughed and cried as I made my way through this book, it was an amazing read.

3.5 StarsI wont recap the story, since I am probably writing review number 1,000 for this book. Instead I will just share my thoughts and feelings.I have been looking forward to Rehvs story, I have always been intrigued by him. I think that is why I might have been more disappointed then the average reader. As always I love reading about the Brotherhood and their spouses. I especially loved Johns story. To me John stole the showI was basically like Rhev who?? Where is John?I have had this issue throughout the last few books. I think Ms. Ward is trying to begin the segue into the next installment; however, I am finding the actual MC to be lacking. That is why I am having issues reviewing this particular book. In the end, I just didnt love it like I have loved the others. Again, I am excited for Johns book and hoping to find that BDB Magic again.