Lover Avenged

This just drug out way too long for me. The first couple books in the series were around 400-500 pages and were enjoyable. These last couple books have been over 700 pages and the focus skips between so many different peoples lives Ive had trouble remembering who the main characters are supposed to be. I usually enjoy when side characters are touched on, but this is like 5 stories with only one getting an ending. Other than the multi-story issue & length, I like the authors writing style, so if you enjoy 700-800 page books with multiple stories, this might be a enjoyable read. Ive already bought the next book 8 about John & Xhex so I will read it, but then Im done. Ive read so much in the last couple books about John & Xhex that I feel like Ive had a whole story on them already & have lost interest but Ill push through. I just wish the author had stayed with the format from the first books that grabbed readers attention.

Rhevenge has been a favorite of mine in earlier books. This time, he gets his own story. Loved loved loved it. Elhena’s character is very realistic, and the perfect foil in many ways to the series storylines. She’s a nurse, a caregiver, and a woman struggling to handle the cards dealt to her with some dignity. She’s sensible and strong, but alone. I’ve known so many women like her. And that’s the real appeal of so many characters in this universe. Yes, they’re vampires, and yes, most of them are physically jaw-droppingly gorgeous. But they have many of the same problems as the rest of us.

I also thought the tendrils of the next few books were woven in with a skilled hand. Really looking forward to more. Oh yeah, and the sex is terrific.

I love this series, some books more than others. Lover Avenged is BY FAR my favorite. Rehvenge and Ehlena are a great pairing. Their characters are very 3D and we get to really know them inside and out. We see Rehv as the cold, crafty, cruel businessman, as well as the tormented soul deep inside – excellent writing there. The relationship between them is super spicy and sexy, but has a depth that develops into something beautiful. The action is so intense at times I found myself holding my breath and not wanting to put the book down! This book also includes major changes with Wrath, as well as the return to life with Tohr. Xhex and John finally have a fiery and rocky relationship start. Adults 18+ only – no other way to say it, but this one is waaay to sexually explicit for the kiddies.

4.5 stars!

Yay! JR Ward has redeemed herself in my eyes with this book. I really enjoyed her telling us Rehv’s story and I found him one of the hottest males so far. I don’t get the whole “leathers” vibe with him. Ward has written him as more business man less biker listening to rap. There was a lot of story development in this book, and not just the story of the book but of the whole series. We really get to understand more about Symphaths and their colony. Though at the beginning I was worried I wasn’t going to like Rehv and his story since I’m not big on stories that romanticize the “bad guy” and let’s face it, Rehv is a drug dealer, pimp, and a bit of the mob all rolled into one. But Ward shows that though he is those things he is not that. He is a man, a good man who cares about his family and will do anything to protect them.
It turns out he’s also pretty dang romantic. That phone call between Rehv and Ehlena was the most adorable thing. By far once of the best interactions between H & h in many books.

However I grew tried of Lash by about the second time he was mentioned in this book. It was just too much. I like the story Ward has given his character but he is not the main character and I felt he got way too much page time. A few of my thoughts as I was reading it:
“So bored of Lash. Wish he had only a few pages at a time and not a full chapter.”
“Seriously more Lash?! Three paragraphs about some drapes he likes is two and a half too much.”

But thankfully Ward always got us back to the characters we wanted. Even if there were a few continuity issues. Which is just a personal pet peeve but it is one of those things that I feel can pull you out of reading something very enjoyable. I originally thought Ward really developed a well thought out world but now I’m starting to see too many holes in it. I’m hoping in the next book this continuity issue improves.

By far one of my favorite things in this addition to the Black Dagger Brotherhood series was Ward showing the multiple love stories going on. A great way to let us know what’s going on with other characters and make up for the last two books where they were really missing from.

Looking forward to the next in the series especially with the cliffhanger ending this one left us with.

Finally finished this fab book from @jrwardauthor! Loved this addition to series, definitely one of the top ones for me (although LOVER AWAKENED will always reign supreme). I was curious how Ward was going to portray Rehvenge since he seemed almost unredeemable in the past few books, but she did it oh-so well! Loved Ehlena, she was so relatable to me, even if I didnt necessarily agree with some of her decisions. Lots of sub-plots in this one, which could be distracting, but I enjoyed them all. Another great read from the Warden!

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