[Review] Lover at Last

English Hardcover

English Paperback

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‘Lover at Last’ by J. R. Ward

Black Dagger Brotherhood #11/
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Synopsis:
Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another….
Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young- just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.
Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions… but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together… finally become one.  (Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
I’m so glad that Ward has got her will and has written this great book. We had to wait so long for it and now finally we also have the story of Qhuinn and Blay. Though I still think that Blay is quite okay, but Qhuinn is just one of my favorites in the series (beside some other characters^^). And he has broken my heart over and over again with his past, his family and also now, when he had to watch almost a whole Blay with Saxton. Particularly because he now finally knows what he wants and what he feels – of course it is still a process also in this book, but finally he confesses his feelings to himself, instead of ignoring them.
Already only for Wards courage and balls, which she has proved by writing this book, she got an extra point from me because this wasn’t as easy as you would like to think. I’ve read in a book-forum that Ward even has to swicht her agency to fulfill her wish to write this homosexual love, because it’s not quite a conservative subject and some people still have a problem with that – which I personally find really sad in nowadays. But Ward hasn’t scared away of it and I find this great! Hats off.

The writing manner of Ward was again typical ‚wardic’ with her own expressions and many swearwords, curses and the famous f*** word. But here this language doesn’t disturb me because it simply fits to the brothers of the Black Dagger. They are hard men and also express themselves in such a way, which makes them only more real and authentic. For me the characters just feel so alive because of that and I can’t explain it, but for me they are kind of feel real… not like some novel figures, but almost like friends, who are really living somewhere. And I like this thought.

In contrast to ‘Lover Reborn’, in which the plot played over a whole year, here everything happens within some days, namely in the time frame sometime in the winter. Unfortunately I’m not quite sure, when it plays ecaxtly or whether it plays after ‘Lover Reborn’ or in between. Actually at first it also was intended that Qhuinn and Blay only get a short story, as well as Bella’s and Z’s baby story, but then we have got a whole book. For which I’m really glad, but it doesn’t happen much in the background story. As said, the period is quite short and also the Lessers remain in the background, as well as the Band of Bastards. The point, that it doesn’t happen a lot – except the love story of the two main characters, which work off their past and clear it, finally get together and solve their misunderstandings and really start talking – would have disturbed me. But again I’ve read in a book forum, that this was made on purpose (to write only a little about the background story) so that people, who have a problem with homosexual couples, can simply let this book out, and start reading the series right with book # 12, so they won’t miss something important in the main story of the Brotherhood. If this should be right, I can’t reduce the rating by one point and secondly, I would find it really sad and bad in the enlightened time, in which we live – or at least supposed to live. Apparently not everybody is yet as tolerant as I’ve thought. It’s a shame.

So instead of the plot, new characters are gotten embedded or other characters, which before always were shown briefly, got more space and the opportunity to tell also their story – for example Assail, Trez or Xcor. Unfortunately I found this not so great, because thereby a lot of it plays outside the basic formation of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, but because of a special twist at the end of this book, I hope that the next part deals again more with the old characters (with JM, V, Z…).
And also the turn with Qhuinn’s brother Luchas was just awesome and I’m really very curious how this will turn out and I hope there will be more about him.

For me all in all it was really a very great book and I couldn’t put it aside. What surprises even me is, although I have no problems with homosexual love, were that I really liked the scenes with Qhuinn and Blay, which again were described very visual and they could persuade me completely. *really hot hot*

And the end was of course again completely for my taste. Maybe some found it too kitschy and, yes, something so soppy even for Ward is very rare at the end, but I was happy nevertheless with it and glad that it has come so. Isn’t it about the fact that you want to finish a book with a smile on your face? I think so and Ward has fulfilled this again totally perfect! Thanks!

Cover:
Great cover and I don’t know at all which one I like more – the hardcover or the paperback. I’ve got the paperback format of Pitakus at home and find it as great and suitable as like the hardcover version, which also shows Qhuinn perfectly.

All in all:
Almost all expectations were totally fulfilled and it was again a great trip into the world of the Black Dagger, which I love to visit over and over again and leave it again only with a sad heart. Still it is one of my favorite series and I hope it still will go on for a long time.

Rating:
4,5 of 5 points (soo awesome!)

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Quotes:

Qhuinn: “I think that’s Justin Bieber.”
Standing in front of a line up of Lay’s potato chips, Qhuinn looked overhead to the speaker inset into the ceiling tiles. “Yup, I’m right, and I hate that I know that.”
Next to him John Matthew signed “How do you know?”
Qhuinn: “The little shit is everywhere. I swear, that kid is proof the Antichrist is coming.”
John: “Maybe it’s already here.”
Qhuinn: “Would explain Miley Cyrus.” (*haha* )

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Vishous: “I’m sorry? I didn’t catch that.”
Qhuinn: “I left the keys in it.”
V: “That was a dumb-ass move, son.”
No. Fucking. Kidding.
V: “Listen, I gotta go. I need both hands to hold my gut as I laugh my ass off attcha. Later.”

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“You good?” Rhage prompted.
Qhuinn: “Yeah. Yeah. I’m okay.”
Rhage: “Fritz hates dead bodies in the front hall.”
“But there’s not a lot of blood with strangulation,” somebody pointed out. “Clean-up would have been easy.”
“Just a floor polish afterward,” another guy chimed in.
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Qhuinn: ‘As he washed himself, the soap wasn’t half as soft as Blay’s skin, and didn’t smell a quarter as good. The water wasn’t as hot as the fighter’s blood had been, and the shampoo wasn’t as soothing. Nothing came close. Nothing ever would.’
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Layla: “If any harm shall befall him, I will come after you, and find you where you sleep. I do not care where you lay your head or who with, my vengeance shall rain upon you until you drown.”
That last word was drawn out, until its syllable was lost in more growling. Dead silence.
Until Doc Jane said dryly, “Annnnd this is why they say the female of the species is more dangerous than the male.”

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Blay: ‘In the silence that followed, Blay knew he had something he was supposed to say. Yeah…it was right on his tongue. It was… Shit. With Qhuinn looking at him like that, he couldn’t remember his own name. Blaysox? Blacklock? Blabberfox? Who the fuck knew…’

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Qhuinn to Blay: “You guys were what got me through it,” Qhuinn heard himself say. “I lived for the night, because I could go over to your house. It was the only thing that kept me going. You were the only thing, actually. It was…you.”.

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Succession:
# 1: J. R. Ward – Dark Lover »»
# 2: J. R. Ward – Lover Eternal »»
# 3: J. R. Ward – Lover Awakened »»
# 4: J. R. Ward – Lover Revealed »»
# 5: J. R. Ward – Lover Unbound »»
# 6: J. R. Ward – Lover Enshrined »»
# 6.5: J.R.Ward – BDB: An Insider’s Guide »»
# 7: J. R. Ward – Lover Avagened »»
# 8: J. R. Ward – Lover Mine »»
# 9: J. R. Ward – Lover Unleashed »»
# 10: J. R. Ward – Lover Reborn »»
# 11: J. R. Ward – Lover at Last »»
# 12: J. R. Ward – The King
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copyright: jrward.com

About the author – J. R. Ward:
J.R. Ward is a #1 New York Times and USAToday Best Selling author of erotic paranormal romance. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. After graduating from law school, she began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. Writing has always been her passion and her idea of heaven is a whole day of nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot. (Source: jrward.com)

Visit her Website »»

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[Review] The Eternity Cure

(© goodreads)

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‘The Eternity Cure’
by
Julie Kagawa

Blood of Eden # 2

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Synopsis:
In Allison Sekemoto’s world, there is one one rule left: Blood Calls to blood.
Cast out of Eden and separated from the boy she dared to love, Allie will follow the call of blood to save her creator, Kanin, from the psychotic vampire, Sarren. But when the trail leads to Allie’s birthplace in New Covington, what she finds there will the change the world forever – and possibly end human and vampire existence.
There’s a new plague on the rise, a strain of the Red Lung virus that wiped out most of humanity generations ago – deadly to humans and vampires alike. The only hope for a cure lies in the secrets Kanin carries. If Allie can get to him in time…..  (Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
I’m just speechless and that doesn’t happen very often
But after the end I don’t know whether I should be glad about the hopefully soon released next part or should cry because we don’t know what is going to happen next…

However, better I start right with the beginning:
Some months after Allie’s and Zeke’s ways have separated at Eden, she is still following the psycho-vamp Sarren, who has Kanin in his catches and torments and massacres him over and over again – Allie can feel this, because of her blood connection with Kanin. But instead of him, Allie hits in further results other old friends. At first by some of them, I immediately would have liked to turn around again and by others I’ve been enormously glad!! ♥
But about that I’m going to write more of it, further down.

Now to the writing style of Kagawa, which I find simply brilliant, admirable and desirable. Though she sometimes stretches her descriptions a little, but she makes the surroundings-descriptions so special and fantastic that it don’t disturbs me and so I’m just even more enthusiastic about it – whether it is about a fantastic fairy kingdom or like here about a cruel, somber area in tunnels or in wastelands, in which hope stands shortly before the end. *great*

Without any problems Kagawa also could create characters which got me, carried me away and with which, I simply fell in love with and I constantly worried about them. Even with Jackal I had this feeling, although I only wanted to strangle him at the beginning – but he could persuade me with his cheeky, unabashed behavior and change my opinion about him. (To tell the truth, he reminds me a little of Grimalkin from the Iron Fey series ^^)
But also Kanin was one of my favorites – and now that where I’m okay with the idea, that there will be no romantic incident with him – I’m glad about his fatherly behavior and for me he is a little like a grumpy bear, on which you also can lean on or is able to give you a good advice.

Now to the two main characters: Allie was just great once again and totally great. I like her even more than back then Meghan in the Iron Fey series, because she sorts things out and doesn’t hesitate long, doesn’t whine and in addition, she still has feelings and tries to hang on to her humanity. Alas, she is awesome and we could use more such female main characters in books.

And ZEKE – what I should say more about Ezekiel than that I’m absolutely in love with him! ♥ Although, in the first book I already liked him, but there he was sometimes too blue-eyed for me and was too nice for this sad, dreary world, which he lived it. BUT now he has grown up and has become more masculine and a fighter. That sounds stupid, but it is like that! Moreover I buy everything from him and he is in the right mood, he is still sensitive, sweet and caring, like in the first part. He virtually had a tuning, which made him a lot better and yeah – now, I’m in love! xD

So – and now to the end – which has totally got me down and made me cry like a little baby! Therefore, now I would like to address only those, who have already read the book – because I would like to know your opinion on this subject and what you think, how it goes on now in the third part … because on the internet I can’t find any info about when part three is going to be published or how it will be titled, never mind a synopsis! *whine*

So from here -> SPOILER!!!

I saw it coming when Allie has said goodbye in the evening to Zeke, especiallay because she saw Stick lurking around in the shadows … this was just soo evident! And then when Zeke was really gone and we hear the tortures and the screams – oh god, I’ve cried like a baby and also yet, when I think back of it, it’s killing me. It was really very hard and sad and I felt so sorry for Allie. :’-(

Now to my questions: What do you think after this prologue – do you think he has also become a vampire? Which I liked, to be honest – or do you think, Sarren just let Zeke live as a human? But this would be too easy for me! Moreover, then he could be together with Allie – be together for a long time, because they both would be immortal. Of course he didn’t wanted this, and hence, I think, the third part will be focused on the fact that Allie has to find her humanity again and Zeke has to master his existence as a vampire and to try not to perish – and yeah, they also have to find a cure against rabidsm and to kill Sarren – this psycho-asshole. Okay, do you think my opinion is right or is my supposition totally wrong? What do you wish for in the last part?

Cover:
Once again it fits perfectly to Allie, but I liked the cover from the first part a track better.

All in all:
An emotional rollercoaster, which though gets starting a little slowly, but then takes up such a rapidly drive and doesn’t stop up till to the end, until you are breathless when you read the last page. *wow*

Rating:
4,5 of 5 points (soo aswesome!)
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Quotes:  (Between Allie and Zeke)

Allie: “Promise me you’ll keep fighting, for as long as it takes. We’re not dead yet.”
Zeke gave me the smallest of grins. “Technically, you are.”

Zeke: “You haven’t changed. You’re still beautiful and dangerous and incredible. and I’ll keep telling you that for as long as is takes you to believe it. But right now, all I want to do is kiss you, except I’m terrified that if I try you might throw me off this balcony.”

Zeke drew back, looking a little dazed. Gazing down at me, he gave a wry smile, licking his lips. “That… didn’t have anything to do with him over there, did it?” he asked, sounding suspiciously amused, and a little breathless. I bit my lip.
“Does that bother you?”
“If it involves kissing you? Please, use me to prove a point anytime.”

His hand framed my cheek, brushing my skin. “No one who fights so hard to do the right thing is evil.”

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Succession:

# 1: Julie Kagawa – The Immortal Rules »»
# 2: Julie Kagawa – The Eternity Cure »»
# 3: Julie Kagawa – Untitled

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(© goodreads)

About the author – Julie Kagawa:
Julie Kagawa was born in Sacramento, California. To pay the rent, Julie worked in different bookstores over the years, but discovered the managers frowned upon her reading the books she was supposed to be shelving. Then she worked as a professional dogtrainer for several years, until her first book sold and she stopped training to write full-time.
Julie now lives in Louisville, Kentucky. She lives with her husband, two obnoxious cats, one Australian Shepherd who is too smart for his own good, and the latest addition, a hyper-active Papillon puppy.
(Source: juliekagawa.com)

Visit her Website »»

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[Review] Obsidian

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‘Obsidian’
by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Lux #1
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Synopsis:
Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.
Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.
The hot alien living next door marks me.
You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. If I don’t kill him first, that is.
(Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
Who the fuck is Superman!? If I would choose an alien, then it has to be a Luxen!
Seldom a book has gripped me so much right from the beginning and has presented so many different facets, like this here. I am a critical reader and although, I‘ve found here also two tiny critic points; I can say that the rest of it is simply fantastic and I would love to read on immediately.

The writing manner of the author fits perfectly to this New Adult version (a little ‘more‘ than YA) which plays with teenagers in their last Highschool year. Armentrout used pleasant formulation, but also short, crisp sentences and dialogues, which just fitted to modern teenagers at this age – but not exaggerated, like other authors like to do – but it has felt authentic and very real.
But the best for me were the dialogues and here mainly the bickering/ arguments between Katy and Daemon. With them you never know whether they immediately fall into each other’s arms or start to hit the other… … and here Katy was really a witty, perky antagonist, who never shrank away from the good-looker Daemon. But not only with her stubborn manner, but also with her cheeky answers, which made me smirk more than once. *great*

Also the other characters – beside the courageous, determined, cheeky Katy – were for me a highlight and here I liked mostly Dee, who is the neighbor and soon also the best friend of her. I really liked Dee’s cheerful, open behavior and therefore everyone can use someone like her as a friend. And of course I was also a fan of Daemon – bad if it wouldn’t be like that. But he also irritated me at the end with his moody behavior, so that he sometimes was really sweet to Katy and then again gave her the cold shoulder. This was more than just a little ‘slithery drive’ of emotions, but a huge rollercoaster²!

The plot was okay for me, although a lot has already been spoiled in the synopsis of the book, which has decreased the reading pleasure a little. It would have been more exciting and thrilling if everything would have come unexpected and when it wouldn’t have been clear right from the start, that there are aliens in the story. Hence I’m in excited about the book, because it still could captive me and I didn’t could stop reading and I was through it within only one day. Well, I think, from now on I’m a fan of Armentrout!

What I also found brilliant, were Kats references to her Blog and how she got excited about her new books and her blogging. Oh yeah, babe – I know how it is! *lol*
With that I totally felt connected to her and I think every other blogger, who will read this book, will feel the same.

I liked the idea with the aliens and the light very much and I want to read on with the next book as soon as I can, to find out how it will go on between them. I think in the next part there will be something about his brother Dawson, or at least I hope it and I also wish that are less arguments between Kat and Daemon, because otherwise it would become grueling, because we already know that they actually like each other – much.

Cover:
I can hardly decide which version I like more. I find the older one with background with the flashes great and it’s also good, that you can’t see the girl from the front, because that leaves some space for your own imagination. But in the second cover I love the beaming green eyes of Daemon.

All in all:
Up to now Alien and I were no good combination, but here this book has disabused me and now I’m a fan of it. Actually for me it is rather an Urban Fantasy book than a Sci-Fi – but the separation makes no difference – because the book is just awesome and I recommend it gladly to everyone, although it’s a hyped book (usually they don’t work for me ^^)

Rating:
4,5 of 5 points – (soo aswesome)

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Quotes:

Katy: ‘Beautiful face. Beautiful body. Horrible attitude. It was the holy trinity of hot boys.’

Daemon: “You look like you got more of a bath than the car. I never
thought washing a car would be so hard, but after watching you for the last fifteen minutes, I’m convinced it should be an Olympic sport.”

Daemon: “I checked out your blog.”
Katy: “Stalking me again, I see. Do I need to get a restraining order?”
D.: In your dreams, Kitten. Oh wait, I’m already starring in those, aren’t I?
K.: “Nightmares, Daemon. Nightmares.”

Katy: ‘Because this was absolutely insane – the craziest thing I’ve ever done. Worse than giving a one-star review, scarier than asking for an interview with an author I’d give my firstborn to eat lunch with.’ (*lol*).

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Succession:

0,5:   Jennifer L. Armentrout – Shadows (Short Story)
#1:     Jennifer L. Armentrout – Obsidian »»
#2:     Jennifer L. Armentrout – Onyx »»
#3:     Jennifer L. Armentrout – Opal
#4:     Jennifer L. Armentrout – Origin
#5:     Jennifer L. Armentrout – Untitled

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(© goodreads.com)

About the author – Jennifer L. Armentrout:
USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout Lives in West Virginia. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time, reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write.
She is the author of the Covenant Series (Spencer Hill Press), the Lux Series (Entangled Teen), Don’t Look Back (Disney/Hyperion) and a yet untitled novel (Disney/Hyperion)
(Source: Goodreads.com)

Visit her Website »»

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[Review] The Darkest Night

English Cover

German Cover

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‘The Darkest Night’ by Gena Showalter

Lords of the Underworld # 1

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Synopsis:
His powers — Inhuman…
His passion — Beyond immortal . . .
All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to have supernatural abilities, not knowing she’ll be swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous member — a man trapp ed in a hell of his own.
Neither can resist the instant hunger than calms their torments . . . and ignites an irresistible passion. But every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them closer to destruction — and a soul-shattering test of love . . .
Though they carry an eternal curse, the Lords of the Underworld are irresistibly seductive — and unimaginably powerful…
(Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
Oh yes, this was a good book!
It had love; it had heart, a lot of action, an interesting new plot and hot-blooded characters, to take them completely to my heart, without bat an eyelash.

But let’s start us at first at the beginning:
The action begins in the middle of the usual, but at the same time, supernatural everyday life of the men of the underworld. However, then everything goes quickly and hit on hit, without boring the readers before with too many explanations or pre-story of these men; this happens over and over again during the whole book, although the action runs here fast and full of tension. What I found all together really splendid and awesome!

The high tension level keeps almost throughout the whole book and the idioms, as well as the courses of action were very great and were partially also often surprising and well made. Of course the end and above all also the erotic scenes, could also convince me completely and as soon as the book is finished, I just wanted even more of it – more scenes, more pages, more of Showalter’s ‘Lord of the Underworld’.
The only thing that I’ve to criticize, is that parts of it seemed familiar to me, especially concerning the figures in the book – these have reminded me a little of the characters of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.
Moreover, for comparison to the BDB here in addition it lacked a little of fun and humor, and I think that some more jokes between the action and the erotic passages would have been great. Though it’s petty from me, because I still rate the book with 4,5 points, but I wanted to mention it, nevertheless.

To the characters I can’t say more than that I find them really amazing! Maddox and Ashlyn have quickly won my heart for them and I find them together especially as a couple just great. Though there could have been to a little bit more bickering, more heartache, because the relationship has gone on maybe a little too fast for me, but otherwise, everything has fitted well with the love-development.
To the other figures I can’t say so much, because though there were a few information about them, but in too less time and hardly enough, because there are just too many new characters, which were presented. But surely this becomes easier and better in the next book.

For me Danika and Reyes were, beside the central figures, my two darlings up to now, but I also think that Paris or Torin are interesting characters. I couldn’t really figure out Lucien or Aeron till now, but I hope this change in the following books. I would like to give especially Lucien a chance, because his story is the next in the row. And because I can hardly wait to read more of this series and about this world, therefore I just accept Lucien, although I would have preferred Reyes books.

Cover:
It’s the typical cover for such stories, where I like the picture very much as well as the black-blue color, because it gets the reader into the right mood.

All in all:
A wonderful anacrusis of a for me new sensuous series full of fantasy and action, which I would like to continue very soon, soon, soon and which I can recommend to everybody, who loves the Black Daggers, the books of Kresley Cole or book of that kind.

Rating:
4,5 of 5 points – (soo awesome!)
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Quotes:

Torin: “I tried to tell you. You said you didn’t care, remember?”
Maddox:  “You should have told me anyway.”
Torin: “While you had barbells within your reach? Please. I’m Disease, not Stupid.”
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Maddox: „You are mine, woman, and I am yours. Until you, my life was desolate. I existed, but I didn’t truly live. Now I live, even in my death.“

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A huge Thanks for the reviewer’s copy to:

© Mira Taschenbuch

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Succession:
#0,5: Gena Showalter – The Darkest Fire (Short Story)
# 1:     Gena Showalter – The Darkest Night »»
# 2:     Gena Showalter – The Darkest Kiss
# 3:     Gena Showalter – The Darkest Pleasure
# 3,5: Gena Showalter – The Darkest Prison
# 4:     Gena Showalter -The Darkest Whisper
# 4,5: Gena Showalter – Heart of Darkness
# 5:     Gena Showalter – The Darkest Passion
# 6:     Gena Showalter – The Darkest Lie
# 7:     Gena Showalter – The Darkest Secret
# 8:     Gena Showalter – The Darkest Surrender
# 9:     Gena Showalter – The Darkest Seduction
#10:     Gena Showalter – The Darkest Craving

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© Goodreads.com

About the author – Gena Showalter:
Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in paranormal and contemporary romances, as well as young adult novels.
Her novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine, and Seventeen Magazine, and have been translated all over the world. The critics have called her books “sizzling page-turners” and “utterly spellbinding stories”, while Showalter herself has been called “a star on the rise”. (Source: goodreads.com)

Visit her Website: »».

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[Review] On the Edge

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German Cover

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‘One the Edge’
by Ilona Andrews

The Edge # 1
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Synopsis:
Rose Drayton lives on the Edge, between the world of the Broken (where people drive cars, shop at Wal-Mart, and magic is a fairy tale) and the Weird (where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny). Only Edgers like Rose can easily travel from one world to the next, but they never truly belong in either.
Rose thought if she practiced her magic, she could build a better life for herself. But things didn’t turn out how she planned, and now she works a minimum wage, off the books job in the Broken just to survive. Then Declan Camarine, a blueblood noble straight out of the deepest part of the Weird, comes into her life, determined to have her (and her power)…
(Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
To be honest at the beginning I had a few problems with this book. Particularly the writing style was not mine and was for me a little bit too rough and intricate. In addition all the things, with the whole magic and the different worlds like the Edge or the Weird, were complicated explained at first and too much for me to comprehend all at once, so that I’ve already dreaded the worst. The fear, that the book wouldn’t be something for me, luckily changed fast and as soon as also William and Declan appeared in the story, there was no more hold for me and I just had to read on as quickly as possible, because I was so motivated!
I have read till late hours in the night and was finished with the book after 1 ½ days, because I couldn’t put it aside! *lol* And I think this fact already shows how much I’ve liked it later on and how moving and exciting it got throughout the course.

Beside the fascinating action I‘ve especially liked the matchless characters. Most of all Rose; independent and good-heart, she takes care self-sacrificing of her two younger brothers, who are rascally and ‘a sly old dog’. But Rose is also headstrong, can dish out, as well can take it and represents fiercely her opinion. To it fits perfectly the male character, called Declan, who drives her nuts over and over again and quarrels playfully with her. I’ve found them both together with each other delightful and they fit together magnificently, although they fight over and over again. Especially THIS was the right charm and has brought me often to smile.
Also the love scenes were great and suited the story and maybe I’m a little tainted, because I would have wished for more of it or for longer erotic scenes. But maybe in the next book!

Moreover the plot wasn’t foreseeable for me, like it is often for me with other books, and what has pleased me very much and has increased my reading pleasure. Also the whole points with the magic were clearly explained after the time, so that I could always follow and the plot curve grow on and on up to the end, up to the final highlight. I liked the book, the action and the characters. It was first-class and, hence it gets 4.5 points. The 0.5 point deductions are on account of the writing manner and because of the sometimes rough explanation, particularly at the beginning.

!! Little SPOILER!!

Relating to William, another important character in the story, I was glad like it has developed with him in the end. I liked it that I did not know exactly what he’ up to and on which side he stands and whether he plays on the good or the bad side. Very, very thrilling!
I found him really great and hence I’m already very glad that I know that the second part is about him and I hope that there he also gets his happy end.

Cover:
The English cover doesn’t appeal to me at all and I would also never have read it on account of that. While in comparison the German cover is really nice, but it rather looks like a YA book cover, which it’s definitely not!

All in all:
This is an exciting, magic story, which kidnapped me into a completely other world full of wonders and miracles, but also dangers. For fans of supernatural things, fantasy-lovers and for those, who appreciate a well built man’s body!

Rating:
4,5 of 5 points – (soo awesome)

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A huge Thanks for the reviewer’s copy to:

Egmont Lyx

.Quotes:

Rose: “Give me a few minutes.”
Declan: “You have time.” He sat in the grass.
“Are you just going to sit there and watch me?”
“Yes. Watching pretty peasant girls is what we poor little rich boys do best.”
“Peasant?”
He shrugged. “You started the name calling.”
.

“She handed him a glass of water and two Aleve gelcaps. “They’re anti-inflammatories. They will dull the pain a little bit and keep down swelling and redness. Swallow the pills, don’t chew.”
“Well, I thought I’d stick them into my nose and impersonate a walrus, but if you insist, I’ll swallow them.”
.

Declan: “You’re a prickly, stubborn, spirited woman.”
Rose: “Don’t forget crude, rude, and vulgar.”
“Only when it suits you. You’re sly when occasion calls for it, direct to the point of forgetting tact even exists, sarcastic, fierce, I did mention stubborn, didn’t I?”
“Yes,” she said dryly.
“You’re also smart, kind, gentle, beautiful, and always cling to your personal integrity, even when it’s in your best interests to abandon it.”

..

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Succession:

# 1: Ilona Andrews – On The Edge »»
# 2: Ilona Andrews – Bayou Moon »»
# 3: Ilona Andrews – Fate’s Edge
# 4: Ilona Andrews – Steel’s Edge

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(© goodreads)

About the author – Ilona Andrews:
Ilona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade.  (Source: goodreads.com)

Visit the Website »».

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Review: Lover Avenged

(© goodreads)

(© goodreads)

(© goodreads)

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‘Lover Avenged‘
by J. R. Ward

Black Dagger Brotherhood # 7

First Sentence:
“‘The king must die.’ Four single-syllable words.”

Last Sentence:
“That’s exactly what it is.”

Synopsis:
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. (Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
Again I’ve finished a book of Ward to the end and I already stay behind and long for more of it. *sigh* I don’t know how Ward is able to make me so depending on her books and on her stories, as well on the brothers. But as soon as I start to read the first page, I’m swallowed into another world, another reality and come back again only reluctantly. For me these books aren’t only there to fill my spare time, but they do for me almost the same job like others use a glass of good red wine or settle down on the couch before the television -> they calm me and let me relax after a strenuous day full work and everyday duties. This is a nice feeling and I’m glad every time I find the time to take these books into my hands. But enough of the passion, further to the facts:

In the seventh book we find out more about the intrigues from Rehvenge, who is also called Reverend in the drug scene in Caldwell. He is the older brother of Bella, Shellan of Zsadist, and also a half Sympath and actually would’ve to be transferred to the colony of the Sympaths to probably die there. But he has built up a life in the vampire society and has so far well hidden his bad side from all others, only a few know about his true nature. Up to now he had no problems to keep these secrets to him and not to confide to anybody, until he meets Ehlena. She is a heart-good nurse in Haver’s clinic and she always tries to act right in her life and to fulfill her duties which limit her life not only because of her work, but encloses also her self-sacrificing care for her schizophrenic father. The destiny wants that Rehvenge and Ehlena get closer to each other and soon the world of Rehvenge starts to falter …
But not only the relationship between Rehvenge and Ehlena tapers further, but also Johns and Xhexs and make everyone curious for the further book…

And I also have to admit that I’ve not suffered so strong and wasn’t so thrilled in book for a long time like it happened here in ‘Lover Avenged’. On the one hand the love story of Rehvenge and Ehlena was lovely to be followed by and it was clear that they will get their happy end. But besides that, the upset relation of John and Xhex stretch on and on in a sad, deep dark hole and John’s fat have almost broken my heart. He is one of my declared darlings is in the series, since he has appeared for the first time in the second book and his story has been in all the book constantly since then, like a central theme along all the other happy ends. Only that John never got his happy end and could only watch the joy of the others form far away while he fell further in a bottomless black hole. He has already experienced so much sadness and with him, I don’t know why, but there is no end … and the last events threaten to break him if it is not too late already. This has deeply touched me and unfortunately has also damped somehow my joy while reading about the other events.

It was also sometimes irritating that occasionally the king Wrath and Beth appeared in the book again very often, although their ‚time’ was already in the first one. Because of this and because of a few other things I must confess that in this book the subplots around the princess, John and Xhex, Wrath and Beth, Thor or about the Sympaths and Lash, were a little too much and they put the main story of Rehvenge and Ehlena too much in the background. Of course I have devoured that book like no other, but nevertheless I would have wished for more togetherness of both main protagonists, particularly because Rehvenge is very much… well, handsome guy!

Actually, I have planned not to read another Black Dagger book after ‘Lover Avenged’ and to make a little break from Ward’s books because I simply have enough other books to read for Challenge or for reviews, but unfortunately, I’m not able to start another book and so I just started directly with the book #8 (Lover Mine) because I need to know what happens next.
At the moment it is so exciting that I can’t think of anything else and after this book was already an absolute, breathtaking page-turner, I am sure that this well be even increased in the next part because I finally will read Johns story… and Mrs. Ward… I also expect to get a happy-end for him!

English Cover:
Yes, this time this is a cover for my taste and finally, with a hot guy on it who I can see as Rehvenge, if he had amethyst eyes and a squarer face.

All in all:
An unlimited reading recommendation from my side because the book has offered me everything what I’ve hoped for and even more and I want to share this feeling with everyone else.

Rating:
4,5 of 5 points

Quotes:

Wrath to Beth: “You know,” he said, “this is why I love you so much.”
Her tone was heartbreakingly warm. “What do you mean?”
“You don’t ask me to go inside because it’s cold. You just want to make it easier for me to be where I want to stand.”

Rehvenge: “No matter what you wear… to me, you will always have diamonds on the soles of your shoes.”

Thor: “Christ, don’t you ever knock?”
Lassiter: “It’s Lassiter. L-A-S-S-I-T-E-R. How is it possible you’re still getting me confused with someone else? Do I need a nametag?”

..

Succession:

# 1: J. R. Ward -    Dark Lover »»
# 2: J. R. Ward -    Lover Eternal »»
# 3: J. R. Ward -    Lover Awakened »»
# 4: J. R. Ward -    Lover Revealed »»
# 5: J. R. Ward -    Lover Unbound »»
# 6: J. R. Ward –    Lover Enshrined »»
# 6.5: J.R.Ward – BDB: An Insider’s Guide »»
# 7: J. R. Ward -    Lover Avagened »»
# 8: J. R. Ward -    Lover Mine »»
# 9: J. R. Ward -    Lover Unleashed »»
# 10: J. R. Ward -  Lover Reborn »»
# 11: J.R. Ward – Lover at Last »»
# 12 J. R. Ward – The King

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copyright: http://www.jrward.com/

About the author – J. R. Ward:

J.R. Ward is a #1 New York Times and USAToday Best Selling author of erotic paranormal romance. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. After graduating from law school, she began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. Writing has always been her passion and her idea of heaven is a whole day of nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot. (Source: http://www.jrward.com/)

Visit her Website »»

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Review: Lover Awakened

(© goodreads)

(© goodreads)

(© goodreads)

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‘Lover Awakened‘
by J. R. Ward

Black Dagger Brotherhood # 3

First Sentence:
” ‘Goddamn it, Zsadist! Don’t jump—’, Phury’s voice barely carried over the sound of the car crash in front of them.”

Last Sentence:
” Over some of his scars there were two names in the Old Language in his skin, one on top of the other… “

Synopsis:
A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society. Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for one another begins to overtake them both, Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against Bella’s tormentor’s drives him to the brink of madness. Now, Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past, and find a future with her…(Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
Like the other first two books this one made me feel the same and I was hooked up in the book from the first pages on and all I could do was reading, reading, reading. The writing style of Ward is as always just fluently and easy and nice to read. The story begins almost exactly where the other book ended and shows the hopeless search for Bella who was kidnapped by a lesser, and shows us the unwinnable fight of Zsadist to find her still alive, as well his brutal outbursts. But soon the readers recognize that Zsadist isn’t just a soulless, cruel rowdy, but that there is also much more inside of him, another side which not even he knows about. Together with Bella and Zsadist the reader go on a journey in his history and back again to the present to get to know about his background, how it happened that he become who he is and if there’s maybe a salvation for him and that he isn’t damned. I liked it that the whole time Bella is very patient with him and how she acts or how she lures him out of his ‘defense’, to push him to get peace with his past and to work out his current thoughts and feelings. The story of Zsadist and Bella was a rollercoaster of feelings and a wild ride, where you don’t know in which way it goes. Ward has created a fantastic world and plot, which is stirring and let nobody ‘sit calm in their seat’. She also has not only presented a ‘black and white’ story, but one with many different shades of grey and has shown us that everything has a reason and everybody has to carry his fate, but we alone decide if we’ll break under it or if we go out of it stronger. This happened not only in the story of Zsadist or Bella, but also with the characters John Matthew, Phury or Thor (just mentioned a few). Which leads us to the other characters of this book, which plays an important role in the whole story and which makes the plot diversified and versatility. I’m really amazed how Ward is able to create different storylines, of which some in the end meet and other go on through the next book, in which the central theme makes interesting twists and it never gets boring at any point. I’m a fan of this series from the first chapter of the first book on and this series is just an addictive reading stuff, which is incredible not only because of the great erotic parts but also with the breathtaking and thrilling plot and memorable characters. Just great! A wonderful amusement and a nice happy ending. These are exactly those books while I love to read and which make me happy to be ‘kidnapped in another world’.

Cover:
I don’t like the German covers or the English one very much, because for me both are missing that ‘certain something’.

All in all:
A totally ‘must read’ for all BDB fans and for those who don’t dare to read this series because of the many book in it. But it’s really worth it and I promise that you won’t regret it.

Rating:
4,5 of 5 points (soo awesome!)

Quotes:

Zsadist: “I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came…and I was awakened.”

John: “You are in a prison with no bars. I worry about you”

Zsadist: “She is more beautiful than I have words for. And last night, I was blessed beyond measure to serve her”

..

Succession:

# 1: J. R. Ward – Dark Lover »»
# 2: J. R. Ward – Lover Eternal »»
# 3: J. R. Ward – Lover Awakened »»
# 4: J. R. Ward – Lover Revealed »»
# 5: J. R. Ward – Lover Unbound »»
# 6: J. R. Ward – Lover Enshrined »»
# 6.5: J.R.Ward – BDB: An Insider’s Guide »»
# 7: J. R. Ward – Lover Avagened »»
# 8: J. R. Ward – Lover Mine »»
# 9: J. R. Ward – Lover Unleashed »»
# 10: J. R. Ward – Lover Reborn »»
# 11: J.R. Ward – Lover at Last »»
# 12: J. R. Ward – The King

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copyright: jrward.com

About the author – J. R. Ward:

J.R. Ward is a #1 New York Times and USAToday Best Selling author of erotic paranormal romance. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. After graduating from law school, she began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. Writing has always been her passion and her idea of heaven is a whole day of nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot. (Source: jrward.com)

Visit her Website »»

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Review: Dark Lover

(© goodreads)

(© goodreads)

(© goodreads)

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‘Dark Lover‘
by J. R. Ward

Black Dagger Brotherhood # 1

First Sentence:
“Darius looked around the club, taking in the teeming, half-naked bodies on the dance floor.”

Last Sentence:
” ‘Please, if you would,’ the butler said, ‘no throwing the linens. Peaches, anyone?’ “

Synopsis:
In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.
The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams. (Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
I really really liked this book though I was scared in the beginning that I won’t like it because it happens too often that an often recommended book and which is on top of the top-seller-list just don’t work for me, but this one did definitely. I could also shake of my skepticism after the first few pages, because I thought I’ve had already enough of vampire stories, but this book is different to the other ones. The whole vampire stuff is different to the ones I’ve already read because for example the vampires don’t have to drink from human to stay alive, or they don’t have problems with garlic but still with sunlight. And when the vampires feed on blood they have to drink from a vampire from the other sex, and some of them even take a binding to the other vampire. And if they do so and want to make it official, like a marriage, then the female vampire, the bride, is called ‘Shellan’ and the male vampire is her ‘Hellren’ like husband, but you can call him also ‘Hell’, which I think is fitting sometimes.
Beside that I also like the background story which tells the story about the century long war between the vampires and the soulless vampire hunters, called Lessers. I would have liked to read more about their war in this book but I didn’t get enough information about that topic, which I regret but I’m sure it will told in the upcoming books soon. Or I’m also very interested in the common life of the vampires and their society and classes, because we just got a little insight of it, which I found very interesting. Furthermore the writing styles was great and fluently to read. Not with great poetic impact or with wonderful, fantastic world descriptions like in other books, but it was suitable to the story and a great and most important a stirring and breath taking read.
And now to the characters which I’ve already took to my heart, and which are the highlight in this book series! I would’ve thought that it is possible, but Ward did an amazing job with so many characters and to give each one of them a own personality, and so therefore I had no problems to keep them apart in spite of their weird names. Although the characters were all big and muscles men with ‘high testosterone’ attitude, they also had much charisma, charm and humor. About Beth and Wrath I don’t have to lose many words, because this two just work and are good together and an unstoppable team. Especially Wrath with his ‘hard as steel – guy’ who is asking himself all the time how he could fall in love with a half human, has made me smile more than once. But I also like Beth because she is likable, strong-minded and brave no matter how scared she is, and she also appears self-confident and courageous. About the other characters in the book I also liked Rhage, or also called Hollywood, Butch, Vishous and Thor and I’m really curious about their story. What I’m also curious about it the question what will happen in the future with the Lessers? …with the blind king? …or with Darius? … if he’ll come back or not? Although this book left me without answering all questions I’m happy that I read it and I’m sure I’ll get my answers in the next books, and I finished it with a delightful sigh and a sensual smile on my lips.

Cover:
The covers are not very special and they don’t look very appealing to me, but I’m happy to have read in nevertheless.

All in all:
A passionate and thrilling book, which isn’t just a ‘wet bedtime story’ but also, beside the erotic part, an intelligent and stirring story with great characters and plot. *top*!

Rating:
4,5 of 5 points (soo awesome!)

Quotes:

Wrath: “Welcome to the wonderful world of jealousy, he thought. For the price of admission, you get a splitting headache, a nearly irresistable urge to commit murder, and an inferiority complex. Yippee.”

Thorment: “And how’s that going to go? You’re just going to walk up to her and say, ‘Hey, I know you’ve never seen me before, but I’m your dad. Oh, and guess what? You’ve won the evolutionary lottery: You’re a vampire. Let’s go to Disneyland!’ “

..

Succession:

# 1: J. R. Ward – Dark Lover »»
# 2: J. R. Ward – Lover Eternal »»
# 3: J. R. Ward – Lover Awakened »»
# 4: J. R. Ward – Lover Revealed »»
# 5: J. R. Ward – Lover Unbound »»
# 6: J. R. Ward – Lover Enshrined »»
# 6.5: J.R.Ward – BDB: An Insider’s Guide »»
# 7: J. R. Ward – Lover Avagened »»
# 8: J. R. Ward – Lover Mine »»
# 9: J. R. Ward – Lover Unleashed »»
# 10: J. R. Ward – Lover Reborn »»
# 11: J. R. Ward – Lover at Last »»
# 12: J. R. Ward – The King

.

copyright: jrward.com

About the author – J. R. Ward:

J.R. Ward is a #1 New York Times and USAToday Best Selling author of erotic paranormal romance. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. After graduating from law school, she began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. Writing has always been her passion and her idea of heaven is a whole day of nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot. (Source: jrward.com)

Visit her Website »»

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