JR Ward - The Thief

Sola Morte, former cat burglar and safecracker, has given up her old life on the wrong side of the law. On the run from a drug lord's family, she is lying low far from Caldwell, keeping her nose clean and her beloved grandmother safe. Her heart, though, is back up north, with the only man who has ever gotten through her defenses: Assail, son of Assail, who never meant to fall in love--and certainly not with a human woman. But they have no future, and not just because she doesn't know he is a vampire, but because he is not about to stop dealing arms to the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Fate, however, has other plans for them. When Assail falls into a coma and lingers on the verge of death, his cousins seek out Sola and beg her to give him a reason to live. The last thing she wants is a return to her past, but how can she leave him to die?
As a lethal new enemy of the vampires shows its face, and the Brotherhood needs Assail back on his feet, Sola finds herself not only a target, but a mission-critical force in a war she doesn't understand. And when Assail's truth comes out, will she run from the horror . . . or follow her heart into the arms of the male who loves her more than life itself?

Comment: This is the most recent installment in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by JR Ward, still one of my favorite series ever. This is book #16 and it focuses on Assail and Sola.

Assail has had a life of control and power over his affairs but meeting Sola and sort of bonding with her, trying to think of ways to help and protect her has made him think twice about his past choices. To become a better person he has decided to fight his cocaine addiction with the help of the BDB doctors. However his mind and his body are struggling too much to stay alive and his cousins Ehric and Evale decide to try another tactic: to find Sola.

Sola and her mother are living in Florida as a means for Sola to stay away from the mess she used to be in when she was doing shady jobs as a thief. In order to fulfill a promise she moved with her beloved grandmother and is trying to stay away from everything she used to know, including the mysterious Assail with whom she fell in love with but wants to forget. 

Now that Sola knows Assail is "sick" and might not live, can she go back to him to say goodbye? Or will her presence turn out to be a miracle?

Before getting into my thoughts about this story I just want to repeat some things from my comments of the previous books in thes eries, just to get it out of the way:

- I still love these books despite the romance of the supposed "main couple" not being the only focus anymore.

- Even if this is more urban fantasy, I still appreciate the amazing world and characters.

- Many readers dislike the multiple POVs which make the story confusing and without much closeness to the characters and while this could be a bit avoided, I still enjoy the overall work.

I liked this book in general but I must say there were two details about the story itself (as opposed to the overall story line) that could have been done differently and wouldn't be a betrayal of the author's vision for the book.

First, I would certainly include a lot less scenes/moments with the villains or bad guys plotting their plans ans thinking about their hate of the heroes or something. I can understand this need to keep the reader updated to some details but...for me, totally avoidable. And it seems more bad characters will show up and I think it's unnecessary.

Another aspect is how the relationship between Sola and Assail ends up. Ok, they have their HEA and we know they will be happy and will solve things but there was still some indecisive situations I'd have liked to see solved right now.

As for the romance itself, it was sweet in a way I wouldn't imagine if one were to consider Assail as he was when he first appeared a few books ago. I like this new person he turned out to be even if he feels lost now that he doesn't have much to work on.

Sola is a good heroine because she cares for those she loves and she is confident in her abilities.

But yes, I's have loved a bit more about them as characters part of this world. Perhaps the problem is that we don't really know what's their role in the bigger scheme...

The other several plot lines provided very interesting details about so many things...I really love this sense that I have when I read the books because having a lot of information - even if distracting at times - means I'm "closer" to the characters I came to love and hear about. As if we, the readers, are a little part of those character's lives.

I especially liked knowing a character quite discussed by readers is coming to scene at last and that some new events will take place in the next book that will certainly mean another interesting romance...

All things considered, this worked out for me quite well, except for a couple of details I'd change. But it's like visiting friends, when I read a story set in this world.

Grade: 8/10

A link, a comment, a picture

Hello all.

I hope you have good plans for the weekend.

I work today as always but tomorrow I'm going on a trip with some people. A different day for sure.

Just wanted to tidy up some things, so three subjects in this post:

1)

A link

I was looking for stuff related to books online and I came across these lists: https://www.listchallenges.com/lists/books

There are books for all kinds of preferences. I'll browse some to see which books were included in the lists that get my attention the most. 

Enjoy, if you want to overflow your TBR even more! 😄

2)

A comment

I've recently read, but forgot to write a post about it, Blood Fury by JR Ward, the 3rd installment in her BDB series spin-off, BD Legacy. 

This is mainly the stories of Peyton and Novo, two trainees in the BDB training program to find civilians to help the fight against the lessers. There's also another sub plot with Saxton, a beloved character for some time now, and Ruhn, a recent addition to the main series but that seemed to be a worthy character of a story.

Overall, I liked the story. I keep saying that, for me, the multiple plot lines doesn't bother me but at times the author seems to prefer to focus on things I wouldn't so it's not the amount of sub plots that is the problem: it's how things are dealt with in each main plot and /or characters.

I was quite happy with how things were done, I liked best the emotional content bu yes, some scenes could have been worked with differently. 

Still, this was a positive story for me and I want to keep reading books in the BDB universe, for certain.

Grade: 8/10

3) A picture

As expected when I remember to do so, I leave you with an image. I woke up this morning, it was raining quite heavily and I just wanted to stay in bed. Alas, to earn money, one must work, but for those who can, I hope this image inspires you. 

The image is from Buzzfeed.

Happy reading!

JR Ward - The Chosen

Xcor, leader of the Band of Bastards, convicted of treason against the Blind King, is facing a brutal interrogation and torturous death at the hands of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Yet after a life marked by cruelty and evil deeds, he accepts his soldier’s fate, his sole regret the loss of a sacred female who was never his: the Chosen Layla.
Layla alone knows the truth that will save Xcor’s life. But revealing his sacrifice and his hidden heritage will expose them both and destroy everything Layla holds dear—even her role of mother to her precious young. Torn between love and loyalty, she must summon the courage to stand up against the only family she has for the only man she will ever love. Yet even if Xcor is somehow granted a reprieve, he and Layla would have to confront a graver challenge: bridging the chasm that divides their worlds without paving the way for a future of even greater war, desolation, and death.
As a dangerous old enemy returns to Caldwell, and the identity of a new deity is revealed, nothing is certain or safe in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, not even true love . . . or destinies that have long seemed set in stone.

Comment: This is the latest installment in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by JR Ward. I've said countless time before I've been a fan of the series since I found the first book and despite some less than good books for me, I still cherish and enjoy this world.

This is Layla and Xcor's book. I mean, nowadays, the away the series is, one can almost say each story isn't only focused on one single couple, the multi sub plots which annoy so many people, seem to have come to stay. Still, the focus can be given to this couple and this is their HEA at last.

At the same time, change is happening with the Scribe Virgin, the race's deity, and the enemy has a new member who will try his best to end the king and the BDB.

Among so many problems, can at least true love prevail?

Attention: mild spoilers!

I truly hated the last sentence in the blurb mentioned above: "nothing is certain or safe in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, not even true love . . . or destinies that have long seemed set in stone" because this is only the affirmation of what has annoyed and drove mad most faithful readers who know don't have many positive things to say about the series anymore.

One of the best things about romance, in all it's genres and sub genres, is the idea of HEA, of how that will somehow proof love conquers all. In this world, JR Ward has created, that was seen as more than a requirement by the rules the author herself has introduced since book #1. But the problem is that now the concept of HEA is constantly challenged in every book. What we painfully went through in previous books to see the emotionally journey each couple had to overcome to be happy forever, seems to be quite pointless, because all is put in question now.

This is what really lets people down. There are details we might not like, but this is like an attempt to al the patience and suffering we've been gone though.

The author has said or led to be understood that real life is made of challenges, changes and obstacles everyday people need to overcome. Life goes on after a HEA.

True.

But this is a fantasy book set in a fantasy world. We still NEED the HEA to be set in stone. Now, personally I don't usually mind the way things happen and, as a whole, this book was still a positive one for me, but I do share the opinion things are being done in a way that is completely unnecessary and purposely negative. To fill up space? To increase the drama? To give different takes on the same idea? To add layers no one feels it's interesting?

I'm specifically speaking about the situation with Qhuinn and V and their respective (and separate) issues. Are they valid? Absolutely. Are they necessary for the plot? Definitely not. The problems they have here could still be presented to us without all the drama and silliness we need to endure now.

And how would that be? Simple: change the tone. Change the way we are given the information. An author has the power to influence our impressions using words. Having the two mentioned characters go through the same doubts and emotional issues but saying things differently or allowing them to express themselves differently wouldn't mean a lobotomy in any of their brains and we would see things differently. All is bleak and dire and bad. It doesn't have to be and still enough to occupy page space. Oh well...

I see things this way: this was bad, some previous decisions in terms of plotting haven't been the best but I always hope there will come something good out of it. Qhuinn's problem was solved somehow so we went through all that almost for nothing except drama. I assume V's issue will be the same. I get it, but I also understand readers and their lack of patience.

Personally, the positive things for m in this book were, as usual, the feel of this world, I just like the setting and the ideas within this world, I still love to see beloved characters, I liked Layla and Xcor and I did fantasize a lot about how they could be accepted as a couple and yay, for once, my fantasy ideas came true and their HEA was exactly as I hoped for!

Also very interesting was the Scribe Virgin situation. A new deity is revealed and I think it will be amazing!

There is a new clue about Trez's emotional situation. I think I understand why this is happening and unlike so many others, I don't mind if in the next books we will see it developing further along the apparent lines we were shown. Life is short, even for vampires, so... grab it while happiness is there!

I keep enjoying the multi POVs (I could do without the villain) because I LOVE this feeling they live together, they are all part of a family, of a community and just thinking that makes me smile and wish I was a character there (I bet I could be an upbeat one at least). I still focus on the positive, even if the negative makes people talk more.

This book isn't my favorite despite my preferences and the things I liked more. Too much unnecessary confusion and stuff that end up influencing out enjoyment. I hope the next is better. But this we always hope for. I see why people are giving up but the same way we don't all see things the same way, there will always be readers who still like this, so... up to now, I still see the good above the rest.

Grade: 7/10

JR Ward - Immortal

The Creator invented the game, and the stakes are nothing less than the fate of the quick and the dead: seven souls, seven crossroads. Reluctant savior Jim Heron has compromised himself, his body and his soul, and yet he’s on the verge of losing everything...
...Including Sissy, the innocent he freed from Hell. Jim’s determined to protect her—but this makes her a weakness the demon Devina can exploit. With Jim torn between the game and the woman he’s sworn to defend, evil’s more than ready to play dirty.
Humanity’s savior is prepared to do anything to win—even embark on a suicide mission into the shadows of Purgatory. True love is Jim’s only hope for survival—and victory. But can a man with no heart and no soul be saved by something he doesn’t believe in? 

Comment: Although I consider myself a fan of this author, the truth is I didn't have any trouble waiting to read this book. I've had it in the pile practically since it was released but I admit I wasn't feeling very eager to read it. I like the author as a writer and I still love the BDB, the series that really hooked me to PNR. But this Fallen Angel series, no matter how interesting some scenes, didn't win me over as easily.

In this 6th and final installment, we finally have the battle between Good and Evil and the solution for Jim's task and whether is can be accomplished successfully or not. In the previous book, Jim forfeited a win in order to save Sissy but now he pays a price too heavy on his heart. But as the final soul comes near, who wins it may become the winner of the game the Creator has started.

Could Jim be the savior anyone wants him to become or will he let his anger and past be the final straw that will unbalance things to the side of evil?

Two things that stay with me after having read this final book, especially after all the sort of secret "aura" given to the books and what would happen in them: the battle seems redundant, considering the key players and the end of this books feels rather incomplete and unimportant to the whole scheme of things if we barely see a reference to the previous characters and the ole they played in the whole thing.

To me, the biggest problem in all this is that too much page time was dedicated to Devina, the villain, and not to the connections between characters, namely the good ones. It makes all this sound silly considering we more or less expected the good guys to win. If the lesson is supposed to be about the hearts and actions of the souls to be saved, it was great they were important in their books, but what about now? Sure, Jim has always been the key player but the way this final book showed things, all the other things lost some importance. Why do we need to spend so much time in Devina's head - even if her character is important to the story - and not with the characters that obviously need to make the biggest change?

I liked the overall feel of the story, how the good ones tried their best to accomplish what they had to and how many inner thoughts were shared with us but the romance between Jim and Sissy, after everything, every sacrifice, could have been even sweeter. Jim is not a sweet guy, I know, but come on, everything he did was because of Sissy, I kind of wanted them to interact and bond more. Even the physical aspect, which had importance because of Sissy's role in all this, wasn't as romantic or special as I imagined after so many books.

I still feel dedicated to the author's writing, but it seems she is looking more towards individuals and not couples or the developments always necessary to the better improvement of the protagonists. Who are Jim and Sissy together? If certain aspects of their lives/personalities were given importance before, why not now?

Anyway, I liked Adrien and all the other secondary characters, I liked how some feelings were explored in specific contexts (like Nigel's inadequacy feelings or Adrien's losses) but they also almost felt like adds up to what could have been a stronger central romance.

Overall, I liked many parts of the book, many scenes, but when I think of the big picture, it's not as intensely romantic as I expected, after all the buzz.

The end was sweet, hopeful of course but a little bit bland. It was not a complete surprise but I imagined a different, better scenario to fit all the struggles and fights of before.

I finished the book feeling better than worse, though, because the series has an end and not a dried up version of an end. Better to stop before things get too tricky or out of familiar and expected content. Still, entertaining.

Grade: 7/10

JR Ward - Blood Vow

#1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward returns as her thrilling, original spin-off series set in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood continues! When a brooding vampire warrior-in-training teams up with a quick-witted aristocrat to solve a deadly mystery, the only thing more dangerous than their mission is their undeniable attraction.

Comment: Since I've discovered this author, I've been a fan of the BDB series. I've also read her romance work as Jessica Byrd and I have one book missing in her angel series. I still need to read her most recent series but I'll leave that for later. What I mean with all this is that, basically, I enjoy entering the worlds the author has created (some more than others) but I can understand why others have lost their interest. Nevertheless, it still works for me.

In this second installment of the BDB legacy spin off, we have Axe and Elise story as well as a continuation of the Rhage and Mary's family situation we've seen developed in the previous BDB book.

Axe comes from a modest family and he carries a lot of guilt with him and he dealt with it with drugs and alcohol but now that he is in the Brotherhood program he wants to feel he can help and that he can battle what killed his father. He wasn't counting on Elise, his fellow program trainee Peyton's cousin, someone he meets by chance. He ends up being her bodyguard but can they really maintain a distance when they are so attracted to one another?

This series was apparently thought to offer readers romance while the original BDB series focuses more and more on world building and interactions outside a story that in the beginning focused almost 90% on the main couple's relationship. Personally, I've felt the difference but it didn't bother me completely because there is still romance. On one hand it's sad because we aren't in the characters' heads as much but at the same time it allows us time to glimpse everything around them and to me, it makes it look like there's a world besides the romance and sex. I liked it even if I'd wish to see more romance at the same time.

But of course this bothers those faithful readers from the first 5 or 6 books, that expected PNR in its full power. I guess this book might have been disappointing for many because of this; the series is giving as much air time to secondary stuff as it does to the romance which means the romantic relationship between Axe and Elise doesn't feel strong. I can understand and I agree but I don't feel as bothered. There's a HEA, there's some emotional connection and I liked it that both Elise and Axe couldn't help it, the same way the heroes from all the BDB series couldn't when they found their mates. I know their story is not perfectly presented but overall, I liked knowing them, knowing some of the things they were feeling and the HEA felt good even if the lack of a sweet epilogue made it look rushed, as many people say.

As for Rhage and Mary and Bitty, we learn some new interesting things and a new character shows up. I'm soooo curious about him and the way another character seemed to react to him makes me even more eager to read more. Will they show up in the next book, I really hope so.

The drama that these characters face is difficult to imagine in real life but the way things happen seems believable for the type of characters and plot that has been developed. Part of the interest is precisely the emotional level the author has portrayed here and how that can reach us, the reader. It's not pure romance but t offers impressive details on psychology and human behavior (even if the characters aren't all human).

All things considered, this is not the best book ever, and not the best in the whole series if we think about them globally. But it's trademark Ward and I enjoyed reading it. Probably, now that it's out and reactions are being known, the author could have divided the focus more and instead of the practically 50/50 romance, Rhage and Mary, the romance between Axe and Elise should have gone up to 70% or something, that would suit everyone better. Again, I don't feel much bothered but it wouldn't be a bad thing. And maybe more people could have more positive opinions....it's just difficult to see things we love so much through negative eyes but...that's life. For me, it worked again.

Grade: 8/10

JR Ward - The Beast

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..

Comment: This series has been one of my favorites ever since I've started reading PNR. I still look for each new installment because the world the author created is so special and vibrant to me, I often feel like I could belong there somehow.

Yes, some plot themes aren't as interesting or well developed, but overall I still feel in love with the BDB world building and character bonds.

In this novel, we keep following the several sub plots on going but there's a focus on couple Rhage and Mary and some new facts about themselves they need to sort out and deal with. There are many situations to challenge not only their relationship but also their separate personalities..can the two of them work things out?

What about the impact any change can have in their lives?

At the same time war against certain people and the Lesser Society keeps escalating and all the Brothers must act and decide what is the best course of action...

I'm afraid I won't have much to say about this book. In a way, this was positive for me in ways the previous one wasn't (as many other readers must agree with) and it sort of restored my faith in the series. I can't tell if this was the way it was supposed to or if the author felt the need to present us with a book more in the lines of what readers expect, considering the mixed opinions of The Shadows. Anyway, for me this one worked well.

I think the best way for me to summarize my opinion if to say what I liked and disliked, in a list format. These things are the ones that caught reader's attention the most, I think, therefore it's what one can remember more and obviously caused the biggest impact in terms of plot development.

So, positive things:

a) Rhage and Mary's relationship is set in stone. I'm glad the author didn't add some weird twist to this and their main cause of problems was easily solved. I'm very happy with the way things went, but it wasn't such a big surprise, considering the tidbits from long ago pointing towards this direction of events. I'm even more relieved because they are the best example of how a couple can communicate and be happy and in sync with each other and it wasn't necessary to "play" with their relationship and bond. Some readers certainly thought everything was too easy, too predictable, too convenient but from the POV of someone who only wants them happy and has been invested in the community/family I consider them all to be, this was great.

b) again, the connections and relationships between all the characters. I'm a fan of this multi POV scheme of novels, because I love to feel everyone is part of a loving family, of a community...it's good to see so many of them helping each other, trying to be there for others, whether to give a hand or to have a laugh with...we saw this in this book and it surely helped to give the readers another sense of them, after the more depressive previous book.

c) now, this would fall into spoiler category, but in a general idea, I liked how things are moving along with Layla and Xcor...apparently their story is next and I fully expect a HEA at the end of it all, even more so now that some wonderful news happened related to Layla and her pregnancy... and there was quite the huge surprise about Xcor's parents... I can't wait to read the next book!

We also learn a lot about Jo, a human character that has played a part in this book, someone unknown to us but that in the end was revealed to be quite important after all!

I'm proud of Assail as a character, and I really hope the step he took in this book to change to better will be achieved...I suppose he has a long road of challenges in front of him, but I'll keep the faith for him and his  - possible - HEA too...

d) Little scenes with our beloved characters have led me to think good things can happen or, at least, make me dream about it...namely V and Jane, Lassiter and even Saxton...

Of course not all was perfect... two things bothered me a lot and while I can understand the rational part of it because of the world and the settings and everything, I was still bothered when V and another character did something to Assail which I abhor. Eventually they helped him later on, but still...

I also didn't particularly like the path the character of Scribe Virgin is taking... after all, why was she necessary in the first place if she's losing so much importance? A bit weird this....

I guess one needs to be a fan to accept certain things without much fuss. I can understand how some things might look dismissive, easy fixes or silly to some, but overall, this still works for me.

I had a great time reading this book and wanted to keep having glimpses of the characters...I guess I'm fully invested in them and in seeing their lives and world develop. I'm very happy this was one of the "good" books by the author!

Grade: 9/10

JR Ward - Blood Kiss

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.

Comment: When I first realized this first book in a BDB spin off series would happen and be published, like so many other Ward fans, I was thrilled we could go back to romance with one of her books after the change in paths she has taken with the BDB books (which I love). I still love them and don't mind the way things are going in the original series but I also confess I love romance and the romantic side of her first books. I was very happy this new Legacy spin off was happening.

 

In this book we follow the new life of Paradise, a young woman from an important family, while she tries to enter the Training Program the BDB is starting to educate new possible fighters against the lesser. Paradise has the smaller goal of just being able to do something for herself but the tests are very demanding. Still, she and other five elements manage to do it. She feels very attracted to Craeg, a commoner also in the program and she knows, socially he isn't who she is supposed to fall for, but their relationship isn't all about looks.

At the same time, we follow Butch and Marissa while they try to discover what happened to a woman who went to Safe Place but eventually died.

 

Two things most readers seem to like bout this book: the romance focus and the small number of POVs. Honestly I don't mind the multiple POVs in the original BDB but I get why it can be distracting. This is a good thing for the Legacy spin off though, it's more focused on specific things and out attention isn't divided into several ideas going on.

I also think that, despite this being told in a way where anyone can pick it and follow the general story, it's very complicated to suitably do it without having read the BDB books first. I think this is clearly intended for those who have prior knowledge of the main characters (both protagonists were introduced in the last BDB book) because many situations have a background a new reader wouldn't know or get.

 

The book has two main storylines, Paradise and Craeg, Butch and Marissa and the only POVs come from them.

Paradise and Craeg are in the Training Program and one of the instructors with more air time is precisely Butch (my favorite Brother btw). Paradise and Craeg have a romance happening but we get to meet their fellow trainees and their personalities a bit. I'm curious to see if more Legacy books come out about them too. In fact, part of the appeal of these books is the camaraderie between everyone, how they start up being aloof, on their own but slowly get to see the potential in others. My biggest pet peeve about the way the characters are described is how vampires in general, especially younger adult ones seem to feel superior t everyone and have so many wrong choices like doing drugs or being irresponsible. I liked that both Craeg and Paradise weren't like that and even their new colleagues have motives to want to be able to fight.

The romance between Craeg and Paradise is sweet and hot, but nothing too exaggerated, despite the quickness of their bond. I liked the path their relationship took and the HEA at the end.

 

Butch and Marissa are facing a slight lack of communication in their relationship but gladly, all ends well. Things aren't exactly easy but they talk and their bond gets stronger. I think the author stresses too much the fact life goes on after the HEA and not in a positive way. All her established couples, whose paths to HEAs we emotionally suffered with them now are supposed to be happy but realistically speaking they still need to work on it and that's fine, but it's something happening all the time and a little less time focusing on this and a bit more time developing new couple's relationships would be much better in my opinion.

In this story Butch and Marissa join forces to discover the story of the woman who died after finding the Safe Place while still dealing with personal issues, Butch about his take on women in general and Marissa about the comparison between her life before Butch and after and how to deal with her brother who she loves despite their falling out.

 

I admit the author inserts many worthy themes to the stories, but some things that have air time maybe are a bit too much while things we really want happen a bit too fast. I understand her reasoning to write this way but in the end of all this, she is the author and I think her priorities aren't always the ones she should focus on. My opinion.

nevertheless, I liked this book, I graded it high because I truly liked it and because I understand the way this is supposed to work and the family/mates/friends bonds are amazing to see developed in her books. But it's not perfect. This is a grade 9, but more a 8.5 or 8.6 to be honest.

Still, I will keep on reding because despite everything, what makes this special for me is still happening so...

Grade: 9/10

JR Ward - The Shadows

Trez “Latimer” doesn’t really exist. And not just because the identity was created so that a Shadow could function in the underbelly of the human world. Sold by his parents to the Queen of the S’Hsibe as a child, Trez escaped the Territory and has been a pimp and an enforcer in Caldwell, NY for years- all the while on the run from a destiny of sexual servitude. He’s never had anyone he could totally rely on... except for his brother, iAm.
iAm’s sole goal has always been to keep his brother from self-destructing- and he knows he’s failed. It’s not until the Chosen Serena enters Trez’s life that the male begins to turn things around... but by then it’s too late. The pledge to mate the Queen’s daughter comes due and there is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no negotiating.
Trapped between his heart and a fate he never volunteered for, Trez must decide whether to endanger himself and others- or forever leave behind the female he’s in love with. But then an unimaginable tragedy strikes and changes everything. Staring out over an emotional abyss, Trez must find a reason to go on or risk losing himself and his soul forever. And iAm, in the name of brotherly love, is faced with making the ultimate sacrifice... 

Comment: This is the most recent installment in the BDB series which became my favorite paranormal series since I read the first book, back in 2006. From that book on, my reading habits changed and my love for paranormal romance evolved considerably. 

This new book is surrounded by many critics, by many personal opinions and not always about the whole content. While I still enjoyed the book, it's with sadness I think it's not better accepted almost on purpose...

In this book, the main characters are Trez and iAm, the shadow brothers we've come to know from several books ago. As always, tidbits about them were small, sparse, a little detail here and there and that is a suggestive way to bring the curiosity in the readers. Now their stories are here, all mixed together like their connection always has been, but each one has a different path to walk and different women that will be the center of their lives...

The majority of things I'd like to say is a spoiler for many people I'm sure. I don't know how to explain my opinion and my thoughts without telling why and that would ruin things for others. I'll stick to vague things and if anyone wants spoilers (that can be found everywhere I'm sure!, but still, I'm trying to be neutral on that here) you can say so.

I think I won't explore details. This post will center about things I liked, things I disliked and why I think this book was executed wrong and what that means for me, as a fan.

So, just to summarize the sub plots mentioned in the book:

The series is read almost like a tv show. Each book is an episode or a double episode with things happening and we, as a reader/viewer can follow several things at the same time.

There's the brother's lives which we keep track of, even in little scenes here and there;

There's the Layla/Xcor sub plot which has an interesting take here;

There's the main plot of Trez/Selena and iAm and his lady;

There's Assail and his less than stellar existence which I hope is developed a lot more in the future than how it was in this book;

There's Rahge and his self doubts/love for Mary thoughts;

There's the introduction of the future couple, sort of, for the BDB Legacy book, coming out in December;

There's Luchas and his problems which do matter but serve here as a comparison system more or less.

All these things are addressed in this book, some with a more vibrant take than others but all are a way to complement the story and I actually like the multiple story lines, POVs and ideas. I'm a fan of this so in this aspect I can't agree with those who say she doesn't pay attention to less things to make them better, I like this variety.

So, also to summarize, what I liked:

- The overall plot seemed good, many things to explore, to look for, to want to see;

- iAm is a surprise, I liked him, his personality, his simple but dedicated way of helping his brother, of being there...

- Xcor and Layla are reaching a point where things need to be solved and I hope the next book will be that or at least be the one where they reach the point where a book of their own is urgent.

- The writing seems tighter, more well thought.

- To see so many characters, to have a little idea of how they are, how their lives are being shaped.

What I didn't like:

- The way the author didn't write things in the way that would suit her voice and that of her characters which she keeps saying are the ones in control and also of the readers who hope and wish for a year to have the new book;

- Trez's sub plot is special but wasn't presented in the best way, in my opinion;

- Some lesser scenes...I think she should ditch them completely because they're redundant and pointless at this stage and just knowing the Brothers are fighting is enough instead of scenes with them.

There are some key points many readers say ruined the book for them. I could speak about what a romance is, why a HEA happens and is necessary but in my honest opinion, all the bad stuff being said, all Ward's posts about "they made me do it" when she says her characters rule the show, all the negative opinions from readers who feel cheated or wronged, all the things people think were done badly, for me, I think there's a simple way of having avoided all that! I just think it's a problem of perspective. The author told what she wanted, hat she felt was the story to show. Fine. She is the creator here. But she could have said, done, showed, presented the same things with a different focus! This little detail would have made her book the same it is now but probably with better acceptance.

What most readers complain about and hated could still happen but with a different focus it wouldn't feel as bad. This is just my opinion.

Like I said, many things happen and that affects each reader differently. For me, the concept of the world, the original purpose/story line/ genre wasn't betrayed but I understand why others feel so.

I'll keep reading the series like I say since the books started to "change". But I understand why the author is losing readers and why the series is not what it used to be.

This book, as a whole, is still positive for me, but the execution could have been so much better.

Grade: 7/10

JR Ward - Possession

When Cait Douglass resolves to get over her broken heart and lose her inhibitions, she’s unprepared for the two sensual men who cross her path. Torn between them, she doesn’t know which to choose—or what kind of dire consequences could follow.
Jim Heron, fallen angel and reluctant savior, is ahead in the war, but he puts everything at risk when he seeks to make a deal with the devil—literally. As yet another soul is unwittingly caught in the battle between him and the demon Devina, his fixation on an innocent trapped in Hell threatens to sidetrack him from his sacred duty....
Can good still prevail if true love makes a savior weak? And will a woman’s future be the key, or the curse, for all of humanity? Only time, and hearts, will tell.

Comment: This book was released last year but as I don't love this series as much as the BDB one by the author, I didn't mind waiting for the paperback edition, which I got last recently. I've decided to read this book right away to not keep thinking about it in the pile.

This story is the continuation of the Fallen Angels series, where Jim Heron, recent angel, has the task of saving seven souls in order to win the battle against evil, otherwise it will be Hell all over. So far, Jim has got three winnings so one more would mean win, but Jim, ever helpful, traded one win for an innocent souls trapped in Hell, so things got even. There remain three souls to battle about and the one who wins the most wins the final battle.
This time, a new soul is on the risk but with Jim distracted, how will things end up for the good guys? 

Overall, I liked this story. There are a few things that still annoy me, not because I think they are wrong but because of the state of mind they put me in.
I know that one of the good plot move-along tactics is to make the characters do things and think about them and let the reader wonder about the usefulness of those actions. The story moves further and we get to see characters do things which allows us int their psyche and inner motivations and characterization. But when they do things we disagree with or that we don't think it's wise, it sucks. Or when thy do things intelligent people wouldn't not because there's nothing else they could do but because they think doing things that turn them into self righteous martyrs alike, then it's all fine. Nope...it's not, for me this is annoying as hell. Why can't characters do the right thing? I know, I know what about the suspense, the surprise, the expectation of a turnabout in the end that makes it all perfect? I say, WTF, why would someone try for glory when it's more practical to do things right? Aren't authors out there who think this? So, in this book, as in the majority of the series, apparently, characters do bad choices and take wrong turns in hopes to achieve..something, and the reader is left with tension and suspense and splintering nerves. It can be really annoying.

As for the story itself, well it had interesting moments, in particular closer to the end, when we finally understood what was really happening. This felt like a thriller at times, I mean, there's a killer on the loose and we on't know who is it and when we do is quite the surprise..the explanation I mean.

The romance between Cait and Duke felt rushed but they all do so I won't be too picky. We see their lives and experiences and why they are that way and in a way I think they are balanced because Cait always did the right thing but never had her boundaries explored and Duke could have been better but chose another path and now he has her to balanced himself and he is the opposite of her in terms of behavior and past, but they both retained their fairness and sense of justice and wisdom. It's tricky to explain but it makes sense in the end, I think a bigger scene int he end would have helped to confirm their love.

This series left many questions in the air about the war and which role exactly the players have. So far everything has a meaning and each characters plays an important role and it seems everything has a connection somehow. I'm curious about what is supposed to happen and I hope the final two books will be clever and perfectly clear on what is actually happening. Let's see...
Grade: 7/10

JR Ward - The King

Long live the King…
After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle--with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything--and everyone--at risk.
Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response--or the distance it creates between them.
The question is, will true love win out... or tortured legacy take over?

Comment: Here it is, the annual release of a Black Dagger Brotherhood story. This year it's back to Beth and Wrath although the plot isn't only about them or things around them. This book keeps up with so many sub plots and possible protagonists that it's very populated for sure.

The main story line focuses on Wrath and his kingdom. Wrath has been feeling powerless and unable to cope with his blindness and most impirtant, his lack of will to carry on as king, as a ruler without much control over what he is doing and he feels often that his efforts aren't leading nowhere.
I think part of the problem was precisely this, the fact his "job" as king isn't instantly synonymous to success and acceptance. There are several scenes from his father and how he acted upon a time concerning some things during his reign and how we can make a parallel comparison to the current Wrath's efforts. I thin these scenes aren't here just to make the reader know Wrath senior but also to show that Wrath isn't dealing with unheard things, a king has responsibilities and issues to work out all the time, since kings exist and the best lesson Wrath can take from what he is ding is what it means to the ones around him that his efforts, his work has a meaning, has value. Wrath says at some point he hates the job. So, I think the author's intention to make Wrath accept this sort of failure was the right step to move forward. Wrath changes things and I have to say I liked him here, I liked his position and his mind when he decided to make choices, when he decided to change things and that it wouldn't mean a disrespect to his own father's reign before. It meant that, as soon as he was truthful to himself and to the ones around him, that was the way to prove how worthy he was as king and as a male. I think this aspect of the story was well explored and interesting.
Then there's also the issue of babies...Wrath and Beth dealt with the problem and I think the way things worked out on that field was cute.
Beth was quite the character here. I thin we can see how her help and strength are things to appreciate and how she can be the best support Wrath could ever get. I didn't feel this was heir story re-written, this was them more mature, more knowledgeable about the problems, the difficulties, but also the good things and the respect. I liked this.

We also see development in several sub plots, which will certainly keep being worked on in the upcoming books.
There's Trez, we learn more about Shadows and their world.
There's still the thing between Xcor and Layla, a relationship that leaves me very curious.
There's Assail and Marisol and what could mean for them to be together.There are more little clues about these sub stories and other things in the working. I think so many things could feel too much but I think the author has a vision and I hope t will turn out alright. Still, a part of me misses a bit the emphasis on the romance, on the relationships...I wish those days could still happen.

There are things that annoyed me a bit. As individuals, as human beings, as readers, there are things that are acceptable and welcome to out tastes and others that not so much. I have to say I wasn't fond at all of the drug references here. Assail does drugs and it annoys me a lot. I really hate it. I can understand how it enhances his persona and his character construction but I hate it and wish it's something to solve soon.
There were some scenes filled with anger that made me depressed...in a perfect world, anger and arguments and fights are solved right away. I hope that, at least, the not so happy scenes can be just the set up to better times.

This book isn't perfect, but like with so many things in out lives, when we care for something and we are used to it, we feel wonderful near that thing or even talking or knowing it's there, so I feel thrilled about a book in this series, the first to hook me up in paranormal and that showed me a world of possibilities in reading I didn't know before BDB. For that, even though I think this could be better or more powerful, I still can't say it's bad. It's as entertaining, as addictive and as special to me as ever. I think that, sometimes, just being in a world you dream about can be enough even if your other side recognizes the room for improvement. Still, I can't wait for more and I keep as eager and as enthusiastic for this as  a child for candy. Next year here we will be and I hope I finish it as entertained and with such enjoyment as with this one.
Grade: 8/10

JR Ward - Lover at Last

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.

Comment: This is one of those series I can’t wait to get my hands on. I know many people stopped seeing this as a romantic series but I’m one of those who don’t mind the path the series has taken. It’s still a special thrill to open the package and see a book of the BDB inside and letting out a giggle that doesn’t happen anywhere else in my year. Still special, for sure…

This is the story of Qhuinn and Blay, after years of knowing them and wanting them to be happy – whether together or with someone else – and in particular five years since they kissed for the first time. Five years waiting for a romance to happen, with so many heartbreaking moments in the books in between. It was a ride, no doubt about it.

But the book isn’t only about them, it also shows some progress with other characters in the world and how we get to see their lives a bit and wonder what might happen, or should I say, how it will happen.

II know many people disliked the on going subjects with so many fronts, five to be exact. There are five sub plots going on in this book and I get why some people feel there’s no focus in neither. However, I love this feel of things happening. Yes, I agree the focus should have been bigger in Q and Blay, but I wasn’t out off by the other sub plots. In fact, the only thing I’d put aside completely is the lesser parts because they aren’t doing anything there. We could still know about their plans through other character’s eyes, because for me, the lesser parts are boring and I admit I don’t pay much attention to them.

I think the other sub plots other than the main one aren’t there just to fill space or to set up new paths. It’s there to make the reader feel part of the books, to make real the idea there’s life happening everywhere and how what happens one place can influence others. For me, it’s curious and I like to see them all. This book leaves the possibility for many new stories to happen and for, I’m glad, because I have hope the series won’t stop. I really wish the author could write faster, because waiting one year can very hard, even when knowing a clue here and there.

About Q and Blay…not only should they had a bigger amount of air time, as they also should have talked more about their problems before the gorgeous final scene..it was soooo beautiful… so romantic, yes… I’m still smiling! But I don’t think we’ve seen them talk enough about what made them apart and how they really solved it…for a good part of the book they didn’t connect emotionally and in the very last part of the book they make up and Q admits things at last. I think it was a bit rushed. Not bad, just…not perfect. Another note about them, some people were afraid of the sex scenes, as the series has many readers who don’t like m/m romances but the way I saw it, it wasn’t that explicit. The author has said she didn’t edit anything about their sex scenes but to me, she must have, even if unconsciously, because there’s really not much detail about the more raw things like penetration and all that. I think it was well done because I don’t think it shocked anyone, but I also believe she could have added up more elements, even if the ones there are well written.

I haven’t read any negative reviews, just glimpsed at some comments here and there…but I get why some people are unhappy. This is just my opinion too, and while I can’t change their minds about it, I also can’t help but feeling mostly wonderful about having another BDB book and by the innumerable account of feelings it allowed me to live while reading it, so…what works for one, might not for others, but for me…this still does.