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Black Dagger Legacy #2
Blood Vow
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Romance (2017)New York Times best-selling author J. R. Ward returns with an all-new tale of paranormal passion in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.
The Black Dagger Brotherhood continues to train the best of the best to join them in the deadly battle against the Lessening Society. Among the new recruits, Axe proves to be a cunning and vicious fighter - and also a loner isolated because of personal tragedy. When an aristocratic female needs a bodyguard, Axe takes the job, though he's unprepared for the animal attraction that flares between him and the one he is sworn to protect.
For Elise, who lost her first cousin to a grisly murder, Axe's dangerous appeal is enticing - and possibly a distraction from her grief. But as they delve deeper into her cousin's death, and their physical connection grows into so much more, Axe fears that the secrets he keeps and his tortured conscience will tear them apart.
Rhage, the Brother with the biggest heart, knows all about self-punishing, and he wants to help Axe reach his full potential. But when an unexpected arrival threatens Rhage and Mary's new family, he finds himself back in the trenches again, fighting against a destiny that will destroy all he holds most dear.
As Axe's past becomes known, and fate seems to be turning against Rhage, both males must reach deep - and pray that love, rather than anger, will be their lantern in the darkness.
The Black Dagger Brotherhood continues to train the best of the best to join them in the deadly battle against the Lessening Society. Among the new recruits, Axe proves to be a cunning and vicious fighter - and also a loner isolated because of personal tragedy. When an aristocratic female needs a bodyguard, Axe takes the job, though he's unprepared for the animal attraction that flares between him and the one he is sworn to protect.
For Elise, who lost her first cousin to a grisly murder, Axe's dangerous appeal is enticing - and possibly a distraction from her grief. But as they delve deeper into her cousin's death, and their physical connection grows into so much more, Axe fears that the secrets he keeps and his tortured conscience will tear them apart.
Rhage, the Brother with the biggest heart, knows all about self-punishing, and he wants to help Axe reach his full potential. But when an unexpected arrival threatens Rhage and Mary's new family, he finds himself back in the trenches again, fighting against a destiny that will destroy all he holds most dear.
As Axe's past becomes known, and fate seems to be turning against Rhage, both males must reach deep - and pray that love, rather than anger, will be their lantern in the darkness.
459 pages, Hardcover
First published December 6, 2016
About the author
J.R. Ward
211 books50.5k followersJ.R. Ward is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. She lives in the South her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,859 reviews
April 17, 2023
5 Everything is going to be all right Stars
reread April 2023
Spoilers
“A mother’s tears,” Lassiter’s slightly echo-y voice said softly. “So hard, so beautiful. I told you everything was going to be all right. And those are to remind you of how strong you are, how strong your love for your daughter is…how, even in the worst of times, things have a way of working out as they should.” -Lassiter
Blood Vow is the 2nd novel in the Black Dagger Legacy series, and like the first book in this series it stars two couples. Axe and Elise and Mary, Rhage with their daughter Bitty. This book picks up a few months after The Beast the 14th book in The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series(BDB). Black Dagger Legacy(BDL) is a spin off of the Black Dagger brotherhood that tie together and from what I have seen on fan sites for J.R. Ward and Wiki are to be read in order of release date. So like......
1. Dark Lover (BDB)
2. Lover Eternal(BDB)
3. Lover Awakened(BDB)
4. Lover Revealed(BDB)
5. Lover Unbound(BDB)
6. Lover Enshrined(BDB)
6.5 Father Mine (Z, Bella, and Nalla Novella)(BDB)
7. Lover Avenged(BDB)
8. Lover Mine (BDB)
9. Lover Unleashed(BDB)
10. Lover Reborn (BDB)
11. Lover at Last(BDB)
12. The King(BDB)
13. The Shadows(BDB)
1. Blood Kiss(BDL)
14. The Beast(BDB)
2. Blood Vow(BDL)
15. The Chosen(BDB)
3. Blood Fury (BDL)
I really loved Blood Vow. Axe was all broody and sexy. Hard with a past full of pain and abandonment . Into kink like a mini V. Axe is all alone in the world his mom walked out on him and his father when he was 10 because she wanted the nicer things in life and his father was a common laborer. His father having been a bonded male without his female was a shell of himself until he was killed in the raids two years ago. Axe lived only to join the war against the Lessening Society until he met Elise. Elise a daughter in the Glymera was raised to look pretty, mate, and breed, but Elise had other plans for her life. She was working on her education in Psychology. She wants to have a private counseling practice for the vampire race specializing in PTSD. Elise was very outspoken and had an inner fire. I loved how up front she was she would tell you anything you wanted to know. She was also smart, sweet, and brave. With Elise coming from a rich family, being part of the Glymera, and having an education, Axe felt he wasn't good enough for her. He was poor, common, an ex drug addict, into sex kink and just a soldier. Elise saw the good in him, the worth. Axe and Elise had an undeniable connection from the moment they laid eyes on each other. They were a perfect couple with lots of passion. I really loved them together.
“I knew you would come after me,” she said roughly. “And I knew you’d be waiting.” She kicked up her chin. “I wasn’t waiting.” “If I hadn’t rushed out here, you would have.” He liked the way her jaw set like he was pissing her off. But then she smiled. “If you knew I’d wait for you, why did you rush?” “You’re worth it.”-Elise and Axe
“Personally, I think my attraction works for us—I mean, you. It increases my protective nature and will make me more lethal. I’m not bonded to you, and I won’t ever be, but I am male, and in fact, I’m so much more raw than the overbred pansies you’re used to dealing with. So, yeah, anyone tries to so much as brush the ends of your hair with their elbow, and I will kill them four times over before I light their corpse on fire.” “Well, isn’t that something to put on a Valentine’s Day card.”-Axe and Elise
I loved getting more of Rhage, Mary, and Bitty. I just wish Mary and Rhage didn't have to hurt so much. In this book Bitty's uncle Ruhn showed up looking for his niece. It was heart wrenching watching Rhage and Mary think they were going to lose their daughter after just getting her. My feels. There was this one part that just ripped my soul out and had me tearing up.
Rhage released his shellan’s hand, curled up a double’s worth of fists, and slammed them into the table, splitting the heavy oak boards down the center. “We’re her parents! We’re her fucking parents!” As he leaped up, Mary went with him, catching one of his arms and hanging all her weight off it. “Rhage, you need to relax—” “I’m her father! You’re her mother—” Mary lost her hold on him and then he was pulling a RHONJ and flipping the table, sending his brothers and the King jumping back as china and glassware went airborne and then shattered all over the place. “This is fucking bullshit!” Immediately, his brothers were on him, Z catching him from behind and cranking him into a neck hold, Butch coming from out of nowhere—when had he gotten to the house?—and grabbing him around the waist from the side, Mary trying to get in his face so he would focus on her. The only thing that kept the beast still inside him was the fact that it had gotten out the night before. If that shit hadn’t gone down at the clinic, he would have trashed the whole back wing of Darius’s old mansion. “He can’t take her away!” he screamed at no one and everybody. “We just got her! He can’t take her—he’s a fucking stranger—” “Rhage,” Mary got directly in front of him, jumping up to catch his eye. “Rhage, we have to—” Latching onto her wide, sad stare, he moaned, “She’s ours … she’s ours … this stranger can’t take her away—she’s ours.…” He was babbling, he knew he was babbling, but it was like someone had uncorked the bottom of his brain and every boogeyman fear he’d had about Bitty’s future was funneling down and out his mouth. Mary let him go for a time, but then she took the reins. “Rhage. The reality is that we knew we had to get through this six-month waiting period. And Bitty … she talked about an uncle. We need … as hard as this is, we have to see this through. It’s what’s fair … it’s what’s legal.” “She’s my daughter. She’s your daughter.” “In our hearts, yes. But legally—” “Fuck the law!”-Rhage and Mary
The door opened a crack, and then Lassiter, in his game gear, stepped inside the room. As he held something out, Mary couldn’t see what it was— Wait a minute, was that a Snickers bar? “What are you doing?” she blurted as he cautiously approached. The beast snapped to attention, its jowls curling up in a snarl at the angel. But Lassiter was undaunted—so not a shocker. “Here,” he said. “Have a Snickers. You’re not yourself when you’re hangry.” There was a heartbeat of a pause. And then she couldn’t help it. She had to start laughing. “Really. Really?”-Mary, and Lassiter
I loved how great Lassiter was in this book. He really shined. I was laughing my ass off when Rhage's beast came out trashing everything and Lassiter did this whole here have a snickers your not you when your hungry crap. He is just so out there and crazy how could anyone not love Lassiter. He was so sweet and supportive of Mary, Rhage and Bitty in this book. I also loved how close Z and Bitty were. Z is my fav so I eat up anything with him in it but to have him be all sweet to little Bitty was totally swoon worthy. I thought I would hate Bitty's uncle Ruhn but I really liked him. I also liked the hints of the budding interest from Saxton. I hope Ruhn and Sax get together they would make a great book and Sax so deserves his HEA. The next book in the reading order is The Chosen and I can't fucking wait for Layla and Xcor!!!!! And the next book in this series (BDL) and the one to come out after The Chosen is Blood Fury which is Peyton and Novo's book. I love Novo and although I didn't really like Peyton at first he has grown on me and now I can't wait to get my hands on their book.
reread April 2023
Spoilers
“A mother’s tears,” Lassiter’s slightly echo-y voice said softly. “So hard, so beautiful. I told you everything was going to be all right. And those are to remind you of how strong you are, how strong your love for your daughter is…how, even in the worst of times, things have a way of working out as they should.” -Lassiter
Blood Vow is the 2nd novel in the Black Dagger Legacy series, and like the first book in this series it stars two couples. Axe and Elise and Mary, Rhage with their daughter Bitty. This book picks up a few months after The Beast the 14th book in The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series(BDB). Black Dagger Legacy(BDL) is a spin off of the Black Dagger brotherhood that tie together and from what I have seen on fan sites for J.R. Ward and Wiki are to be read in order of release date. So like......
1. Dark Lover (BDB)
2. Lover Eternal(BDB)
3. Lover Awakened(BDB)
4. Lover Revealed(BDB)
5. Lover Unbound(BDB)
6. Lover Enshrined(BDB)
6.5 Father Mine (Z, Bella, and Nalla Novella)(BDB)
7. Lover Avenged(BDB)
8. Lover Mine (BDB)
9. Lover Unleashed(BDB)
10. Lover Reborn (BDB)
11. Lover at Last(BDB)
12. The King(BDB)
13. The Shadows(BDB)
1. Blood Kiss(BDL)
14. The Beast(BDB)
2. Blood Vow(BDL)
15. The Chosen(BDB)
3. Blood Fury (BDL)
I really loved Blood Vow. Axe was all broody and sexy. Hard with a past full of pain and abandonment . Into kink like a mini V. Axe is all alone in the world his mom walked out on him and his father when he was 10 because she wanted the nicer things in life and his father was a common laborer. His father having been a bonded male without his female was a shell of himself until he was killed in the raids two years ago. Axe lived only to join the war against the Lessening Society until he met Elise. Elise a daughter in the Glymera was raised to look pretty, mate, and breed, but Elise had other plans for her life. She was working on her education in Psychology. She wants to have a private counseling practice for the vampire race specializing in PTSD. Elise was very outspoken and had an inner fire. I loved how up front she was she would tell you anything you wanted to know. She was also smart, sweet, and brave. With Elise coming from a rich family, being part of the Glymera, and having an education, Axe felt he wasn't good enough for her. He was poor, common, an ex drug addict, into sex kink and just a soldier. Elise saw the good in him, the worth. Axe and Elise had an undeniable connection from the moment they laid eyes on each other. They were a perfect couple with lots of passion. I really loved them together.
“I knew you would come after me,” she said roughly. “And I knew you’d be waiting.” She kicked up her chin. “I wasn’t waiting.” “If I hadn’t rushed out here, you would have.” He liked the way her jaw set like he was pissing her off. But then she smiled. “If you knew I’d wait for you, why did you rush?” “You’re worth it.”-Elise and Axe
“Personally, I think my attraction works for us—I mean, you. It increases my protective nature and will make me more lethal. I’m not bonded to you, and I won’t ever be, but I am male, and in fact, I’m so much more raw than the overbred pansies you’re used to dealing with. So, yeah, anyone tries to so much as brush the ends of your hair with their elbow, and I will kill them four times over before I light their corpse on fire.” “Well, isn’t that something to put on a Valentine’s Day card.”-Axe and Elise
I loved getting more of Rhage, Mary, and Bitty. I just wish Mary and Rhage didn't have to hurt so much. In this book Bitty's uncle Ruhn showed up looking for his niece. It was heart wrenching watching Rhage and Mary think they were going to lose their daughter after just getting her. My feels. There was this one part that just ripped my soul out and had me tearing up.
Rhage released his shellan’s hand, curled up a double’s worth of fists, and slammed them into the table, splitting the heavy oak boards down the center. “We’re her parents! We’re her fucking parents!” As he leaped up, Mary went with him, catching one of his arms and hanging all her weight off it. “Rhage, you need to relax—” “I’m her father! You’re her mother—” Mary lost her hold on him and then he was pulling a RHONJ and flipping the table, sending his brothers and the King jumping back as china and glassware went airborne and then shattered all over the place. “This is fucking bullshit!” Immediately, his brothers were on him, Z catching him from behind and cranking him into a neck hold, Butch coming from out of nowhere—when had he gotten to the house?—and grabbing him around the waist from the side, Mary trying to get in his face so he would focus on her. The only thing that kept the beast still inside him was the fact that it had gotten out the night before. If that shit hadn’t gone down at the clinic, he would have trashed the whole back wing of Darius’s old mansion. “He can’t take her away!” he screamed at no one and everybody. “We just got her! He can’t take her—he’s a fucking stranger—” “Rhage,” Mary got directly in front of him, jumping up to catch his eye. “Rhage, we have to—” Latching onto her wide, sad stare, he moaned, “She’s ours … she’s ours … this stranger can’t take her away—she’s ours.…” He was babbling, he knew he was babbling, but it was like someone had uncorked the bottom of his brain and every boogeyman fear he’d had about Bitty’s future was funneling down and out his mouth. Mary let him go for a time, but then she took the reins. “Rhage. The reality is that we knew we had to get through this six-month waiting period. And Bitty … she talked about an uncle. We need … as hard as this is, we have to see this through. It’s what’s fair … it’s what’s legal.” “She’s my daughter. She’s your daughter.” “In our hearts, yes. But legally—” “Fuck the law!”-Rhage and Mary
The door opened a crack, and then Lassiter, in his game gear, stepped inside the room. As he held something out, Mary couldn’t see what it was— Wait a minute, was that a Snickers bar? “What are you doing?” she blurted as he cautiously approached. The beast snapped to attention, its jowls curling up in a snarl at the angel. But Lassiter was undaunted—so not a shocker. “Here,” he said. “Have a Snickers. You’re not yourself when you’re hangry.” There was a heartbeat of a pause. And then she couldn’t help it. She had to start laughing. “Really. Really?”-Mary, and Lassiter
I loved how great Lassiter was in this book. He really shined. I was laughing my ass off when Rhage's beast came out trashing everything and Lassiter did this whole here have a snickers your not you when your hungry crap. He is just so out there and crazy how could anyone not love Lassiter. He was so sweet and supportive of Mary, Rhage and Bitty in this book. I also loved how close Z and Bitty were. Z is my fav so I eat up anything with him in it but to have him be all sweet to little Bitty was totally swoon worthy. I thought I would hate Bitty's uncle Ruhn but I really liked him. I also liked the hints of the budding interest from Saxton. I hope Ruhn and Sax get together they would make a great book and Sax so deserves his HEA. The next book in the reading order is The Chosen and I can't fucking wait for Layla and Xcor!!!!! And the next book in this series (BDL) and the one to come out after The Chosen is Blood Fury which is Peyton and Novo's book. I love Novo and although I didn't really like Peyton at first he has grown on me and now I can't wait to get my hands on their book.
December 17, 2017
Axe and Elise
There is magic involved every time I open a J.R. Ward’s book and then I suddenly land in Caldwell.
When I am there,
I usually hide in the dark alleys sniffing the air for baby powder smell and listening carefully for gunshots and body compacts,
I cover myself at the back of Manny’s ambulance behind a blanket making sure is empty on the way back to the mansion and everybody has already been home safe. Sometimes when it is not empty I listen carefully to sighs and encouragements and prayers and I make an effort to help thinking positively so that whoever is injured, he/she will be on his/her feet soon.
I find quiet corners in the Brothers’ mansion trying to listen to giggles and laughs and curses and “I’m sorry for cursing” (because there are kids around nowadays) and looking for paw prints and snicker bars’ wrappers , while my stomach growls when I smell the Last Meal being prepared by the doggens. And then I know that the pool table noises will stop, footsteps will be coming down the stairs, George will start barking, the TV will be silent, the vacuuming will stop and the dining room will be filled with voices and shouts and maybe music.
Sometimes I find a quiet place in the Darius’ mansion and I listen to the petitions to the blind King. Frequently, I roll my eyes because what the subjects demand from the King is so trivial and simple and he and his brothers have a bloody war to fight and there is no time. But other times, my heart bleeds because what they ask is the impossible even for a King.
My heart also bleeds when I visit the Safe Place and I make myself invisible behind the curtains. Abuse is not limited to the human nation. If anything, it is more brutal, more life threatening in the vampire world. Vampires are much stronger than the rats without tails. They can hit harder, they can suffer more before they die, and they can bleed more.
And I feel similar sadness when I visit Havers’ clinic and I know that some of the patients there will not live long enough to see the moon of the following night. And I know that maybe Havers will look cold and distant in front of them (he has a god complex you may think). But when he knows that he is not watched, he will hide his face in his hands. And he will feel abandoned and desperate because whatever he does, it is not enough.
See? I am well trained. I know what to expect.
This time
I also followed Elise in her family’s mansion and I listened to the glymera nonsense that her father was explaining and I listened to her aunt’s burst about her ungrateful daughter who went and got herself killed and now nobody was inviting them to the parties anymore.
I followed Axe to The Keys. I had a mask and somebody had lent me a key to get in. I heard the noises of the sexual aroused humans, I smelled sex everywhere, I could not see faces, I could not count how many were in each of the rooms. I ran away.
But when Elise and Axe sat in front of the fire or shared the shower I tried to be discreet and I left them alone. I knew what they were doing, anyway.
I also followed Rhage, Mary and Bitty around. They were trying to finalize what they had started in “The Beast”. They were absolutely sure that was what they wanted. And I felt love, commitment, gratitude everywhere. The friends were helping, the family stayed together.
And of course it was Christmas time. Many gifts, many hugs and a Christmas tree. Picture perfect!
Ruhn welcome! Did you really exchange glances with Saxton and the air was heavy and promising?
Oh, maybe I just imagined it…
---------------------------------------
5 stars
... just because I was feeling that I was home when I was reading
... just because I am a BDB fan girl
... just because I can
----------------------------------------
There is magic involved every time I open a J.R. Ward’s book and then I suddenly land in Caldwell.
When I am there,
I usually hide in the dark alleys sniffing the air for baby powder smell and listening carefully for gunshots and body compacts,
I cover myself at the back of Manny’s ambulance behind a blanket making sure is empty on the way back to the mansion and everybody has already been home safe. Sometimes when it is not empty I listen carefully to sighs and encouragements and prayers and I make an effort to help thinking positively so that whoever is injured, he/she will be on his/her feet soon.
I find quiet corners in the Brothers’ mansion trying to listen to giggles and laughs and curses and “I’m sorry for cursing” (because there are kids around nowadays) and looking for paw prints and snicker bars’ wrappers , while my stomach growls when I smell the Last Meal being prepared by the doggens. And then I know that the pool table noises will stop, footsteps will be coming down the stairs, George will start barking, the TV will be silent, the vacuuming will stop and the dining room will be filled with voices and shouts and maybe music.
Sometimes I find a quiet place in the Darius’ mansion and I listen to the petitions to the blind King. Frequently, I roll my eyes because what the subjects demand from the King is so trivial and simple and he and his brothers have a bloody war to fight and there is no time. But other times, my heart bleeds because what they ask is the impossible even for a King.
My heart also bleeds when I visit the Safe Place and I make myself invisible behind the curtains. Abuse is not limited to the human nation. If anything, it is more brutal, more life threatening in the vampire world. Vampires are much stronger than the rats without tails. They can hit harder, they can suffer more before they die, and they can bleed more.
And I feel similar sadness when I visit Havers’ clinic and I know that some of the patients there will not live long enough to see the moon of the following night. And I know that maybe Havers will look cold and distant in front of them (he has a god complex you may think). But when he knows that he is not watched, he will hide his face in his hands. And he will feel abandoned and desperate because whatever he does, it is not enough.
See? I am well trained. I know what to expect.
This time
I also followed Elise in her family’s mansion and I listened to the glymera nonsense that her father was explaining and I listened to her aunt’s burst about her ungrateful daughter who went and got herself killed and now nobody was inviting them to the parties anymore.
I followed Axe to The Keys. I had a mask and somebody had lent me a key to get in. I heard the noises of the sexual aroused humans, I smelled sex everywhere, I could not see faces, I could not count how many were in each of the rooms. I ran away.
But when Elise and Axe sat in front of the fire or shared the shower I tried to be discreet and I left them alone. I knew what they were doing, anyway.
I also followed Rhage, Mary and Bitty around. They were trying to finalize what they had started in “The Beast”. They were absolutely sure that was what they wanted. And I felt love, commitment, gratitude everywhere. The friends were helping, the family stayed together.
And of course it was Christmas time. Many gifts, many hugs and a Christmas tree. Picture perfect!
Ruhn welcome! Did you really exchange glances with Saxton and the air was heavy and promising?
Oh, maybe I just imagined it…
---------------------------------------
5 stars
... just because I was feeling that I was home when I was reading
... just because I am a BDB fan girl
... just because I can
----------------------------------------
December 27, 2016
“I’m stuck in the fucking chimney.”
I don't even have words to say about how grateful I picked this book up before Christmas. Blood Vow is the second installment of the Black Dagger Legacy series which is spinned off from the main one, Black Dagger Brotherhood. At first, I saw no reasons why J.R. Ward had to start her new series with the same setting and characters, but after I read Blood Kiss, I completely understood why she must do this.
“But the biggest fallacy people sell themselves is that they should be happy all the time.”
Blood Vow has the two main stories: the first one is Axe, kinky dirty sexy alpha male from Blood Kiss, and Elise, the rich girl having the rebellious head. They're not a perfect match for me at first, but J.R. Ward made me feel like they're so good together while Axe's trying to be good for her. It reminded me of Gomez's song : https://youtu.be/1TsVjvEkc4s I have to play it whenever I read Axe's part. He's my type of hero.
“The great thing about family, Mary mused, was that they showed up. When it really mattered, your family, be they blood or by choice, were always where you needed them to be, even though they had busy lives and jobs and children of their own.”
The second story is Rhage and Mary's. I loved the potential these two being together since The Beast, kinda didn't like them this much in Lover Eternal for some reasons. It broke my heart to see the story in The Beast continuing in this book. To be honest, the conflict Ward put into the first part of the book was unpleasant for me because I knew consequences weren't good, yet I was so glad to see how ingenious she turned the story and solved their problems at the end of this book.
How can I say about how much I loved Axe ? Ohmigod. I've already said but I want to do it again. He's yummy and sexy as hell He likes being hurt so he tells Elise to hurt him good when she's with another man. That scene alone got me to give this book five stars.
“I like to watch you with him.”
“Why?”
“Because it hurts. Now, give me what I want,” he growled as he closed the distance between their mouths and kissed her hard.
I've had a hunch before reading this book that Axe might be like Z. But I was wrong. Axe is reasonable and not judgemental even though he's neglected by his father. He's done so many wrong things but he can understand himself without someone reminding him who he is. Elise, too, is strong and independent, she rarely acts like she's a damsel in distress, she knows that everyone has their problems and it's unnecessary to judge people until you know them well.
J.R. Ward knows where to hit my points to fully enjoy her books. She wrote it the way she used to, nothing was changed. But the fresh start and how she put the pranks into her story were excellent as always and made me laugh my ass out. I liked her books because of them.
Highly recommend ! This is my best Christmas gift ever. And Lassiter is my other reason that I loved Blood Vow so damn much I marked it as my favorite of 2016.
March 4, 2023
1.) Blood Kiss ★★★★
April 11, 2020
3/24/2017
I reread The Beast yesterday in anticipation of the release of The Chosen so naturally I have to reread this one too....just as fantastic as the first time I read it....maybe even more so!
5 Black Dagger Loving Stars!!
Honestly, I cannot get enough of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, so I am beyond ecstatic for the Black Dagger Legacy series, it feeds my addiction to these vampires!! So it took me awhile to do this review and I’ve decided to break it down into three mini reviews.
Axe & Elise:
Axe is a commoner, a guy who just wants to survive and make it through the Brotherhood trainee program. He’s had a hard knock’s life, his mother abandoned him and his father for a better life when he was a young boy and his father basically spent the rest of his life waiting for her to come back and forgetting that he has a son, a son who later rebelled using drugs and sex as an outlet.
Axe turned his life around when his father was killed in the raids, he applied for the trainee program to do something good with his life and at the same time avenge his fathers death. There is more to his back story which will break your heart but you’ll need to read all about that.
Elise is an aristocratic, her rebellious cousin death (Blood Kiss) has affected her and her family to the point that she is being smothered and sheltered by her overprotective father. Her father refuses to allow her, her independence and attempts to smother her under tradition but Elise wants to finish her PhD in Psychology so she can become a Therapist to her race just like the humans have. To achieve her goal, she agrees to a compromise, she will accept a bodyguard. When Axe previously met Elise, he was instantly attracted to her, he wants her……badly!! However; he feels that she is way out of his league. Axe is dark and dangerous, nothing Elise is used to, yet she can’t resist him.
Axe and Elise have a bumpy road to their HEA and for the most part I enjoyed their storyline, but both have issues to work through, including huge trust issues.
Rhage, Mary and Bitty:
Rhage, Mary and Bitty’s storyline picks up right where it left off in The Beast. Rhage and Mary have started the adoption process for Bitty who they both love and adore (along with the rest of the brotherhood household). They already consider her their daughter and she considers them Mom & Dad. But, deep down both Rhage and Mary fear that Bitty’s missing uncle will turn up and destroy their dreams of being a family. Their fear becomes a reality when Ruhn shows up to claim Bitty, what an emotional rollercoaster!!! Rhage…..oh lord he broke my heart, while Mary tried to remain strong for Rhage and Bitty all the while dying inside. Bitty is such a loving, sweet, and wise young girl. I loved their storyline and the outcome.
Lassiter:
Lassiter, Lassiter, Lassiter……our favorite naughty fallen angel. Lassiter and Bitty have developed a very special and close bond, they have tons of fun together that will make you smile happily. So it’s only natural that he is front and center throughout the Rhage, Mary, & Bitty storyline offering his unique brand of support to both Rhage and Mary. We see the Lassiter we all know and love…snarky, crude, and outrageous at times. Yet we also see a more serious and tender side to him, you’ll definitely enjoy his humor in this one.
I reread The Beast yesterday in anticipation of the release of The Chosen so naturally I have to reread this one too....just as fantastic as the first time I read it....maybe even more so!
5 Black Dagger Loving Stars!!
Honestly, I cannot get enough of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, so I am beyond ecstatic for the Black Dagger Legacy series, it feeds my addiction to these vampires!! So it took me awhile to do this review and I’ve decided to break it down into three mini reviews.
Axe & Elise:
Axe is a commoner, a guy who just wants to survive and make it through the Brotherhood trainee program. He’s had a hard knock’s life, his mother abandoned him and his father for a better life when he was a young boy and his father basically spent the rest of his life waiting for her to come back and forgetting that he has a son, a son who later rebelled using drugs and sex as an outlet.
Axe turned his life around when his father was killed in the raids, he applied for the trainee program to do something good with his life and at the same time avenge his fathers death. There is more to his back story which will break your heart but you’ll need to read all about that.
Elise is an aristocratic, her rebellious cousin death (Blood Kiss) has affected her and her family to the point that she is being smothered and sheltered by her overprotective father. Her father refuses to allow her, her independence and attempts to smother her under tradition but Elise wants to finish her PhD in Psychology so she can become a Therapist to her race just like the humans have. To achieve her goal, she agrees to a compromise, she will accept a bodyguard. When Axe previously met Elise, he was instantly attracted to her, he wants her……badly!! However; he feels that she is way out of his league. Axe is dark and dangerous, nothing Elise is used to, yet she can’t resist him.
Axe and Elise have a bumpy road to their HEA and for the most part I enjoyed their storyline, but both have issues to work through, including huge trust issues.
Rhage, Mary and Bitty:
Rhage, Mary and Bitty’s storyline picks up right where it left off in The Beast. Rhage and Mary have started the adoption process for Bitty who they both love and adore (along with the rest of the brotherhood household). They already consider her their daughter and she considers them Mom & Dad. But, deep down both Rhage and Mary fear that Bitty’s missing uncle will turn up and destroy their dreams of being a family. Their fear becomes a reality when Ruhn shows up to claim Bitty, what an emotional rollercoaster!!! Rhage…..oh lord he broke my heart, while Mary tried to remain strong for Rhage and Bitty all the while dying inside. Bitty is such a loving, sweet, and wise young girl. I loved their storyline and the outcome.
Lassiter:
Lassiter, Lassiter, Lassiter……our favorite naughty fallen angel. Lassiter and Bitty have developed a very special and close bond, they have tons of fun together that will make you smile happily. So it’s only natural that he is front and center throughout the Rhage, Mary, & Bitty storyline offering his unique brand of support to both Rhage and Mary. We see the Lassiter we all know and love…snarky, crude, and outrageous at times. Yet we also see a more serious and tender side to him, you’ll definitely enjoy his humor in this one.
Read
January 17, 2017I have not bought this book yet. Here's why:
Paperback, yo. Not hardcover. Traditional PNR, just like DARK LOVER was in the old days.
That's JR Ward announcing this series in this blog post: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...
Book 2 is already a hardcover at the price of $11.99. So I'm going to buy it when it's the paperback it was sold to loyal readers as. Not because I can't afford $11.99. I've got plenty of money. It's just that I don't like being taken for granted by authors and their publishers. So my protest will include me spending the money I might have spent on Blood Vow on something else. I'm gifting some of my favorite books to some friends.
First up: Melody -- tonight she received:
Grace Draven's "Entreat Me"
($3.99, full novel)
Grace Draven's "The Undying King"
($1.99, long novella)
Ilona Andrews' "Clean Sweep"
($4.99, full novel)
Why these books? Because I loved them, they're independently published, and these two (technically three) authors never seem to forget that their fans are more than dollar signs. Total cost to me for three books: $10.97. Wow. What a bargain.
True -- pro published books are more expensive. So it behooves the author to give what she or he promised the readers. Because ... see ... we're the ones on the other end of the transaction. The ones with the money. If you sold a series as paperback, then give us a reasonably priced paperback instead of greedily bumping it up to HC on the second book because you know we're loyal and you can squeeze a little more out of us. That kind of stink doesn't just go away. Some people might think I need a waaaambulance and it's really not all that important. But some of us are just plain tired of being played for chumps and something that might seem like just a few bucks give or take ... well there's that one last straw that breaks the camel's back. Frankly, it's insulting, and my money goes where I want it to go. Because while authors may not be their readers' bitches (thank you Neil Gaiman for that one), readers are not authors' bitches either.
ETA: the giveaway goes on. Uniquely Moi -- my dear friend -- got the second batch of the same books. Now I've spent more than the cost of Blood Vow. As I say -- it's not that I can't afford it, it's that I'm not your bitch.
Paperback, yo. Not hardcover. Traditional PNR, just like DARK LOVER was in the old days.
That's JR Ward announcing this series in this blog post: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...
Book 2 is already a hardcover at the price of $11.99. So I'm going to buy it when it's the paperback it was sold to loyal readers as. Not because I can't afford $11.99. I've got plenty of money. It's just that I don't like being taken for granted by authors and their publishers. So my protest will include me spending the money I might have spent on Blood Vow on something else. I'm gifting some of my favorite books to some friends.
First up: Melody -- tonight she received:
Grace Draven's "Entreat Me"
($3.99, full novel)Grace Draven's "The Undying King"
($1.99, long novella)Ilona Andrews' "Clean Sweep"
($4.99, full novel) Why these books? Because I loved them, they're independently published, and these two (technically three) authors never seem to forget that their fans are more than dollar signs. Total cost to me for three books: $10.97. Wow. What a bargain.
True -- pro published books are more expensive. So it behooves the author to give what she or he promised the readers. Because ... see ... we're the ones on the other end of the transaction. The ones with the money. If you sold a series as paperback, then give us a reasonably priced paperback instead of greedily bumping it up to HC on the second book because you know we're loyal and you can squeeze a little more out of us. That kind of stink doesn't just go away. Some people might think I need a waaaambulance and it's really not all that important. But some of us are just plain tired of being played for chumps and something that might seem like just a few bucks give or take ... well there's that one last straw that breaks the camel's back. Frankly, it's insulting, and my money goes where I want it to go. Because while authors may not be their readers' bitches (thank you Neil Gaiman for that one), readers are not authors' bitches either.
ETA: the giveaway goes on. Uniquely Moi -- my dear friend -- got the second batch of the same books. Now I've spent more than the cost of Blood Vow. As I say -- it's not that I can't afford it, it's that I'm not your bitch.
February 7, 2017
4.5 'slow start, awesome finish' stars
"Our strength must be tested," he whispered, "for us to know it's still there. And I will always be your warrior, Mary mine. Always and forever."~ Rhage
**sigh**
What a wonderful, beautiful story. I'm not a huge fan of this new generation of warriors, but the time spent with my Boys, their shellans and Bits - those moments alone make this story one I will re-read (parts of) often.
In fact, Blood Vow is well worth owning, so when the publisher decides they've gouged enough readers and reduces the price, I'm sure I'll be picking it up. Until then, library copies will have to do.
Shelves/Tags 4-stars, adopted-orphaned-ward-guardian, author-jr-ward-jessica-bird, format-hard-cover, laugh-giggle-snicker-snort, format-library-copy, long-lost-relatives, pnr-vampires, poignant, read, series-black-dagger-legacy, spinoff-black-dagger-brotherhood, vampires, violence, violence-attempted-murder
"Our strength must be tested," he whispered, "for us to know it's still there. And I will always be your warrior, Mary mine. Always and forever."~ Rhage
**sigh**
What a wonderful, beautiful story. I'm not a huge fan of this new generation of warriors, but the time spent with my Boys, their shellans and Bits - those moments alone make this story one I will re-read (parts of) often.
In fact, Blood Vow is well worth owning, so when the publisher decides they've gouged enough readers and reduces the price, I'm sure I'll be picking it up. Until then, library copies will have to do.
Shelves/Tags 4-stars, adopted-orphaned-ward-guardian, author-jr-ward-jessica-bird, format-hard-cover, laugh-giggle-snicker-snort, format-library-copy, long-lost-relatives, pnr-vampires, poignant, read, series-black-dagger-legacy, spinoff-black-dagger-brotherhood, vampires, violence, violence-attempted-murder
April 6, 2017
J.R. Ward has got her mojo back with the last couple of books. This one has the feel of the older, classic books in the BDB series. Dark, sexy, funny and oh-so-kickass.
True?
Even though this series is about the trainees, we get plenty of the original brothers. The main romance is between the BDB trainee, Axe, and a member of the vamp aristocracy, Elise, but there is also a substantial side-story about Rhage and Mary. Plus, we get enough glimpses of Zsadist to make our hearts go pitter-patter, and a couple of scenes with other favorite brothers. In other words, no Phury. Thank goodness!! Although, I could have used a little Qhuay in my life. Okay, a lot of Qhuay.
I'm on a lot of teams, apparently.
Axe was in the last book and he is the Mr. Bad Boy. He's bisexual, a former drug-addict, into kink, and very poor. He lives like a college student, on ramen noodles, by himself in a house with no electricity. Elise lives in a mansion with more rooms than your average hotel, and is going to human college for her degree in psychology (which my sons assure me is about as useful as a degree in medieval basket weaving). Her father hires Axe to be her bodyguard. And, as we all know, a sexy body guard ends up being a sexy body guard. He's got her covered. Literally.
Axe: "If anyone tries to so much as brush the ends of your hair with their elbow, I will kill them four times over before I light their corpse on fire."
Elise: "Well, isn't that something to put on a Valentine's Day card."
Where do I sign up for one of these bodyguard thingies?
While they are doing their sexy thing, Mary and Rhage are going through some crap with their new daughter, Bitty. What I want to know is who the hell got the idea that calling a young girl Bitty is in any way okay? I mean, shit, give the kid a break! And, speaking of breaks, poor Bitty of the unfortunate name has to have all of the bones in her body broken. For reasons. This makes Rhage's beast make a surprise appearance. But, don't worry, Lassiter (another of my favorites) is on the scene.
Lassiter was undaunted. "Here," he said. "Have a Snickers. You're not yourself when you're hangry."
Best use of a commercial campaign slogan in a book ever.
Bitty's uncle shows up and I have high hopes for him in a future romance with someone that needs it badly. Plus, since our bisexual bad boy has decided on a girl, and our bisexual bad girl is going for a boy in the next book, we need at least one more couple who are playing for their own team. Come on!!
So, next up is The Chosen, which I am not thrilled about because I can't stand Xcor. He's ugly and horrible. I'm sorry, but I need my romantic leads to be less icky. They don't have to be perfect, but this guy doesn't have the personality to outshine his ugly face. If that makes me shallow, I'm a tiny freaking puddle.
Fingers crossed that the secondary story is about Qhuay. I won't give up my hopes for more of them.
Ha! You thought I would use the Brokeback Mountain meme, didn't you?
True?
Even though this series is about the trainees, we get plenty of the original brothers. The main romance is between the BDB trainee, Axe, and a member of the vamp aristocracy, Elise, but there is also a substantial side-story about Rhage and Mary. Plus, we get enough glimpses of Zsadist to make our hearts go pitter-patter, and a couple of scenes with other favorite brothers. In other words, no Phury. Thank goodness!! Although, I could have used a little Qhuay in my life. Okay, a lot of Qhuay.
I'm on a lot of teams, apparently.
Axe was in the last book and he is the Mr. Bad Boy. He's bisexual, a former drug-addict, into kink, and very poor. He lives like a college student, on ramen noodles, by himself in a house with no electricity. Elise lives in a mansion with more rooms than your average hotel, and is going to human college for her degree in psychology (which my sons assure me is about as useful as a degree in medieval basket weaving). Her father hires Axe to be her bodyguard. And, as we all know, a sexy body guard ends up being a sexy body guard. He's got her covered. Literally.
Axe: "If anyone tries to so much as brush the ends of your hair with their elbow, I will kill them four times over before I light their corpse on fire."
Elise: "Well, isn't that something to put on a Valentine's Day card."
Where do I sign up for one of these bodyguard thingies?
While they are doing their sexy thing, Mary and Rhage are going through some crap with their new daughter, Bitty. What I want to know is who the hell got the idea that calling a young girl Bitty is in any way okay? I mean, shit, give the kid a break! And, speaking of breaks, poor Bitty of the unfortunate name has to have all of the bones in her body broken. For reasons. This makes Rhage's beast make a surprise appearance. But, don't worry, Lassiter (another of my favorites) is on the scene.
Lassiter was undaunted. "Here," he said. "Have a Snickers. You're not yourself when you're hangry."
Best use of a commercial campaign slogan in a book ever.
Bitty's uncle shows up and I have high hopes for him in a future romance with someone that needs it badly. Plus, since our bisexual bad boy has decided on a girl, and our bisexual bad girl is going for a boy in the next book, we need at least one more couple who are playing for their own team. Come on!!
So, next up is The Chosen, which I am not thrilled about because I can't stand Xcor. He's ugly and horrible. I'm sorry, but I need my romantic leads to be less icky. They don't have to be perfect, but this guy doesn't have the personality to outshine his ugly face. If that makes me shallow, I'm a tiny freaking puddle.
Fingers crossed that the secondary story is about Qhuay. I won't give up my hopes for more of them.
Ha! You thought I would use the Brokeback Mountain meme, didn't you?
February 10, 2017
I feel like I need a disclaimer before I write this review. I love J.R. Ward, this book however I did not love. Here are my reasons:
1. I didn't like Axe and Elise. I didn't hate them, in fact I felt nothing for them which is really bad when they are the main characters. I got so bored that in the end I was skimming their chapters, never good sign.
2. Half of the book was about Mary/Rhage/Bitty. Now don't get me wrong this is what saved this book from being a one star but this book isn't titled The Beast 2 and is suppose to be about the new cast of characters so when it counts on the original cast to carry it, and literally it is a continuation from The Beast, there is a problem. In fact when I think about it that is the problem, the two story lines were constantly warring for attention, I wish it was either exclusively a book about the new characters, or a book about the Bitty situation so it could have gotten the attention it deserved but not both.
3. This book was way too depressing. The Bitty stuff we knew was going to be a struggle, even if it turns out well, but why did this book have to constantly dwell on the death of Elise's cousin Allishon? It was like an obsession and not in a good way, again I found myself skimming a lot of pages.
4. When I finished this book I realized I'm not excited for the next. I remember when the BDB books would come out I couldn't wait for the next brother, I mean even if I wasn't happy with what happened I still wanted to read about V, Zhasdist, Phury, etc..but with these books I can't even tell you all the recruits names let alone what they are like. I could care less who gets with who or what book is next. I just don't feel like they have personalities that I care about or I know about.
In the end I was disappointed in this book and wish I would have waited for a library copy.
1. I didn't like Axe and Elise. I didn't hate them, in fact I felt nothing for them which is really bad when they are the main characters. I got so bored that in the end I was skimming their chapters, never good sign.
2. Half of the book was about Mary/Rhage/Bitty. Now don't get me wrong this is what saved this book from being a one star but this book isn't titled The Beast 2 and is suppose to be about the new cast of characters so when it counts on the original cast to carry it, and literally it is a continuation from The Beast, there is a problem. In fact when I think about it that is the problem, the two story lines were constantly warring for attention, I wish it was either exclusively a book about the new characters, or a book about the Bitty situation so it could have gotten the attention it deserved but not both.
3. This book was way too depressing. The Bitty stuff we knew was going to be a struggle, even if it turns out well, but why did this book have to constantly dwell on the death of Elise's cousin Allishon? It was like an obsession and not in a good way, again I found myself skimming a lot of pages.
4. When I finished this book I realized I'm not excited for the next. I remember when the BDB books would come out I couldn't wait for the next brother, I mean even if I wasn't happy with what happened I still wanted to read about V, Zhasdist, Phury, etc..but with these books I can't even tell you all the recruits names let alone what they are like. I could care less who gets with who or what book is next. I just don't feel like they have personalities that I care about or I know about.
In the end I was disappointed in this book and wish I would have waited for a library copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2016
This is the second book in the BDB spin-off series, but as we have seen in the past – this book has a main H/H, Axe and Elise, but the other half of the book (maybe even more than half) is the continuing story of Rhage, Mary and their adopted daughter Bitty. If you didn’t read Rhage’s book that came out in March, you might be a little lost with Bitty. Mary and Rhage adopted her (or are in the process of adopting her) after Bitty’s mother died from extreme abuse from her husband. Bitty also suffered, and because so many bones in her body were broken and healed poorly, they are afraid when she transitions into an adult vampire, she could have permanent damage to all of her limbs. On top of that, her blood-uncle makes contact looking for her and Mary and Rhage worry that he will take her away from them.
Look – Bitty bored me tears because – we all know, Bitty is going to stay with Rhage and Mary. They have their HEA, and to stay happy forever, they can’t lose Bitty. So they entire drama with Bitty’s uncle coming into the picture didn’t do anything for me. Plus – Bitty is the most well-behaved teenager EVER. My God, I wanted her to rebel or have some kind of attitude. Be a brat just for a second, Bitty! Even her uncle was super nice. It was a LOVEY MUSH-FEST. Don’t get me wrong, I loooooove when Rhage goes mushy on Mary. It melts me. But, the entire family being this ooey-gooey lovey-dovey pile of mush? For half the book? My bitter, jaded heart was over it.
The main couple is Axe and Elise and I liked them! Axe is a trainee at the BDB compound. Ex-heroin user, super poor, abandoned by his mother, father killed in the raids. Belongs to a sex club. He was edgy and grumpy and badass. Elise is glymera – wealthy, privileged and her father is terrified for her safety after all the raids and murders that have occurred. He ends up hiring Axe to be her bodyguard – and the two have super hot chemistry. Elise rebels against the glymera and wants to live her own life her own way. She was a stronger heroine for Ward – I enjoyed her a lot. Their relationship is spicy and hot.
I also love the trainees – Peyton, the arrogant asshole, Novo another female trainee who is cool, and the quiet dude who has issues (he will be a super sexy hero). I wish there had been more training by the brothers and less Bitty (sorry – I’m so annoyed by Bitty!)
The conflict between Elise and Axe at the end is a little meh and not sure if they were at the declaration of love yet – that felt weird for Axe to say. He is so jaded and hard-edged – him saying I love You felt odd. I believed in their romance, but maybe not in love yet? I don’t know.
I did enjoy reading this – Vishous is around. Lassiter was amazing! He not only made me laugh (especially the last scene) but he has such a sweet moment! His relationship with Bitty is more engaging that Rhage and Mary. I adore him.
It’s a fun read, I just didn’t want a third Rhage book.
Now to get my hands on Xcor and Layla this Aprl. Oh baby I’m excited.
Grade: B-
Look – Bitty bored me tears because – we all know, Bitty is going to stay with Rhage and Mary. They have their HEA, and to stay happy forever, they can’t lose Bitty. So they entire drama with Bitty’s uncle coming into the picture didn’t do anything for me. Plus – Bitty is the most well-behaved teenager EVER. My God, I wanted her to rebel or have some kind of attitude. Be a brat just for a second, Bitty! Even her uncle was super nice. It was a LOVEY MUSH-FEST. Don’t get me wrong, I loooooove when Rhage goes mushy on Mary. It melts me. But, the entire family being this ooey-gooey lovey-dovey pile of mush? For half the book? My bitter, jaded heart was over it.
The main couple is Axe and Elise and I liked them! Axe is a trainee at the BDB compound. Ex-heroin user, super poor, abandoned by his mother, father killed in the raids. Belongs to a sex club. He was edgy and grumpy and badass. Elise is glymera – wealthy, privileged and her father is terrified for her safety after all the raids and murders that have occurred. He ends up hiring Axe to be her bodyguard – and the two have super hot chemistry. Elise rebels against the glymera and wants to live her own life her own way. She was a stronger heroine for Ward – I enjoyed her a lot. Their relationship is spicy and hot.
I also love the trainees – Peyton, the arrogant asshole, Novo another female trainee who is cool, and the quiet dude who has issues (he will be a super sexy hero). I wish there had been more training by the brothers and less Bitty (sorry – I’m so annoyed by Bitty!)
The conflict between Elise and Axe at the end is a little meh and not sure if they were at the declaration of love yet – that felt weird for Axe to say. He is so jaded and hard-edged – him saying I love You felt odd. I believed in their romance, but maybe not in love yet? I don’t know.
I did enjoy reading this – Vishous is around. Lassiter was amazing! He not only made me laugh (especially the last scene) but he has such a sweet moment! His relationship with Bitty is more engaging that Rhage and Mary. I adore him.
It’s a fun read, I just didn’t want a third Rhage book.
Now to get my hands on Xcor and Layla this Aprl. Oh baby I’m excited.
Grade: B-
April 22, 2017
Buenooooooo, ¿qué puedo decir? Aunque empecé a leer este libro con algún que otro recelo, la Ward es la Ward, y me encanta la hermandad :) Eso si, no sé si tenemos nuevo romance entre Saxton y Runh....
March 24, 2017
“But how do I know you’ll come home safe?”
Rhage blinked. “I am never not coming back to you and Mary.”
“What if you die, though?”
His first thought was:
MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARY!
There are not appropriare enough words to describe how much I love this woman's style. I'm a sucker for pop culture references and all those names turned into verbs. If her style were a person, I'd hump their leg like a Chiwawa in heat.
Now, before she gets a restraining order against me, let's get to the book. The main couples here are Axe and Elise and Rhage and Mary.
Now, Rhage is my favorite brother. I adore everything about him, his lighthearted spirits, his goofyness (not sure he could ever be described as goofy, though) and his utter devotion for his Mary. Although in this book his and Mary's story is rather tormented and broke my heart more than once, seeing them relying on each other to be strong awed me. I think this is the beauty of already knowing the characters, and already having read about them, multiple times... everything is more powerful, every feeling more poignant, and you already know whatever happens, they'll face it together.
“When it’s your kids, it’s just a whole different level.” Rhage started to bang his head against the wall, and then worried that it might disturb Bitty and the doctors. “You know, I wasn’t prepared for this. I mean, I thought the hard part about being a dad was going to be the arguments—like her bringing some knuckle-dragging mouth breather home and expecting me not to slice off his smooth criminals and plant them in the yard. But this? I want to be the one going through it for her. It’s just not fair.”
Z held his stare, solid as a rock, about as far from psychotic as the brother had once been knee-deep in the crazy. “You are a tremendous father, you know that. You’re the real deal.”
Seeing them with Bitty was always the best part. Especially Rhage and Bitty together are the stuff romance bookworms' dreams are made of. He's so protective, funny and tender with her. And the way they would "gang together" against Mary was just... awwww.
The other couple, Axe and Elise, surprised me.
You didn’t need to know the specifics about a male like that to be fully aware he was a Taylor Swift song waiting to happen.
I was curious about Axe and was totally happy that he ended up with someone the likes of Elise. They were different and I loved how Axe had a 180° about his ways and fell for her the way a true bonded male would.
Their story was the vampire version of Romeo and Juliet. He's the dark, tatted, pierced commoner and she's the daughter of an aristocrat. He doesn't think he's worthy of her while all she sees is the valiant warrior heart beating in his inked chest.
The attraction was palpable since the very first moment they laid eyes on each other, and the way their story progressed was refreshing. I didn't care much for Elise's quest for independency, although I liked the angst added by her murdered cousin to it, but it was interesting to see how they grew closer and closer so naturally. I also liked how they didn't really resist that attraction. It seemed pointless, and it allowed us to witness many sweet, steamy moments that were just priceless. Oh, I also loved that scene when Elise's out with another guy and Axe just shows up to make sure she's safe... and also steal her from her date. Anyway, it was such a great scene!
““You are so beautiful right now,” he murmured, refocusing on her lips. "And I know that tonight it’s all for him. That’s okay. I accept that. But the least that you can do as I sit here and watch you with that man is leave me in peace to enjoy the sight of you. It is all I have.”
[...]
“So you thought of me, too,” he said, well aware that he was seducing her with the tone of voice he was using. “Were you up all day, twisting and turning in those fancy sheets, imagining me on you … in you.”
As she gasped, he leaned forward. “I’ll pretend all you want. If that’s what it takes for us to work together. I’ll never talk about this …” He motioned between them. “… thing between us again. I’ll be a good boy who keeps his hands to himself—his fantasies, too. But in this moment, honest is as honest does—and in my head, I’m making love to you. Right on that table over there, right in front of him to prove I can.”
Yeah, I know. And the hot scenes between the two of them are seriously windowshield-foggying.
So, if Elise was a very fine, yet not memorable character, Axe was truly amazing. His background story was so different from all the Brothers and trainee's ones, and it laced perfectly around his personality and issues.
Another thing, I'm finding myself liking the Legacy's books even more than the latest BDB ones because of the fewer POVs and the major focus on the romantic part. Sure, there's still lots of action, and trainees dramas, and that desperation clinging to certain characters like it's a second skin in total Ward's style, but all in all they're lighter reads, with lots more fun moments...
...like every time Lassiter appears. That last scene, it cracked me up. He's the most awesome, fabulous and fun character ever. I wish I could tuck him in my pocket and bring him with me everywhere. Maybe keep him away from chimneys ;)
March 22, 2018
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Type: Book 2 of Black Dagger Legacy
POV: Third Person
Rating:
Axwelle (Axe) son of Theirsh wanted to make something out of his life. As a trainee of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, he was ready for anything. When there was a job opening for a bodyguard, he took that opportunity without realizing how much it would impact his life.
Elise blooded daughter of Felixe yearned to be free. As a female of aristocratic family, she had rigid expectations to meet. And her life was not made easier when her attraction to someone she shouldn't be with becoming too hard to ignore.
On the surface, Axe was everything I like in a hero - sexy, broody and kinky. I like how he picked himself up from his broken past and stood up for himself. However, I wish his kinky side was explored more instead of it being more like an afterthought.
I like how Elise was not a typical aristocratic female. She had ambitions and put effort in achieving them. But there were moments of vulnerability that made her a hypocrite.
I enjoy the overall storyline especially when it comes to the changes in the dynamic between the trainees. And I also like the dilemma Rhage and his family had to endure (even though it felt dragged on at times). However I feel like Rhage's story was too overpowering for Axe and Elise to shine, especially that he already had the spotlight in The Beast.
Blood Vow is a story of two individuals breaking free of the life that shackled them. With a new addition character in the series it'd be interesting to see how the storyline will evolve.
Note: I love how Lassiter always stole the show. The Snickers scene was priceless lol!
Books in the series:
♦ ⚔ ♦. . . (F)BR With Loyda . . . ♦ ⚔ ♦
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Book 2 of Black Dagger Legacy
POV: Third Person
Rating:
Axwelle (Axe) son of Theirsh wanted to make something out of his life. As a trainee of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, he was ready for anything. When there was a job opening for a bodyguard, he took that opportunity without realizing how much it would impact his life.
Elise blooded daughter of Felixe yearned to be free. As a female of aristocratic family, she had rigid expectations to meet. And her life was not made easier when her attraction to someone she shouldn't be with becoming too hard to ignore.
"I’ll be a good boy who keeps his hands to himself—his fantasies, too. But in this moment, honest is as honest does—and in my head, I’m making love to you. Right on that table over there, right in front of him to prove I can.”
On the surface, Axe was everything I like in a hero - sexy, broody and kinky. I like how he picked himself up from his broken past and stood up for himself. However, I wish his kinky side was explored more instead of it being more like an afterthought.
She was the conduit to the vein of torture, and as physically attractive as he found her, the power she had over him turned her into a goddess.
I like how Elise was not a typical aristocratic female. She had ambitions and put effort in achieving them. But there were moments of vulnerability that made her a hypocrite.
Goddamn it, how the fuck were they in this situation.
I enjoy the overall storyline especially when it comes to the changes in the dynamic between the trainees. And I also like the dilemma Rhage and his family had to endure (even though it felt dragged on at times). However I feel like Rhage's story was too overpowering for Axe and Elise to shine, especially that he already had the spotlight in The Beast.
Blood Vow is a story of two individuals breaking free of the life that shackled them. With a new addition character in the series it'd be interesting to see how the storyline will evolve.
Note: I love how Lassiter always stole the show. The Snickers scene was priceless lol!
Books in the series:
♦ ⚔ ♦. . . (F)BR With Loyda . . . ♦ ⚔ ♦
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
December 23, 2017
hmm... okay, there are parts of this that I really liked. And there are parts I don't. I think the author needs to stop using BDSM as her "I'm a bad boy and I need a good woman to cure me" theme. Add in her theme that a good woman can cure a man of being bi and wow... that is so... wrong! She makes a point through Axe's dialogue that there are lots of sane normal people in BDSM, then she goes on to show the exact opposite. She even has an alcoholic and drug user who is seen as superior to someone who is involved with "hardcore sex". And Elise is all okay that Axe is a former druggy who treated his father like shit, but leaves him when she learns he's a member of a sex club. And of course, he has to change to get the girl. Same as V.
Okay, so what I liked. RUHN! And there were tons of important stuff with Rhage and Mary and Bitty. And I liked Axe.
Other than the stuff up top, I'm kinda over how everyone is an asshole to Lassiter. Joking around at first was okay, but in the last 3 books I've read, I've been cringing at it. Why does he stay there? Can't he find someplace where people at least like him? At the end of this book, he is stuck in what is supposed to be a humorous situation. But all I could think of is how if it was anyone else, there would be crying and gnashing of teeth and worry, but even Bitty and Mary shrug it off because it's just Lassiter. The one who was trying to do something special for you two, who has been doing special somethings for you through the whole book, but everyone still treats like shit.
Edited to add: And what's up with Butch being the Dehstroyer? I thought he was supposed to suck up the portion of the Omega in the lessers they kill in order to weaken the Omega. Right? Remember how he got sick after battles because when they popped the lessers back to the Omega he ate their soul or something and V had to help him get over it, conveniently by curling up all nekkid with him? All these battles they get in and only one lately has mentioned anything about Butch having to do that. And yet they are really worried the Omega is about to take the fight to an all new level. The BDB has the prophesied conqueror of the Omega and they just decided to put him on the back burner or something?
Okay, so what I liked. RUHN! And there were tons of important stuff with Rhage and Mary and Bitty. And I liked Axe.
Other than the stuff up top, I'm kinda over how everyone is an asshole to Lassiter. Joking around at first was okay, but in the last 3 books I've read, I've been cringing at it. Why does he stay there? Can't he find someplace where people at least like him? At the end of this book, he is stuck in what is supposed to be a humorous situation. But all I could think of is how if it was anyone else, there would be crying and gnashing of teeth and worry, but even Bitty and Mary shrug it off because it's just Lassiter. The one who was trying to do something special for you two, who has been doing special somethings for you through the whole book, but everyone still treats like shit.
Edited to add: And what's up with Butch being the Dehstroyer? I thought he was supposed to suck up the portion of the Omega in the lessers they kill in order to weaken the Omega. Right? Remember how he got sick after battles because when they popped the lessers back to the Omega he ate their soul or something and V had to help him get over it, conveniently by curling up all nekkid with him? All these battles they get in and only one lately has mentioned anything about Butch having to do that. And yet they are really worried the Omega is about to take the fight to an all new level. The BDB has the prophesied conqueror of the Omega and they just decided to put him on the back burner or something?
December 13, 2016
It is always such a treat for me to be able to visit the BDB world, and to see all of my favorite vampires too. I wasn't disappointed in the least, as we were given a glimpse into their lives once again, and the humor that is always present between the guys was their too! JR Ward has such a brilliant dialect, and she has created characters that are impossible not to love, as well as they are always so highly entertaining. My only reason for the four stars is because I did feel like the storyline dragged a bit now and again. We were treated to a new main couple...Axe and Elise...but we also got more story lines about Rhage, Mary, and Bitty. If you are a fan of the BDB series, then you would remember that Bitty was introduced in "The Beast." In this series, "Black Dagger Legacy" JR Ward concentrated this time on just the two couples and didn't have the story jumping around to a whole bunch of characters. This is a nice change as a lot of us readers were beginning to get frustrated with not having more focus on the main couple.
All in all, this was a great read, and I am always greatful for just a little more time in this world. This is my all time favorite paranormal series...or I should say The Black Dagger Brotherhood is, and then this comes next. This spin off series I feel has breathed some fresh air into a series that was starting to get a little bit dull. I love that there are new characters being introduced, and I love how this series and the other are interconnected!!! Keep up the brilliant work JR Ward!!! As long as she keeps writing about these sexy vampires...I will keep reading!!!
All in all, this was a great read, and I am always greatful for just a little more time in this world. This is my all time favorite paranormal series...or I should say The Black Dagger Brotherhood is, and then this comes next. This spin off series I feel has breathed some fresh air into a series that was starting to get a little bit dull. I love that there are new characters being introduced, and I love how this series and the other are interconnected!!! Keep up the brilliant work JR Ward!!! As long as she keeps writing about these sexy vampires...I will keep reading!!!
February 26, 2017
I always find it so hard to review certain books and / or authors. I find that I pick up the book and get so lost in the story that I don’t bother to take notes or think about the story until I put it down, normally in the same sitting I picked it up in. And the Black Dagger Brotherhood are almost at the top of the list of books that I struggle with.
The thing is they aren’t just one book to review. Every book in this series is a continuation from the initial book, every character just gets added to, to the point where I can’t know where each book begins and starts. So how do I review that?
So instead of trying to review this book I am going to tell you that for me this was classic BDB with some new characters I haven’t gotten to know previously. And I enjoyed everything about them. Axe and Peyton were interesting and I really enjoy going back to the start with this whole new generation of recruits.
We got a lot of Mary, Rhage and Bitty and their adoption and with that a whole heap of the original brothers along with a lot of Lassiter who I loved so much in this book he almost stole the show. He made me laugh and he made me cry.
There was all the normal action and romance and a whole heap of emotion and I can’t wait for the next installment in the original series in April.
Check out my reviews here
The thing is they aren’t just one book to review. Every book in this series is a continuation from the initial book, every character just gets added to, to the point where I can’t know where each book begins and starts. So how do I review that?
So instead of trying to review this book I am going to tell you that for me this was classic BDB with some new characters I haven’t gotten to know previously. And I enjoyed everything about them. Axe and Peyton were interesting and I really enjoy going back to the start with this whole new generation of recruits.
We got a lot of Mary, Rhage and Bitty and their adoption and with that a whole heap of the original brothers along with a lot of Lassiter who I loved so much in this book he almost stole the show. He made me laugh and he made me cry.
There was all the normal action and romance and a whole heap of emotion and I can’t wait for the next installment in the original series in April.
Check out my reviews here
December 14, 2016
With every J.R. Ward book I read, I usually have some high expectations. But actually with this one, I went in without really making observations beforehand and still, Ward managed to impress me.
BLOOD VOW is Elise and Axe’s book. Axe is the kinkier one of the new recruits and for a moment, I worried that he was going to be Vishious 2.0 but actually he’s not anything like V at all and the BDSM aspect that I thought that might be present isn’t there at all.
I wasn’t sure I was going to like Axe as much as I did. However, after reading the book, I was fully sold on him. He has so many romantic lines in this book that it was impossible for me not to be swept away by him. And considering his earlier demeanor, that was not something I expected from him.
Elise is part of the Glymera crowd so she’s rich whereas Axe is basically dirt poor at this point. Ward explores a lot of the class dynamic in this story, which I really enjoyed reading about because it makes these vampires more human in my eyes. The issues they need to overcome are human issues, real issues that make them very relatable.
A lot of people have said that they didn’t think that their romance stood up against all the stuff that was happening with Rhage, Mary and Bitty. I think it does. Rhage’s storyline isn’t a romance. It continues where THE BEAST left off, so not only is it important for you to read THE BEAST, but you need to read BLOOD KISS as well. I personally think Elise and Axe’s romance was perfect. It’s very reminiscent of the earlier BDB books, which I think is what Ward was going for.
I was extremely happy with the Rhage, Mary and Bitty storyline because although it’s not a romantic one, it is still very emotional. Naturally, I think BDB fans will favor this storyline over Elise and Axe because we know Rhage and Mary so well already and the emotional attachment is there. But that aside, I do think Ward created a good balance between the two. Half the book is Axe and Elise and the other half is Rhage, Mary and Bitty. I don’t think it gets better than that.
There’s nothing I would change about this book. Ward’s execution is flawless and once again, she proves why she is the queen when it comes to Paranormal Romance.
BLOOD VOW is Elise and Axe’s book. Axe is the kinkier one of the new recruits and for a moment, I worried that he was going to be Vishious 2.0 but actually he’s not anything like V at all and the BDSM aspect that I thought that might be present isn’t there at all.
I wasn’t sure I was going to like Axe as much as I did. However, after reading the book, I was fully sold on him. He has so many romantic lines in this book that it was impossible for me not to be swept away by him. And considering his earlier demeanor, that was not something I expected from him.
Elise is part of the Glymera crowd so she’s rich whereas Axe is basically dirt poor at this point. Ward explores a lot of the class dynamic in this story, which I really enjoyed reading about because it makes these vampires more human in my eyes. The issues they need to overcome are human issues, real issues that make them very relatable.
A lot of people have said that they didn’t think that their romance stood up against all the stuff that was happening with Rhage, Mary and Bitty. I think it does. Rhage’s storyline isn’t a romance. It continues where THE BEAST left off, so not only is it important for you to read THE BEAST, but you need to read BLOOD KISS as well. I personally think Elise and Axe’s romance was perfect. It’s very reminiscent of the earlier BDB books, which I think is what Ward was going for.
I was extremely happy with the Rhage, Mary and Bitty storyline because although it’s not a romantic one, it is still very emotional. Naturally, I think BDB fans will favor this storyline over Elise and Axe because we know Rhage and Mary so well already and the emotional attachment is there. But that aside, I do think Ward created a good balance between the two. Half the book is Axe and Elise and the other half is Rhage, Mary and Bitty. I don’t think it gets better than that.
There’s nothing I would change about this book. Ward’s execution is flawless and once again, she proves why she is the queen when it comes to Paranormal Romance.
February 10, 2017
4.5 Stars
This book snuck up on me. I didn’t even realized it was out until I saw it on Amazon. I’m a fan of The Black dagger Brotherhood series and I’m finally caught up on it. I really like how J.R. Ward continued the series with this spin off Black Dagger Legacy series. Like ALL of her books, you can read them as a standalone, but it’s better if you read them in order. I will even say, it’s better to read both The Black dagger Brotherhood series and Black Dagger Legacy in order. It will just make more sense, but it’s not needed.
This one is Axe and Elise’s story.
I really like Axe and Elise’s characters. The first book, Blood Kiss focused a lot on the training center and fighting, which was great, but I like that Blood Vow is a bit different. It’s less about the training and more about the two main characters working it out.
Axe is the poor boy doing whatever he can to earn a living. He’s training at the center, but he’s so poor he doesn’t even have heat at his house because he can’t afford it. I know, cute right? He’s so endearing and I usually don’t go for the poor Hero type, but you can’t help but love him.
Elise is the rich book nerd that only wants to go to school, but her over protective father is making it very difficult for her. I liked Elise too. I liked she wasn’t a warrior/ fighter, she’s just a straight up normal vampire girl. She’s not a damsel, but it’s nice to have a handsome boy around.
The side story is with Mary and Rhage. Bitty has come into their lives and they are in the process of adopting Bitty. I’m a mom, so I totally go into this story and it was really emotional and heartbreaking. It just goes to show that you don’t need to be blood related to truly love your children. The threat of a family member coming to claim Bitty is fierce and it puts Mary and Rhage on edge.
Overall, I’m really satisfied with this one. I found it entertaining, a little slow at the beginning, but really good when you got past that part. The plot, the characters, basically the whole book worked for me.
This book snuck up on me. I didn’t even realized it was out until I saw it on Amazon. I’m a fan of The Black dagger Brotherhood series and I’m finally caught up on it. I really like how J.R. Ward continued the series with this spin off Black Dagger Legacy series. Like ALL of her books, you can read them as a standalone, but it’s better if you read them in order. I will even say, it’s better to read both The Black dagger Brotherhood series and Black Dagger Legacy in order. It will just make more sense, but it’s not needed.
This one is Axe and Elise’s story.
I really like Axe and Elise’s characters. The first book, Blood Kiss focused a lot on the training center and fighting, which was great, but I like that Blood Vow is a bit different. It’s less about the training and more about the two main characters working it out.
Axe is the poor boy doing whatever he can to earn a living. He’s training at the center, but he’s so poor he doesn’t even have heat at his house because he can’t afford it. I know, cute right? He’s so endearing and I usually don’t go for the poor Hero type, but you can’t help but love him.
Elise is the rich book nerd that only wants to go to school, but her over protective father is making it very difficult for her. I liked Elise too. I liked she wasn’t a warrior/ fighter, she’s just a straight up normal vampire girl. She’s not a damsel, but it’s nice to have a handsome boy around.
The side story is with Mary and Rhage. Bitty has come into their lives and they are in the process of adopting Bitty. I’m a mom, so I totally go into this story and it was really emotional and heartbreaking. It just goes to show that you don’t need to be blood related to truly love your children. The threat of a family member coming to claim Bitty is fierce and it puts Mary and Rhage on edge.
Overall, I’m really satisfied with this one. I found it entertaining, a little slow at the beginning, but really good when you got past that part. The plot, the characters, basically the whole book worked for me.
Read
April 17, 2016I'm sorry but if 4 of your 'bisexual' characters end up with members of the opposite sex, you have a problem.
January 8, 2017
Wanted more of the story focused on Axe and Elise, but still enjoyed it.
Can't wait for Novo and Peyton's story!
Can't wait for Novo and Peyton's story!
January 25, 2018
Axewell
Another fun read by J.R. Ward. I liked this better than Book 1 simply because the couple were sweeter and the side story was more interesting & intense.
The things I loved:
Axe & Elise: I’ll be honest I was prepared to not care for Axe’s love interest after finding out Axe’s HEA is a female, considering he’s Bi I thought Ward really passed up on the chance of a great dynamic story. I still think she passed up on something that could have been really great. But any whoozles.....I was expecting to be bored because the heroine is another aristocrat from the glymera. It’s way too similar to Craeg and Paradise. But I actually found these two sweet. Axe surprised me the most with how vulnerable, heartfelt and honest he is with Elise. He’s all bug eyed from the minute he sees her and doesn’t know what to do about it. I found it adorable and endearing. A little cliche yes but different coming from a guy like him. I also really liked the fact that an aristocratic vampire is attending college at a human University to get her PHD. I found that different, bold and refreshing. I always found it fun to see these vampires mingle with humans considering how ‘no no’ it is in their race.
Ruhn: Probably the standout character out of the whole book. I LOVE HIM. I’m so excited for this new character.
Lassiter: I love this guy when he's not all redundant cheesy jokes. Here? He stepped up to the plate as a guardian angel in many ways. And the incident near the end had me hollering out loud and it usually takes a lot to get me to LOL while reading. This is the kind of funny Lassiter humor that I'll take.
Rhage/Mary/Bitty: The continuation and resolution of the whole Bitty adoption drama plays out here and I enjoyed every part of it. Ward really knows how to pull at the heartstrings and different ranges of emotions. I was on the edge of my seat curious/anxious/excited/nervous to see how the Uncle thing would be resolved. And the resolution was so sweet and wonderful. Although I could have done without the whole
Axe:
Just because...
What I wasn’t crazy about:
The prop culture references: Once again they are everywhere. I thought Ward was doing a decent job in backing off & cutting back on the endless name dropping in the last couple of books. But here, they. are. every. where. And completely unnecessary and unbelievable. Why would a hard ass like Novo even know who the hell Scott Disick is? Scott Disick???
No no no and no. I’m embarrassed just typing this out. Come on. And I know Rhage loves him some movies but reality TV like The Housewives of New Jersey and Taylor Swift should not even be coming out of his mouth. Same goes for Axe. A former druggie who would get high and binge watch television is passable........... but he can barely pay his bills, most of the time lives without electricity because of that so how was he getting cable to watch all these movies/shows he was making references to?? Out of all of them, I thought Ward was really pushing it the most with Axe. These guys have no business knowing these things, binge watching or not. Put down the remote Ward. Please, I beg you.
Editing inconsistencies: I only caught 2 which isn’t terrible but still….they were noticeable to me.
Axe’s sex life: Considering Ward paired him up with a female and not a male I should have seen this coming but still, I thought his whole hardcore sex-addict lifestyle was barely a blip in this book and completely toned down which I found disappointing. The sex scenes were sexy enough I just was expecting a little more…..rawr given that it’s Axe. I wanted more and was expecting hot monkey swinging from the chandelier freaky sex. Don't get me wrong, the hot factor is there but I needed it to be amped up given the hero's kinky reputation & S&M appetites. It did not reach V levels. Let me just put it like that. Ward played it safe IMO.
The big 'CONFLICT’: For me this was a tad overblown and thin reasoning to implode the couple. It goes back to the whole sex addict thing, I hated how it was used as a dirty secret that the hero didn’t bother telling the heroine about and used to create conflict at the last minute where the heroine feels righteously betrayed and freezes him out. I found it weak and underwhelming. And I hated how Elise reacted to it. Not excusing the lying by omission part but again, it felt way overblown and Elise quickly jumping to the wrong conclusions and getting so self-righteous & disturbed over it was a let down. It blows over quickly so it’s not a big deal but I just wanted a little more as far as tension and something that was worth the angst. And I don't know, I know sex addiction is a burden & Axe was obviously ashamed of it and kept thinking the worst of himself over it, but I was kinda hoping he would introduce Elise to it and they would deal with it together. Using it as some dirty shameful secret where the heroine acts horrified and disgusted I found undeserving and predictable.
Favorite Quotes:
Another fun read by J.R. Ward. I liked this better than Book 1 simply because the couple were sweeter and the side story was more interesting & intense.
The things I loved:
Axe & Elise: I’ll be honest I was prepared to not care for Axe’s love interest after finding out Axe’s HEA is a female, considering he’s Bi I thought Ward really passed up on the chance of a great dynamic story. I still think she passed up on something that could have been really great. But any whoozles.....I was expecting to be bored because the heroine is another aristocrat from the glymera. It’s way too similar to Craeg and Paradise. But I actually found these two sweet. Axe surprised me the most with how vulnerable, heartfelt and honest he is with Elise. He’s all bug eyed from the minute he sees her and doesn’t know what to do about it. I found it adorable and endearing. A little cliche yes but different coming from a guy like him. I also really liked the fact that an aristocratic vampire is attending college at a human University to get her PHD. I found that different, bold and refreshing. I always found it fun to see these vampires mingle with humans considering how ‘no no’ it is in their race.
Ruhn: Probably the standout character out of the whole book. I LOVE HIM. I’m so excited for this new character.
Lassiter: I love this guy when he's not all redundant cheesy jokes. Here? He stepped up to the plate as a guardian angel in many ways. And the incident near the end had me hollering out loud and it usually takes a lot to get me to LOL while reading. This is the kind of funny Lassiter humor that I'll take.
Rhage/Mary/Bitty: The continuation and resolution of the whole Bitty adoption drama plays out here and I enjoyed every part of it. Ward really knows how to pull at the heartstrings and different ranges of emotions. I was on the edge of my seat curious/anxious/excited/nervous to see how the Uncle thing would be resolved. And the resolution was so sweet and wonderful. Although I could have done without the whole
Axe:
Just because...
What I wasn’t crazy about:
The prop culture references: Once again they are everywhere. I thought Ward was doing a decent job in backing off & cutting back on the endless name dropping in the last couple of books. But here, they. are. every. where. And completely unnecessary and unbelievable. Why would a hard ass like Novo even know who the hell Scott Disick is? Scott Disick???
No no no and no. I’m embarrassed just typing this out. Come on. And I know Rhage loves him some movies but reality TV like The Housewives of New Jersey and Taylor Swift should not even be coming out of his mouth. Same goes for Axe. A former druggie who would get high and binge watch television is passable........... but he can barely pay his bills, most of the time lives without electricity because of that so how was he getting cable to watch all these movies/shows he was making references to?? Out of all of them, I thought Ward was really pushing it the most with Axe. These guys have no business knowing these things, binge watching or not. Put down the remote Ward. Please, I beg you.
Editing inconsistencies: I only caught 2 which isn’t terrible but still….they were noticeable to me.
Axe’s sex life: Considering Ward paired him up with a female and not a male I should have seen this coming but still, I thought his whole hardcore sex-addict lifestyle was barely a blip in this book and completely toned down which I found disappointing. The sex scenes were sexy enough I just was expecting a little more…..rawr given that it’s Axe. I wanted more and was expecting hot monkey swinging from the chandelier freaky sex. Don't get me wrong, the hot factor is there but I needed it to be amped up given the hero's kinky reputation & S&M appetites. It did not reach V levels. Let me just put it like that. Ward played it safe IMO.
The big 'CONFLICT’: For me this was a tad overblown and thin reasoning to implode the couple. It goes back to the whole sex addict thing, I hated how it was used as a dirty secret that the hero didn’t bother telling the heroine about and used to create conflict at the last minute where the heroine feels righteously betrayed and freezes him out. I found it weak and underwhelming. And I hated how Elise reacted to it. Not excusing the lying by omission part but again, it felt way overblown and Elise quickly jumping to the wrong conclusions and getting so self-righteous & disturbed over it was a let down. It blows over quickly so it’s not a big deal but I just wanted a little more as far as tension and something that was worth the angst. And I don't know, I know sex addiction is a burden & Axe was obviously ashamed of it and kept thinking the worst of himself over it, but I was kinda hoping he would introduce Elise to it and they would deal with it together. Using it as some dirty shameful secret where the heroine acts horrified and disgusted I found undeserving and predictable.
Favorite Quotes:
With his chin dropped to his chest, he was staring at her from under his brows, his pale yellow eyes glowing as they locked on her and her alone.
Her first cogent thought was that he was a predator.
Her second… was that she wanted to be caught.
“You really can stay home,” V muttered. “You really can totally f-in’ stay the f home, you f’ed-up mother-f’ing f-twit.”
“A mother’s tears,” he whispered. “So hard…..so beautiful.”
"Isn’t it wonderful not to have to be perfect to be loved?"
"You are so beautiful right now," he murmured, refocusing on her lips. “And I know that tonight it’s all for him. That’s okay. I accept that. But the least that you can do as I sit here and watch you with that man is leave me in peace to enjoy the sight of you. It is all I have.”
Reaching up, he patted her bird-like shoulder blades.
And then froze as she whispered in his ear, “He saved my life. I wish I could do what you did for him someday.”
He reached up to brush her cheek and wasn’t surprised that his hand was shaking. “You scare the shit out of me, female.”
"Admit you giggled!”
“Why!”
They were laughing so hard it didn’t matter what they were saying. A buoyant bubble of happiness had engulfed them both, and they were bouncing in the center of the joyful space, free of anything on the outside.
"Say it again," he whispered. "Send some more sunshine my way just so I’m sure I heard you right."
"Our strength must be tested,” he whispered, “for us to know it’s still there. And I will always be your warrior, Mary mine. Always and forever.”
March 13, 2017
4'5 Estrellitas y media para otra joyita que nos ha publicado la Ward. ¡Cómo me ha hecho sentir éste libro! Cada escena, cada palabra, me ha dejado los pelillos cómo escarpias. He llorado, he gritado, he reído. Con éste libro he sentido una y mil emociones. Y es que tengo que decirlo, pero la Ward que me enamoró con sus primeros libros, me ha demostrado que está de vuelta, desde "Blood Kiss" y pasando por "The Beast" la Ward que me hizo iniciarme en la novela romántica ha vuelto.
¿Y qué tenemos en el segundo volumen del "Legado de la Daga Negra"? Pues tenemos a Axe, el chico "chungo" de clase baja que conocimos en el primer libro. Y a Elise, una joven del mas alto standing de la Glymera. ¿Tenemos cliché? Por supuesto, chico de clase baja y chica de clase alta. De hecho he encontrado varios paralelismos en su historia con "Blood Kiss"
Axe y Elise se conocen del modo más aburrido posible... en un bar, él está con el resto de reclutas y ella viene a unirse a su primo Peyton (éste ha sido un grano en el culo durante toda la novela). Desde el principio en ésas miradas que se echan, hay chispas, muchas. La pareja protagonista ha tenido mucha, muchísima química. Me han encantado, son de las mejores parejas de la serie que he leído. Sólo me ha fastidiado una cosa del final, de la cual puedes echarle la culpa a Elise, pero desde mi punto más feminista y subjetivo se la echo enterita a Axe, probablemente si las cosas no hubieran ocurrido al final como ocurren, le habría dado las 5 estrellas.
Como sea, Elise es una joven sobreprotegida, ella está totalmente en contra de ésta reclusión. De hecho está sacándose un doctorado en psiquiatría. No dudo que su padre realmente se preocupe por ella, pero su implicación en la novela y para con su hija ha sido totalmente nula. Si no puede tenerla recluida en casa ¿Qué hace? contrata un guardaespaldas, que resulta ser Axe. Éste como el chico de clase baja, necesitado de dinero en efectivo, y actualmente entrenado como soldado por la Hermandad, el trabajo como guardaespaldas le viene de perlas, así que no duda en aceptarlo. Pero estar pegado como una lapa a Elise no hará si no complicar las cosas hacia todo lo que siente por ella, lo he dicho otras veces, el roce hace el cariño. Como conclusión, la pareja principal y su historia de amor me han encantado... hasta que él la fastidia al final (sigo apuntando que es una opinión subjetiva).
En cuanto a la historia secundaria ¡Lo que habré llorado! Cómo me han hecho sufrir de nuevo Rhage y Mary. Cuando leí "The Beast" pensé que todo se había solucionado, que por fin habían conseguido lo que tanto tiempo llevaban esperando. Pero algo ocurrirá que los tendrá de nuevo en jaque y amenazando con llevarse aquello que tenían tan asegurado. No quiero decir lo que es, ni qué, para no soltar algún spoiler sobre "The Beast", sólo diré que éste fue un libro maravilloso que toda lectora y fan de la Ward debería leer.
Sólo queda armarse de nuevo de paciencia y esperar a que publiquen "The Chosen" para que se me quite la espinita, aunque admito que no le tengo ninguna gana a Layla... hace tiempo que habría acabado con ella, aún no entiendo cómo la Ward le ha dado tanta coba a un personaje tan nulo e inútil, y que me atrevería a decir, odiamos el 80% de los fans.
¿Y qué tenemos en el segundo volumen del "Legado de la Daga Negra"? Pues tenemos a Axe, el chico "chungo" de clase baja que conocimos en el primer libro. Y a Elise, una joven del mas alto standing de la Glymera. ¿Tenemos cliché? Por supuesto, chico de clase baja y chica de clase alta. De hecho he encontrado varios paralelismos en su historia con "Blood Kiss"
Axe y Elise se conocen del modo más aburrido posible... en un bar, él está con el resto de reclutas y ella viene a unirse a su primo Peyton (éste ha sido un grano en el culo durante toda la novela). Desde el principio en ésas miradas que se echan, hay chispas, muchas. La pareja protagonista ha tenido mucha, muchísima química. Me han encantado, son de las mejores parejas de la serie que he leído. Sólo me ha fastidiado una cosa del final, de la cual puedes echarle la culpa a Elise, pero desde mi punto más feminista y subjetivo se la echo enterita a Axe, probablemente si las cosas no hubieran ocurrido al final como ocurren, le habría dado las 5 estrellas.
Como sea, Elise es una joven sobreprotegida, ella está totalmente en contra de ésta reclusión. De hecho está sacándose un doctorado en psiquiatría. No dudo que su padre realmente se preocupe por ella, pero su implicación en la novela y para con su hija ha sido totalmente nula. Si no puede tenerla recluida en casa ¿Qué hace? contrata un guardaespaldas, que resulta ser Axe. Éste como el chico de clase baja, necesitado de dinero en efectivo, y actualmente entrenado como soldado por la Hermandad, el trabajo como guardaespaldas le viene de perlas, así que no duda en aceptarlo. Pero estar pegado como una lapa a Elise no hará si no complicar las cosas hacia todo lo que siente por ella, lo he dicho otras veces, el roce hace el cariño. Como conclusión, la pareja principal y su historia de amor me han encantado... hasta que él la fastidia al final (sigo apuntando que es una opinión subjetiva).
En cuanto a la historia secundaria ¡Lo que habré llorado! Cómo me han hecho sufrir de nuevo Rhage y Mary. Cuando leí "The Beast" pensé que todo se había solucionado, que por fin habían conseguido lo que tanto tiempo llevaban esperando. Pero algo ocurrirá que los tendrá de nuevo en jaque y amenazando con llevarse aquello que tenían tan asegurado. No quiero decir lo que es, ni qué, para no soltar algún spoiler sobre "The Beast", sólo diré que éste fue un libro maravilloso que toda lectora y fan de la Ward debería leer.
Sólo queda armarse de nuevo de paciencia y esperar a que publiquen "The Chosen" para que se me quite la espinita, aunque admito que no le tengo ninguna gana a Layla... hace tiempo que habría acabado con ella, aún no entiendo cómo la Ward le ha dado tanta coba a un personaje tan nulo e inútil, y que me atrevería a decir, odiamos el 80% de los fans.
December 10, 2016
#2
As I expected I loved this book. So, so much. All these characters mean so much to me, I can't imagine my life without them in it, it may sound harsh and dramatic but I've followed these books for almost 8 years religiously, they became part of me, part of my friends and family, I feel like I know everyone so well I could write one of the books myself. I will never tire of reading BDB books, never.
One of my favorite things about these books has to me how we follow them in their mundane lives, and that's something I wouldn't say about most books. But seeing this amazing, beautiful family suffering from such mundane issues in their lives or enjoying such random ordinary stuff, such as watching a movie or having dinner together makes me feel so damn much. Seriously, it's insane. I could read books about their everyday lives and never be tired.
With all of this I think it's pretty obvious my favorite parts were Brotherhood related, but that doesn't mean I didn't like Axe and Elise, because I certainly did! I really wanted Axe to end up with a boy, but Elise ended up growing on me! She was fierce and honest and such an amazing female character, specially knowing she was brought up in the Glymera. And Axe was absolutely amazing, I fell so hard for him, and after he saved everyone's ass?! I could kiss his feet.
As for the other trainees, Peyton for some inexplicable reason is...one of my favorites. Just take the drinking and the drugs and he will be perfect. I love how he suffers in silence and everyone thinks him aloof and strong. Boone got me really curious from the moment Ward compared him to a tiger, I really want to see more of him. Novo...again, I wanted her to end up with a female, but it's clear since book one there's something between her and Peyton, and I can't lie, I'm curious to see it unfold. Peyton with all his old way of thinking, Novo being a strong and independent female, it's going to interesting to say the least, and let's be honest, the next book is probably theirs.
I also loved meeting Ruhn. I knew he wouldn't let me down. I never doubted it for a second. Even if the whole process made me want to cry, and I wanted to scream and hold Rhage and Mary and Betty and protect them for all the pain, I knew. And the outcome couldn't have been better. Now my question is, is he the one who's going to be endgame for Saxton?! Because I hope so, with his shy personality and being so young, I bet he's not out of the closet yet. I am going to love seeing it unfold.
So next book is probably Peyton and Novo, and then maybe Boone? I don't know. And will Saxton's book be in this series? Or in the main one? I can't wait for her next meeting to know more, more and more. Black Dagger is my favorite drug and I don't intend to give up one it anytime soon.
#1
Update: This is not about Saxton! Damn you, Ward. Damn you. It's about Axe and some aristocrat girl.
OMG!!!!! There's a title and a blurb! I'm so excited. And this fits my theory that this book will feature Axe and Saxton!
*SCREAMING*
I really hope this will be about those two! I need another gay couple written by this author. And I need Saxton happy with some decent guy.
Just give it to me now. *grabby hands*
As I expected I loved this book. So, so much. All these characters mean so much to me, I can't imagine my life without them in it, it may sound harsh and dramatic but I've followed these books for almost 8 years religiously, they became part of me, part of my friends and family, I feel like I know everyone so well I could write one of the books myself. I will never tire of reading BDB books, never.
One of my favorite things about these books has to me how we follow them in their mundane lives, and that's something I wouldn't say about most books. But seeing this amazing, beautiful family suffering from such mundane issues in their lives or enjoying such random ordinary stuff, such as watching a movie or having dinner together makes me feel so damn much. Seriously, it's insane. I could read books about their everyday lives and never be tired.
With all of this I think it's pretty obvious my favorite parts were Brotherhood related, but that doesn't mean I didn't like Axe and Elise, because I certainly did! I really wanted Axe to end up with a boy, but Elise ended up growing on me! She was fierce and honest and such an amazing female character, specially knowing she was brought up in the Glymera. And Axe was absolutely amazing, I fell so hard for him, and after he saved everyone's ass?! I could kiss his feet.
As for the other trainees, Peyton for some inexplicable reason is...one of my favorites. Just take the drinking and the drugs and he will be perfect. I love how he suffers in silence and everyone thinks him aloof and strong. Boone got me really curious from the moment Ward compared him to a tiger, I really want to see more of him. Novo...again, I wanted her to end up with a female, but it's clear since book one there's something between her and Peyton, and I can't lie, I'm curious to see it unfold. Peyton with all his old way of thinking, Novo being a strong and independent female, it's going to interesting to say the least, and let's be honest, the next book is probably theirs.
I also loved meeting Ruhn. I knew he wouldn't let me down. I never doubted it for a second. Even if the whole process made me want to cry, and I wanted to scream and hold Rhage and Mary and Betty and protect them for all the pain, I knew. And the outcome couldn't have been better. Now my question is, is he the one who's going to be endgame for Saxton?! Because I hope so, with his shy personality and being so young, I bet he's not out of the closet yet. I am going to love seeing it unfold.
So next book is probably Peyton and Novo, and then maybe Boone? I don't know. And will Saxton's book be in this series? Or in the main one? I can't wait for her next meeting to know more, more and more. Black Dagger is my favorite drug and I don't intend to give up one it anytime soon.
#1
Update: This is not about Saxton! Damn you, Ward. Damn you. It's about Axe and some aristocrat girl.
*SCREAMING*
I really hope this will be about those two! I need another gay couple written by this author. And I need Saxton happy with some decent guy.
Just give it to me now. *grabby hands*
September 21, 2022
4 Blood Vow Stars
What a RIDE! After book one Blood Kiss I jumped right into this book only it wasn’t so much as a hit. It was kind of a miss for a good part of it.
So I actually took a break, read a few other books and picked this back up last night and boy am I glad I did because then things started to get interesting.
Axe’s and Elise really became a couple I wanted to know more about.
And the war between the lesser and the vampires started to get some action.
Ahh and then Rhage and Mary had some family issues arise before Bitty could truly become theirs.
I have to say the last end of the book was sooo worth the slow beginning.
And that ending, any book you end laughing to the point of tears well that is always the way to go. Ahh Lassiter gets me every time that Angel is nothing but a good time.
Jim does another spectacular job at bringing the brothers to life in a why no one else ever will for me.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
What a RIDE! After book one Blood Kiss I jumped right into this book only it wasn’t so much as a hit. It was kind of a miss for a good part of it.
So I actually took a break, read a few other books and picked this back up last night and boy am I glad I did because then things started to get interesting.
Axe’s and Elise really became a couple I wanted to know more about.
And the war between the lesser and the vampires started to get some action.
Ahh and then Rhage and Mary had some family issues arise before Bitty could truly become theirs.
I have to say the last end of the book was sooo worth the slow beginning.
And that ending, any book you end laughing to the point of tears well that is always the way to go. Ahh Lassiter gets me every time that Angel is nothing but a good time.
Jim does another spectacular job at bringing the brothers to life in a why no one else ever will for me.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
December 16, 2016
Love this world <3
January 4, 2017
No...just no. I gave this offshoot series a chance even though I've given up on BDB, because I had heard it was written in the style of the early books. The first book was obviously NA, and had 'punk' vampires with tats, piercings and spiky hair. That's okay, I knew that going in. This second book, however, has harkened back to the bloated, multi pov/subplots that eventually made the original series so long and boring. Not only that, at least 70% of the storyline was the Rhage, Mary, Bitty subplot from the other series. I don't care, they've had their story; and what a dull story it is. Little time was actually spent delving into Axe and Elise's plotline; and someone really needs to explain to Ward that the sex clubs are passé.
I had already quit reading the BDB series during 'The King' in boredom. Never picked up the series again. Now, I understand that the two series are going to intertwine; and instead of being a separate series, these books are actually part of the overall series, with overlapping storylines. Oh, and I've come to expect the brand name dropping; but this time it was B celebrities and movies/tv shows. It was even sillier than the usual name dropping.
No...just no.
Maybe, and only from the library. After the so-so first book, and the slide into bloated mediocrity of the BDB series, Ward has to prove herself worthy to me...
I had already quit reading the BDB series during 'The King' in boredom. Never picked up the series again. Now, I understand that the two series are going to intertwine; and instead of being a separate series, these books are actually part of the overall series, with overlapping storylines. Oh, and I've come to expect the brand name dropping; but this time it was B celebrities and movies/tv shows. It was even sillier than the usual name dropping.
No...just no.
Maybe, and only from the library. After the so-so first book, and the slide into bloated mediocrity of the BDB series, Ward has to prove herself worthy to me...
December 19, 2016
Anyone who knows me knows I am a huge fan of J. R. Ward and I absolutely freekin love
The Black Dagger Brotherhood!
So when
The Black Dagger Legacy
was released, I was in heaven! The first book Blood Kiss was amazing, I loved it whole heartedly and this book was no exception, it is absolutely brilliant!
I love the idea of not losing the original Black Dagger men and gaining an insight into the new recruits, so the story line that has come to an end (so to speak) with Mary, Rhage and Bit was moving and appreciated, whilst the main characters Axe and Elise progressed with their own story.
I love this series, I have to admit, I don't really see it as a spin off although that is precisely what it is, I see it as a continuation into this amazing, magical world.
Highly recommended!
I love the idea of not losing the original Black Dagger men and gaining an insight into the new recruits, so the story line that has come to an end (so to speak) with Mary, Rhage and Bit was moving and appreciated, whilst the main characters Axe and Elise progressed with their own story.
I love this series, I have to admit, I don't really see it as a spin off although that is precisely what it is, I see it as a continuation into this amazing, magical world.
Highly recommended!
February 5, 2017
I don't know which is the worst feature of this book, so I'll just list several that come to mind at the moment, but that won't cover even the bare bones of what's wrong with the series in general.
The next rant may be considered spoiler-ish to some, so read with that in mind.
- There's no plot in this book. None at all. There's no arc of a story, there's no character growth, there's no climatic event (unless you count one lame half-a-chapter-long breakup, which I don't). Some may say that Bitty's adoption and the situation with the elusive uncle may be one, but it's so badly and dramatically done that there's no actual story there. There's just endless, fucking boring rambling for 200 pages that gets a resolution in the last 2 chapters. Same with the Elise/ Axe story. What's happening with the Lessening Society? With the ruling of the not-kingdom? With the paranormal rules of the world that seem to change or get dropped unceremoniously with each fucking book that passes? Did anyone notice how even though Axe is bonded with Elise the "spices" aroma thing never comes up during the book?
- The misogyny. I realise a lot has been said on the topic and has been discussed endlessly when it comes to women's portrayal in Ward's books, so I'll just add that if I read something along the lines of "A female like her should/shouldn't..." ever again I'll go berserk.
- The stereotyped attempt at being LGBTQ+ inclusive. I won't even delve into this one.
- The "adoption". The absolutely problematic and inappropriate way the subject was handled in this book and the last one (the last one being The Beast, which I realise is supposedly another series, but it's actually just more crap from the same shit pile) is fucking disgusting. Not to mention totally and utterly absurd. Preposterous is too simple a word to describe the clusterfuck that the whole situation was. And that ending? Come ooooon. There's laughable. There's unbelievable. And then there's this tale that not even Disney can concoct.
- Saxton not having a HEA yet. And that possible allusion to a Ruhn/Saxton pairing? I swear by all the book-gods, if he doesn't get a full book, I will start a war.
- I'm still pissed about Trez's story. About both of the Shadow's story actually.
All in all, this experience wasn't even one of those love-to-hate readings that I usually enjoy somewhat. This one was pure rage inducing. I'm only still here because I detest with a passion leaving series unfinished and because after this fuckton of books I'm horribly commited. I'm awaiting my rewards. I can't give less of a fuck about the new characters. I want closure. For Saxton mostly. For Layla (it's finally coming, even though at this point I loathe her stupid ass). For John and Blay and Payne to be introduced to the Brotherhood. I want to know what's going on with Revh's kingdom. Oh, and remember like ten thousand books ago how we were introduced in a 300+ pages book to a certain Murhder and his connection to Xhex? What happened to that? Well, basically nothing because it's been dropped like an used condom.
I understand that the BDB series is a money-making machine. But I'm just fed up at this point.
Edit to add: Just found this gem in someone else's review:
"I guess anyone, ANYONE, can just move into the mansion and live with the King and the Brotherhood. Next thing you know, lessers will be living there." xD
And I also forgot to add that Bitty's characterisation is wonky as fuck. From the last books one would think she's like 5 years old. Turns out she's 13, she watched Deadpool but one shouldn't curse in front of her (-_-) and she enjoys water-balloon fights in the middle of the foyer like a 9 year and she speaks like she's 90 in one sentence and like she's a toddler in the next. Let me roll my eyes so hard that they fall out of their sockets.
The next rant may be considered spoiler-ish to some, so read with that in mind.
- There's no plot in this book. None at all. There's no arc of a story, there's no character growth, there's no climatic event (unless you count one lame half-a-chapter-long breakup, which I don't). Some may say that Bitty's adoption and the situation with the elusive uncle may be one, but it's so badly and dramatically done that there's no actual story there. There's just endless, fucking boring rambling for 200 pages that gets a resolution in the last 2 chapters. Same with the Elise/ Axe story. What's happening with the Lessening Society? With the ruling of the not-kingdom? With the paranormal rules of the world that seem to change or get dropped unceremoniously with each fucking book that passes? Did anyone notice how even though Axe is bonded with Elise the "spices" aroma thing never comes up during the book?
- The misogyny. I realise a lot has been said on the topic and has been discussed endlessly when it comes to women's portrayal in Ward's books, so I'll just add that if I read something along the lines of "A female like her should/shouldn't..." ever again I'll go berserk.
- The stereotyped attempt at being LGBTQ+ inclusive. I won't even delve into this one.
- The "adoption". The absolutely problematic and inappropriate way the subject was handled in this book and the last one (the last one being The Beast, which I realise is supposedly another series, but it's actually just more crap from the same shit pile) is fucking disgusting. Not to mention totally and utterly absurd. Preposterous is too simple a word to describe the clusterfuck that the whole situation was. And that ending? Come ooooon. There's laughable. There's unbelievable. And then there's this tale that not even Disney can concoct.
- Saxton not having a HEA yet. And that possible allusion to a Ruhn/Saxton pairing? I swear by all the book-gods, if he doesn't get a full book, I will start a war.
- I'm still pissed about Trez's story. About both of the Shadow's story actually.
All in all, this experience wasn't even one of those love-to-hate readings that I usually enjoy somewhat. This one was pure rage inducing. I'm only still here because I detest with a passion leaving series unfinished and because after this fuckton of books I'm horribly commited. I'm awaiting my rewards. I can't give less of a fuck about the new characters. I want closure. For Saxton mostly. For Layla (it's finally coming, even though at this point I loathe her stupid ass). For John and Blay and Payne to be introduced to the Brotherhood. I want to know what's going on with Revh's kingdom. Oh, and remember like ten thousand books ago how we were introduced in a 300+ pages book to a certain Murhder and his connection to Xhex? What happened to that? Well, basically nothing because it's been dropped like an used condom.
I understand that the BDB series is a money-making machine. But I'm just fed up at this point.
Edit to add: Just found this gem in someone else's review:
"I guess anyone, ANYONE, can just move into the mansion and live with the King and the Brotherhood. Next thing you know, lessers will be living there." xD
And I also forgot to add that Bitty's characterisation is wonky as fuck. From the last books one would think she's like 5 years old. Turns out she's 13, she watched Deadpool but one shouldn't curse in front of her (-_-) and she enjoys water-balloon fights in the middle of the foyer like a 9 year and she speaks like she's 90 in one sentence and like she's a toddler in the next. Let me roll my eyes so hard that they fall out of their sockets.
February 10, 2017
Absolutely fantastic!
4.5 stars!
Oh, how I love being back in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world!! This is book 2 in the Black Dagger Legacy series, however I wouldn’t really call this is a spin off. It’s more a continuation of the BDB storylines – but with the spin off characters giving us a second storylne. You will need to have read The Beast (BDB, #14) before you read this one otherwise you’re going to be a bit lost.
The Black Dagger Legacy books focus around a group of trainee warriors being trained by the BDB boys within their compound. This book tells the story of Axe – broody and badass, he is a bit of a wild one with dark tastes and not a whole lot of softness. He is a loner who has lost his family and struggles to get by, but his world is turned upside down when he meets Elise.
Elise is a member of the glymera – the social elite of the vampire world. Her father is traditional and incredibly strict, but she is strong-willed and determined to have her independence, and I absolutely loved her! When her over-protective father hires a bodyguard for her she is highly unimpressed – until she learns that her new bodyguard is Axe, and suddenly she doesn’t mind so much.
The development of the relationship between Axe and Elise was fantastic. Honest, no-nonsense and intense, they definitely have barriers, but they are open with each other about what they are feeling and about everything standing in their way, and they just go for it anyway! It’s intense and sexy with a whole lot of heart (and yes, some issues to overcome) and I loved them together!
And then there’s storyline part 2 and I was overjoyed when it turned out to be Rhage and Mary. Rhage is one of my favourites of the series, and I just loved being back with them. Their storyline is continued on from The Beast, and to avoid spoilers I’m not going to go into details, but it’s pretty freaking sensational. The feels! OMG, the feels are intense, and my heart ached for all that they go through, but their relationship is just as strong as ever, and I adored every minute we got to spend with them!
As always, the rest of the Brotherhood are all a part of the story and I love the way the Brothers all gathered around to be there for their family. Seeing them all in uber-protective mode was absolutely sensational, and V rocked my world once again with his pure awesomeness. As did Lassiter – freaking hell that angel cracks me up!
Things are continuing to progress in the BDB world with hints of a new enemy on the horizon, and a glimpse at new relationships coming our way. I’ve gotta say, I’m happy with all of it!
I loved this book. As always, The Warden sucked me straight back into her world, and I loved being back with characters that I adore, while also getting to meet new characters and enjoy the thrill of a new romance.
Absolutely fantastic - 4.5 stars.
4.5 stars!
Oh, how I love being back in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world!! This is book 2 in the Black Dagger Legacy series, however I wouldn’t really call this is a spin off. It’s more a continuation of the BDB storylines – but with the spin off characters giving us a second storylne. You will need to have read The Beast (BDB, #14) before you read this one otherwise you’re going to be a bit lost.
The Black Dagger Legacy books focus around a group of trainee warriors being trained by the BDB boys within their compound. This book tells the story of Axe – broody and badass, he is a bit of a wild one with dark tastes and not a whole lot of softness. He is a loner who has lost his family and struggles to get by, but his world is turned upside down when he meets Elise.
Elise is a member of the glymera – the social elite of the vampire world. Her father is traditional and incredibly strict, but she is strong-willed and determined to have her independence, and I absolutely loved her! When her over-protective father hires a bodyguard for her she is highly unimpressed – until she learns that her new bodyguard is Axe, and suddenly she doesn’t mind so much.
With his chin dropped to his chest, he was staring at her from under his brows, his pale yellow eyes glowing as they locked on her and her alone.
Her first cogent thought was that he was a predator.
Her second… was that she wanted to be caught.
The development of the relationship between Axe and Elise was fantastic. Honest, no-nonsense and intense, they definitely have barriers, but they are open with each other about what they are feeling and about everything standing in their way, and they just go for it anyway! It’s intense and sexy with a whole lot of heart (and yes, some issues to overcome) and I loved them together!
And then there’s storyline part 2 and I was overjoyed when it turned out to be Rhage and Mary. Rhage is one of my favourites of the series, and I just loved being back with them. Their storyline is continued on from The Beast, and to avoid spoilers I’m not going to go into details, but it’s pretty freaking sensational. The feels! OMG, the feels are intense, and my heart ached for all that they go through, but their relationship is just as strong as ever, and I adored every minute we got to spend with them!
“Our strength must be tested,” he whispered, “for us to know it’s still there. And I will always be your warrior, Mary mine. Always and forever.”
As always, the rest of the Brotherhood are all a part of the story and I love the way the Brothers all gathered around to be there for their family. Seeing them all in uber-protective mode was absolutely sensational, and V rocked my world once again with his pure awesomeness. As did Lassiter – freaking hell that angel cracks me up!
Things are continuing to progress in the BDB world with hints of a new enemy on the horizon, and a glimpse at new relationships coming our way. I’ve gotta say, I’m happy with all of it!
I loved this book. As always, The Warden sucked me straight back into her world, and I loved being back with characters that I adore, while also getting to meet new characters and enjoy the thrill of a new romance.
Absolutely fantastic - 4.5 stars.
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