Lover Avenged Publisher: NAL Hardcover

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

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

4.5 stars!Yay! JR Ward has redeemed herself in my eyes with this book. I really enjoyed her telling us Rehv's story and I found him one of the hottest males so far. I don't get the whole "leathers" vibe with him. Ward has written him as more business man less biker listening to rap. There was a lot of story development in this book, and not just the story of the book but of the whole series. We really get to understand more about Symphaths and their colony. Though at the beginning I was worried I wasn't going to like Rehv and his story since I'm not big on stories that romanticize the "bad guy" and let's face it, Rehv is a drug dealer, pimp, and a bit of the mob all rolled into one. But Ward shows that though he is those things he is not that. He is a man, a good man who cares about his family and will do anything to protect them.It turns out he's also pretty dang romantic. That phone call between Rehv and Ehlena was the most adorable thing. By far once of the best interactions between H & h in many books.However I grew tried of Lash by about the second time he was mentioned in this book. It was just too much. I like the story Ward has given his character but he is not the main character and I felt he got way too much page time. A few of my thoughts as I was reading it:"So bored of Lash. Wish he had only a few pages at a time and not a full chapter.""Seriously more Lash?! Three paragraphs about some drapes he likes is two and a half too much."But thankfully Ward always got us back to the characters we wanted. Even if there were a few continuity issues. Which is just a personal pet peeve but it is one of those things that I feel can pull you out of reading something very enjoyable. I originally thought Ward really developed a well thought out world but now I'm starting to see too many holes in it. I'm hoping in the next book this continuity issue improves.By far one of my favorite things in this addition to the Black Dagger Brotherhood series was Ward showing the multiple love stories going on. A great way to let us know what's going on with other characters and make up for the last two books where they were really missing from.Looking forward to the next in the series especially with the cliffhanger ending this one left us with.

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

It took me the longest time to read this book. First I wasn't particularly interested in Rehv's story. So I waited months to read the book. Then i thought the plot moved really slowly for the first half of the book. In fact, I read this book and another romance novel at the same time, something I rarely do and have never done with the Black Dagger series. But I kept reading because I knew if I didn't finish it would be hard for me to follow the next book. Well the second half of the book proves that good things come to raise who wait. I loved revisiting with Wrath and Beth. He befalls a tragedy that takes a lot of adjustment but Beth is right there by his side thru thick and thin. I also loved the relationship between Ehlena and Rehv's, talk about passion. I also liked but was heart broken over all the mishaps and misunderstandings and miscommunication between John and Xvex. I can't wait to read their story in the next book. Some parts of this book really creeped me out: (the scorpions were REALLY GROSS). I know that some reviewers feel that the author is cramming too many story lines in one book but it ended up being ok for me. I admit that initially this was frustrating for me and I do prefer the focus on one person/couple that was characteristic of the earlier books but I adjusted and got used to it. People also complained about the introduction of too many new characters but that was OKAY with me, as long as we get to revisit with the old heroes from time to time. Good read!

I am in two minds with this book. I have read all the books and feel as so the story is going down hill.SPOILERS ALERT.Okay those that read the book will understand what I am saying.Revenge met Elena and fell in love over the course of a matter of days in my opinion. I didn't feel as if they had a connection. I felt it was rushed.There are so many characters in the book that the main characters got lost.I didn't see the romance in the book. I was too interested in the other characters.They didn't go indepth on who was revenge dad. I felt that was a loss to his character. Or why his mother was taken. They spoke a little about the man his mother married.I would have like to see more interaction with revenge and his sister Bella. She is only with him for one chapter.I think there was a lot missing for Elena. It is understood that she cares for her dad. Yet she moves into the first family house and her dad is not mentioned again.All in all it was a good book but lacking in romance.You would need to buy it in order to read the next book or you be at a loss

Spoilers.WOW. With this book its like the author had finally gotten back on the usual BDB track that we all know and love. Phury's book..... Wasn't great to be honest. Too much focus on Cornea opening her eyes to the bigger and more colourful world, and Phury's own problems.... That was a transition book. This, Rhevenge's book, takes us back to the usual pace. The sympaths sound like an alien race altogether. And while not as much hot, intimate action as I would like, I do love the interactions between Rhevenge and Ehlena. Its sweet and almost romantic. Abit too much focus on Wrath and Beth getting back the together, and as much as it was great to see their flame coming back on, I would rather the fire was given to Rhevenge and Ehlena. Still, a fantastic story.

Like the majority of readers the last book in the series was a disappointing transition to the new style and I can honestly say I was not looking forward to this book.The previous books were read in one sitting (apart from Phurys) but Rev's book took me 3 days - not because I didn't enjoy it but because there was a lot to take in and I wanted to slowly absorb the differences between the earlier books and this new direction. This book is a clear demarcation between them and the blending of both styles was, for me, a success. The writing is tight, the hip hop style still working. The world that JRW has built is even clearer than before - loving it.I won't spoil the story for you but suffice to say that Rev's journey is one you don't want to end, his interaction with Ehlena, Bella, his mother and even the brothers are brilliant.One complaint, some of the abbreviations made no sense to me, it's either a UK thing or I'm denser than some but it doesn't detract from the scenes as you do get the context.It was good to see the brothers back together although the interaction with their shellans was minimal to non existent apart from Beth. Mary has a part but there were no descriptions of her just her words so she wasn't totally fleshed out. In this new world that JRW is building, perhaps more interaction with the shellans - how are their lives post-mating? After all, they are such an integral part of their male why shouldn't they be included as after all they are also part of this fight.I have given this 4 stars as there is still someway to go and although I did enjoy this book I'm not entirely sure if it's ready for hardback but I will buy the next in the series as apart from the odd complaint, I hope that it continues on this new and exciting direction.

Caldwell has long been the battle ground for the war between the Brothers and the Lessening Society. On the sidelines Rehvenge has built a successful business providing his nightclub clientele with whatever they want so it is unsurprising when he is asked to kill Wrath, the vampire King. Rehvenge has secrets of his own to keep, like his true symphath nature that would result in his imprisonment, and when the plots become too much he turns to Ehlena, the only source of light in his dark world.This is the seventh book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series (after  Dark Lover , Lover Eternal , Lover Awakened , Lover Revealed , Lover Unbound  and  Lover Enshrined ) and one I approached with trepidation. Not only was the previous book a let down, but this is the longest one yet at 716 pages. This is a total return to form though and I loved it.The plot is cleverly done and there is a lot of it. Rehvenge's life is more complex than the previously featured Brothers, and this book reflects that showing his separate business, family, symphath and romantic lives. It also has different plotlines relating to Xhex and John Matthew whose relationship gets even more complicated and messy (luckily their book is next), Lash's new life as a lesser and his role within the Lessening Society and Wrath's changing role as fighter and King. There is so much story here I became a little overwhelmed but it is well paced with a ton of tension.I've liked Rehvenge ever since his introduction as the Reverend at the beginning of the series. We've seen him grow and change throughout the books, showing his protective family side and the responsibilty he has taken on to keep Xhex safe. He lives in a very dark place because of his responsibilities, and Ehlena is brilliant for balancing out Rehvenge's darkness. As someone who cares for a parent I can say that her emotions as a carer are spot on and this really made her character come to life for me.The ending is incredible, giving all the characters an opportunity to be the best they can be - even Wrath and Tohr who had occasionally annoyed me earlier in the book. It reshapes the BDB world and also leads straight into the next book so I can't wait to see where the author goes from here.All in all this was an awesome read and I can't wait to get stuck into  Lover Mine .Plot: 10/10Characters: 10/10Ending: 10/10Enjoyment: 9/10Cover: 9/10Overall: 48/50 Dark LoverLover EternalLover AwakenedLover RevealedLover UnboundLover EnshrinedLover Mine

Thank goodness we seem to be back on form !!This book focuses on Rehvenge who is a half breed, half vampire half sympath. This character has been on the fringes of the other books and to be honest I wasn't sure if I would like him. He is the owner of Zerosum one of the brothers favorite hangouts, and as the owner he is involved in all the dodgy dealings of drugs, prostitution and gambling. I must say I was so pleasantly surprised by this character, and by the end of the book thought the guy was a great addition to the cast of characters!Rehvenge meets and falls in loves with the kind and caring Ehlena after she treats him whilst working at the vampire clinic. There romance is a sweet one which I thought developed really nicely over the book, I especially thought there phone calls were really cute, the no you hang up moments showed the relationship develop nicely.This book also focuses on the relationship between Wrath and Beth, and Wrath's relationship with his failing sight. I thought it was nice to revisit this all important couple as they have stayed in the background of the other books.At last we seem to have a bad guy worth hating in the form of Lash, I still found the surrounding lessers to be a bit annoying but bearable. I hope the plan is to make him bigger and badder !!As JR Ward crams even more great characters into the book I start to find that this makes them to full of story. (sorry cant think of a better way to put it) Instead of keeping to the plot line detailed in the blurb there are many more strains of story throughout the book you also have the developing attraction between John and Xhex and Thor readjusting to life back at the brotherhood mansion just to name a couple. Its as if she can see where the story is going and wants to cram it all into the one book, which for me is sometimes story overload!!Overall I really enjoyed the read. For me nothing so far has beaten Lover Awakened but this seems to be back on form after the slump that was Lover Unbound and Lover Enshrined, just my opinion.Towards the end I was all excited to see what happened and the cliffhanger you were left with had me downloading the next book to my Kindle straight away. The next book focuses on John Matthew and Xhex so I can't wait :o)

'Lover Avenged' is the story of Rehvenge, who is not part of the Brotherhood but is related to them by marriage (his sister Bella is married to Zsadist, the main characters in 'Lover Awakened', book three of the series) and he also had dealings with Wrath, the leader of the Brotherhood. Rehvenge has always been a secondary character, mentioned throughout the books because he owns SumZero, the nightclub where the brothers are regulars. You do not know much about Rehvenge except that he is half symphath which he has to keep secret because sympaths are seen as evil and have been banished to the symphath colony.Rehvenge struggles with both his vampire side (from his Mother) and his symphath side (from his Father), he has many secrets which has led to blackmail and misery for Rehvenge but everything he does, he does for his family and his friends, if his secret is revealed, there will be a ripple effect with more secrets being revealed.Rehvenge's life changes somewhat for the better when he meets Ehlena, a nurse who works in the clinic which Rehvenge attends for medication which helps to hide his symphath side, Ehlena is different because she is not caught up in the politics which consume Rehvenge's life but can Ehlena accept Rehvenge's lifestyle?As you know from my previous reviews I have enjoyed all of the books in the series so far but with 'Lover Avenged', J.R. Ward has taken the series to a new level, the story is exciting,there is more drama with the Lessening Society and issues being addressed (something which has been done in the previous books, which I forgot to mention) which makes for interesting reading, it shows that the characters are not perfect and have flaws. There are also political issues within the vampire society being addressed and you cannot help but breathe a sigh of relief that Wrath is in charge.

This book is the second book from the brotherhood series in which I read many negative reviews, but was greatly surprised with how good it actually was.I see many people comment on the fact Ward is using more vulgar language, honestly I'm not bothered or petty enough to let it change my view on book, the swearing is used by NEW different characters which reflects their personality.I really wasn't sure on Rhevs character at the beginning if the series, but I am won over with this and love him as much as the brotherhood. The same with Xhex, she's badass. We see the introduction of Payne, who seems pretty funny. Thorment, who is fighting his way back again!!Some upsetting moments to do with wrath, but I'm glad we finally hear a lot more of Wrath and Bellas story again.I was very hesitant on reading any more brotherhood books for a while after being disappointed with Phurys story and reading about the other books in the series I had yet to read, I felt like I was just going to dislike the series eventually, but I have been pulled back from that with this book.Again I skim read the lesser parts, read what seemed significant in them parts.

I have just finsihed this 700+ page book and what can I say. Amazing!I started to worry with Lover Unbound and Lover Enshirined that perhaps the series was losing its momentumn. The stories were begining to loose focus, and whatever it was that made them special seemed to be slipping. But with Lover Avhenged you can stop worrying, the story is fantastic and all the good stuff is right back in it. The focus of the love story is not solely Rhevenge and Ehlena, but also Wrath and Beth and to a lesser degree (excuse the pun) John and Xhex.We find out more about the colony of Sympaths and see the strengthening of the bond between Rhevenge and the Brotherhood. The story in some places is truly wrenching and yes I shed some tears. Having read all the books in series now, including the Insiders Guide, I find myself in a strange place, knowing there is another story out there that picks up on the cliffhanger this one ended on, but it's just out of reach. If there was ever a plea to bring forward a release date for Lover Mine, count me in.The BDB stories are the first book I have read that have actually made me quite anxious for the characters, I found myself willing the outcome to be good and hating it when things went wrong, to the point that sometimes I had to put the book down and take a reality check. To come back later ready to fight the fight witht he characters and make it all better. The stories are total excapism and I will recommend them to anyone looking for a good absorbing read. But word to the wise - read them in order and make sure you have the next one to hand before you finish the one you're on. I bought all 7 before I started and it was the best thing I ever did. I got the insiders guide to and read most of it in betwen Lover Enshrined and Lover Avenghed and the short stories it contains cover the time period GAP in the BDB beautifully.JR Ward's writing is fantastic, I am a firm fan after only two weeks of being immersed in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood - because that's how long it took me to read all 7 stories and the IG. I'm definitely going to get the first of her new Fallen Angels series as well. And long may she continue to write about the Brotherhood.

I've only just finished LA and I really did like it. Almost anything would have been better than Lover Enshrined which, I thought, was REALLY awful...Also, I've just read some of the reviews on this one. Yes, I think one of the downsides is the acronym-fest she has. I spent lots of time wondering what they were. I know what POS and DL are. I also found out what NWF is. But what's SOP? I beginning to think we need a list of abbreviations, as well as the 'old languagey' bits at the front of the book. But I actually quite like the abbreviations - even though I don't know what they all mean. She does it all really well - and it does work somehow, without leaving the reader too frustrated.Unlike Phury's book, I really liked the pace of this one. There were lots of intertwining stories, which just didn't work in Enshrined but here, it ran along nicely for me. I'd been dying to read about Rehv and I wasn't disappointed. The opening scene had me gasping for breath, Rehv's attraction to, and discovery of, his love for Ehlena was so 'quiet', yet he was tormented by his past, which made him what he was, and his present, which was a consequence of his past actions.I know that a few reviwers found the other 'stories' frustrating and wanted more of Rehv, or for the book to be just 'Rehv and Elhena's Story' but I like this new format. I think without the other 'side dishes', this book would have been a novella. This is a far better quality filler than Lover Enshrined was. John Matthew's story should stand on it's own because he has a great story to tell. Remember, those of us who have read all the BDB book know who John really is. So, I don't think she was lazy. I feel she's given us more.Well done JR! Glad to have you back, girl!

I've only just discovered J.R Ward dosey me!!! i bought Dark Lover last summer and didn't get round to it, i've read the Sookie Stackhouse books :( and the Anita Blake books :) and enjoyed the Brent Weeks trilogy :) to name a few, I like to read a wide range of fiction and also factual books, my fictional picks must be something i can escape into and i like a book to have a good plot and story, these books have it in spades! from the moment i started to read Dark Lover i just couldn't put it down and found my self ordering the rest of the series express delivery, I felt lost when i got to the end of the available series with this book Lover Avenged. With all of the books i was quickly drawn into the plot and loved the characters, i also like that Ward writes the women in her stories like they've got a brain! and her male characters are just so seductive all in different ways, I loved the intimate sexual scenes and found i kept forgetting to breath everytime they came up!! so exciting! i can't fault any book from the series. I've pre ordered her new one out soon and i'm looking forward to being self indulgent and spending the time just to sit, read and fantasize when it arrives, it's also set me on the hunt for another read that can top The Black Dagger Brotherhood........

Another excellent read in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. This novel features Rehv and Ehlena and tells their story as Rehv finds what appears to be true love at last, despite his "other" side.All of the BDB books I have read have all been excellent, however I skipped Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #6) purely because the reviews weren't so good but having done this I found that things must have happened in book six that I was unaware of so when reading Lover Avenged I had to fill in the gaps - so far I've read them in order and having skipped the one I would strongly suggest that they are read in order, whilst each individual book is a different story the author has incorporated some pieces of information that follow through.All in all the BDB is an excellent series, vampires (although not the Dracula kind), their enemies (Ward has Lessers), romance, a good smattering of sex although and crucially a very good story line!

The bad boy with a soul. OMG Rhev's story was a roller-coaster of eye blinking, heart pulling, gut wrenching moments and didn't I just fall head over heels for the Mohawked drug lord. Who knew sex & drugs could be so hot? But he does it all to protect those he loves.Ehlena rocked, her compassion and love produced another strong leadXhex has become my heroine! Loved everything about her and a damn strong female!JM's story is about to explode, Payne is mentioned, Thor is gaining strength all this plus the Lash thread and a lesser I actually love! Mr D the Little Texan.Gah! Need my next fix

After the tedious book Lover Enshrined I was was really worried about the next book but I needn't have because she was back on track meaning that the book was all about the main characters Rehvenge and Ehlena. Again the story was beautifully told with all the sub plots within their romance.I liked the story between Wrath and Beth it showed how their relationship is growing (dealing with trust issues) and also that the other Brothers made an appearance. Glad to see that Tohr is on the mend and I love Lassiter(does he have his own book?)Also the story between John Matthew and Xhex develops which I believe is the next book so looking forward to that.Just one tiny gripe the SLANGS!!!! NFW, POS. I have to keep going to my ipad to find out what they mean.It is annoying.

Great characters, good original premise, intriguing backstories. I can't praise these books enough. Only three gripes - editing; acronyms; and kickstarting bikes that don't kick start.Rhevenge is probably one of my favourite characters (although I think that with every one of them that comes along). He started off as a bit annoying back when he was getting between Bella and Zsadist, but it shows just how compelling he is that he manages to throw off that inauspicious beginning and turn into a real head turner. His dark secrets, his loyalty and honour - even if a little twisted perhaps - are utterly compelling.Plus he's gorgeous :DI ripped through these books and just want to start all over again.

I, like several other people was a little disappointed with Phury's story and I wondered how much there really would be to tell about Rehvenge. I was wrong, his story is perhaps one of the most interesting, although it does have some similarities with Zsadist's story. I particularly enjoyed the wider aspect of this story, bringing in other Glymera families and touching upon civilian life. I agree that I wanted to see a bit more from the other couples but the book is very long already (not too long, it feels the perfect length). I also enjoyed the interactions between John and Xhex, like others I kept thinking "Oh John, no!" but I really enjoy the way she overlaps the stories, which is how it should be although I am now desperate to read Lover Mine and have been worrying about Xhex. Definitely worth buying and reading over and over :)