"100% Action packed, seductive and satisfying!"
J. R. Ward's Lover Revealed is the fourth book in the Black
Dagger Brotherhood series. This is the story of Butch
O'Neal, an ex-cop, close friend to Vishous, and an ally to
the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Like with most things in
Butch's life he was not simply accepted into the
Brotherhood, he had to prove himself and typically in his
life that means taking some punches. But since he hasn't
really known much of any other kind of way of living, this
doesn't seem all that bad. Like Ms. Ward's previous books this plot is loaded with
kick-ass dialogue, lethal enemies called 'lessers' and
intense love scenes. However there is another aspect that
enters into this book that, for me, added a whole new
dimension and appeal to the series. This book is not only
about Butch's love for Marissa, an untouchable upper
class 'glymera' vampire, but also the intimacy and love
that comes from a deep bond of friendship he has with
Vishous. Ms. Ward does an incredible job of showing how
intense the power of love with your mate can be but she
also reveals the complexities that come when you share an
almost equal bond with a friend. Lover Revealed opens up with Butch in one of his typical
haunts, the ZeroSum. Once again he tries to drown out the
intense feelings he carries for Marissa, an upper class
vampire. They had met in a previous book but unfortunately
the class difference ended up separating them. However as
Butch leaves the club he stumbles upon a group of lessers
and is unable to reach the Brotherhood for backup. The
result is Butch is ultimately captured and tortured at the
hands of the Fore lesser and their leader the Omega. Butch is left in an open field during the end of winter and
at deaths door. However, Vishous is able to locate him now
that evening has come, as he had previously given Butch
some of his own blood and this acts like a proverbial GPS.
The book explodes in all directions from here. While
Vishous uses his abilities to try and draw out the darkness
that was imbedded into Butch he knows it is not enough to
induce the man to want to live after experiencing such
torture. However thanks to the special bond they share
Vishous knows exactly who to reach out to. The one person
that may possibly bring him back.....Marissa. I have absolutely loved all of the books in this series,
and yes I recommend reading it from the first book because
it makes the experience that much more intense. None the
less I have to say that so far Lover Revealed is my
favorite of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.
Unfortunately I can't share many of the reasons because
they would be spoilers. What I can say is that reading
this book from the perspective of Butch's character, which
is human and deeply entrenched in the Brotherhood, gives a
fascinating perspective and understanding of the
Brotherhood. Not to mention a hell of a wild ride.
Reviewed by Mindy Lobaugh
Posted May 5, 2007
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