Lover Eternal

by JR Ward (Black Dagger Brotherhood-2)

Synopsis:

Within the brotherhood, Rhage is the vampire with the strongest appetites. He’s the best fighter, the quickest to act on his impulses, and the most voracious lover—for inside him burns a ferocious curse cast by the Scribe Virgin. Possessed by this dark side, Rhage fears the times when his inner dragon is unleashed, making him a danger to everyone around him.
Mary Luce, a survivor of many hardships, is unwittingly thrown into the vampire world and reliant on Rhage’s protection. With a life-threatening curse of her own, Mary is not looking for love. Her faith in miracles was lost years ago. But when Rhage’s intense animal attraction turns into something more emotional, he knows that he must make Mary his alone. And while their enemies close in, Mary fights desperately to gain life eternal with the one she loves…

I loved this story. Ms. Ward is adept at bringing together the love and joy as well as the bitter heartbreak of these complicated relationships. I didn't get the tortured hero vibe from Rhage in the first book. He seemed more like a pretty boy jerk to me. Not a very sympathetic character. I liked Mary, but was wary at first as it looked like she was going to be a whiny patsy. But as it turned out, she was a woman blessed with a well of inner strength and resolve. Rhage turned out to be someone who needed to give love and to nurture as much or more than he needed to be loved and nurtured. I teared up in several places. Just about every scene with John Matthew was a winner for me. I particularly liked the scene when he was to dine with Tohr and Wellsie. I cried, at his overwhelming response to the tiniest amount of care. I believe I'm going to love him, and Bella too. I already love Z, who is next in line for his own story.

This is a solid 4.5 stars for me. I would have liked more humorous interplay between the "Brothers" for this to make it to a 5. (Though the scene with Butch and Rhage in the shower was pretty good. ~~~~~~~~~~Oops. I'm back, my mind was wandering to 2 wet/handsome men.)

Check out this series.