REVIEW: Blood Vow by J.R. Ward

Blood Vow is second entry to the BDB spin-off series Black Dagger Legacy. 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 worthy 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 exhilarating and a distraction from her grief. 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.

Axe and Elise are the main romantic entanglement of the book. Fans of Ward's books know what is in store--lots of sexy time, angst, self doubt and then a mostly happily ever after conclusion for the couple.

The side narrative is a continuation of Rhage and Mary's story from The Beast when an unexpected visitor threatens their newfound family putting everyone on edge.  

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was an engaging, quick read with all the highs I typically associate with the author and the series.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Blood Kiss (Black Dagger Legacy) by JR Ward

Blood Kiss is the first in a spin-off series of Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood. Plagued by the continuing war between the Omega and the Lessening Society, the BDB have opened training to vampire aristocracy and civilians. Enter Paradise, blooded daughter to the king's First Advisor.  She is ready to break free from the restraints of being an aristocratic female and is determined to succeed in order to learn to defend herself, think for herself and be herself.

While a solid plan, nothing is as simple as it seems. School is highly challenging and Paradise did not foresee falling head over heels in love with fellow recruit, Craeg.  As a civilian, Craeg has his own reasons to despise the glymera; however, he can't resist the pull toward Paradise despite their differing backgrounds.

Blood Kiss follows a similar pattern and is mostly couple-centric for Paradise and Craeg but in typical Ward fashion, she weaves other story lines into the narrative while setting up future arcs.  This novel is just as much about Butch and Marissa navigating some turbulent relationship waters. What works is how these two plots eventually meet up as circumstances turn violent.

I admit that I was a bit surprised by the big reveal. That being said, I don't think it held up to my expectations.  I felt as if the ending wrapped up a bit too quickly and was too convenient.  I'm used to Ward torturing her characters a bit more before the happily ever after. I expect that there is more in store for Paradise and Craeg, given the anger her feels for her family's deaths. Other characters introduced were intriguing so I'm pretty excited to get Axe's book (Blood Vow 12/16) next.


Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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