Reviewed by Angela Richardson
This book is the forth in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, where JR Ward has created a world where a war is raging between vampires and their slayers. However, a secret band of brothers exists as defenders of their race.
Lover Revealed concentrates on Butch O’Neal – a hard-living ex-homicide cop, who is the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. But he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world and take part in the turf wars with the lessers. He’s got nothing to lose. He’s in love with a beautiful aristocratic vampire who’s way out of his league. If he can’t have Marissa, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers. When fate curses him with everything he wants he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back. But even her love may not be enough to save him…
Starting this series on the fourth book was not the greatest way to enter into Ward’s writing. I spent most of the first half confused and trying to make sense of all the different storylines. The glossary at the beginning for all the words Ward has invented filled me with dread that I would never understand this book. However, once I ignored the glossary and managed to get a handle on all the characters, this book came to life.
The on/off love story between Butch and Marissa is intelligently written and leaves you guessing until the end. It has a high action plot that is intense and immerses you in Ward’s world. My only criticism is the writer’s love of mentioning any up to date gadget/designer that she can think of. It sometimes made this book sound more like an advertisement distracting from the great writing.
Overall this was an excellent read, but I would think that starting at the beginning of the series would increase the enjoyment and lessen any confusion.
Rating: 4/5
Like this? Try Bitten by Kelley Armstrong