4.6 stars “I know all about you, and everything I see is beautiful. Everything I see is mine.”“I’m not yours,” she whispered.The rejection didn’t faze him. “Fine. If I can’t have you, then you do the taking. Have all of me, part of me, a small piece, whatever you want. Just please, have something.” Blurb: 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. Owned by this dark side, Rhage fears the time 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. She lost her faith in miracles 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...It feels so good re-reading these books. It’s like coming back home after a long and exhausting day.And, boy, Rhage can make me giggle like a little girl and blush like an old horny nun and Mary, sweet Mary, she’s oh so wonderful. She’s such a warrior with the gentlest heart of all.Note: As always, when it comes to the BDB books, I can’t be neutral even to save my life. So I’ll try to keep my head straight and have my feeling in control.This second book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world tells the story about Rhage and Mary and how they save each other in every possible way. This book also plays a main part because it leads to some of the following stories. As a sequel I can’t say Lover Eternal complements the first book but it does do a very good job.Warden’s writing style is always on point and sharp. Some people may find the language and the way the Brothers talk not so appealing but I like it a lot. It makes sense if you’re really into the story. The same goes for the female/male thing. One thing we need to remember is that they’re a different species and their ways and traditions are also different and, even when they keep up with modern tendencies, they’re still animalistic.Once you get that behind, I think the books become more and more enjoyable.I sometimes skip the lessers parts, but in this book I didn’t do it. One of the lessers, O, was twisted and sick as fuck. When he was human he was a monster and now, in this new life, he’s such a psychopath and his quest to find a woman who looks like his dead wife it’s both repulsive and interesting to read.Now, back to our MCs…Rhage is a really complex character. He has so many layers but he’s always ready to be the optimistic one, the one who takes the beating for someone else, the one who makes things lighter and the one who will have everyone’s back but he’s in deep shit, he suffers, not only because of his curse but also for the emptiness of his actions. “Could you not…ride me about the females? Because the truth is, I hate it, I really do.I hate the anonymity of it. I hate the way my chest aches afterward. I hate the smells on my body and in my hair when I get home. But most of all, I hate the fact that I’m going to have to do it again because if I don’t, I could end up hurting one of you guys or some innocent bystander. And those two sisters you’re so impressed with? See, here’s the thing. I only pick the ones who don’t give a shit who they’re with, because otherwise it’s not fair. Those two bar chippies checked out my watch and my roll and figured I was a pimp trophy. The fucking was about as intimate as a car accident. And tonight? You’re going home to Wellsie. I’m going home alone. Just like I did yesterday. Just like I’m going to do the day after. The whoring isn’t fun for me, and it’s been killing me for years, so please give it a rest, dig?” Only fighting and sex can calm him enough to keep the beast under control but he hates himself afterwards. And Rhage is actually so selfless despite some of his actions. He cares for his brothers a lot, he’s ready to do anything for them, ready to endure any kind of torture for the sake of them, and now Mary’s.His backstory is also interesting. Here we have a young man blessed with godlike looks, herculean strength, and almost endless energy, smart as they come and charming as fuck so what does he do after his transition? He’s drunk on power. He fucks his way through life and abuses of his recently acquired gifts for years until he’s introduced to the Brotherhood and then he kills a bird. “It was a barn owl. One of those lovely white barn owls. I can still see the red stain as its blood seeped onto its feathers. When I picked up the bird and felt its light weight in my hands, I realized that carelessness was a form of cruelty. See, I’d always told myself that because I meant no harm, anything that happened wasn’t my fault. At that moment, though, I knew I was wrong. If I hadn’t given the female my gun, the bird wouldn’t have been shot. I was responsible even though I didn’t pull the trigger.”That’s when the Scribe Virgin curses him with the beast. “She cursed me, and since then, anytime I get out of control, the beast comes out. In a way, it’s really the perfect punishment. It’s taught me to regulate my energy, my moods. It’s taught me to respect the consequences of all my actions. Helped me understand the power in my body in a way I never would have otherwise.”It says a lot of him to see things that way now, he’s grown up so much since all of that and, despite the persona he shows to everyone, he’s really mature.That what makes him perfect for Mary Luce, I think. She’s a survivor and a helper. She was with her mother when she got sick and died, she decides to help others and she became a therapist for autistic children and she loved her job, but then she got leukemia and almost die, though she clinically died a couple of times. She’s been in remission for a couple years and she volunteers part-time on a Suicide Prevention Hotline. She doesn’t take crap form anyone, she always has a smile ready and she doesn’t make excuses for herself or anyone else.Of all of the things I love about Mary is the fact that she’s so open to everything. She doesn’t judge people that easily and when she does, she tries to vanish that feeling. She’s fearless and tough and she is just so so good. And you know I usually don’t like honest-to-god-good characters but Mary is legit awesome. She could not rely on him for comfort, not even in this moment. Her life depended on her keeping it together, and there was a slippery slope to tears. If she started crying now, she wasn’t going to stop in the days and weeks ahead. God knew, the hard inner core of her had been the only thing that had gotten her through the last time she’d been sick. If she lost that resolve, she had no power whatsoever against the disease.Mary wiped her eyes.Not again, she thought. She would not lose it in front of him again.She’s fought alone for years now that having someone watch her die, like she saw her mother, that’s something she can’t stand. She’s willing to give herself, the good parts, to people but her illness is hers only. Trusting Rhage and trusting he can handle it and love her even when she’s sick is her biggest battle. “And you don’t want me going through that?”“No, I don’t. I don’t want that for either of us. I’d rather you remember me the way I am now. And I’d rather remember us the way we’ve been. I’m going to need some happy places to go.”“I want to be there for you.”“And I don’t need that. I’m not going to have the energy to put up a front. And pain…pain makes people change.”Once she fully understood Rhage and their feelings, she let go. It was a breaking point, to admit she was going to be worse and worse and he was going to be there for her.Both she and Rhage have their insecurities, for her was her illness and the fact that she was going to become someone she doesn’t want to, and for him was the fact that he had a dangerous ugly side and how could someone see past that? How can he be worthy of someone after everything he’s done?So they find in each other exactly what they’re looking for and way more.Oh, and they’re very sexy together. Rhage, man, he’s a sensual male. He knows what he wants and how to take it and make you beg for more but his confidence and utterly devotion make him ten thousand better. And Mary? She looks so innocent and sweet but she also likes control, she loves watching him fall apart overwhelming with pleasure. She gives and she demands and she’s the perfect balance to Rhage recklessness.Now, we also had some others storylines:Bella and Zsadist, John Matthew, Butch and Marissa and Phury’s.I like Bella, I like her a lot. She’s proper, an aristocrat woman who is reserved but she goes after what she wants. She’s been taken care of her whole life and she craves for adventures, an affair with the dark side and she finds Zsadist. (view spoiler)[I’M SO READY TO RE-READ THEIR BOOK OMG OMG I CAN’T BREATHE (hide spoiler)]
"I don't want to stop, Mary." His thumbs caressed the skin of her throat and they pressed into her jaw and angled her head back."I want to get you hot. Hot enough so you don't feel anything but me. So you don't think of anything but what I'm doing to you.I want you liquid. I loved this book! Rhage is definitely one of the guys at the top of the BDB fav list <3 Uber-hot, and such an amazing hero! A total must-read!The storyAfter meeting a boy who looks to be a pretransitioned vampire, Bella decides to take him to the Brotherhood, along with her neighbor Mary, who knows the kid and can translate for him. The kid, John Matthew, is mute, and doesn't know anything about himself or his parents, and is practically living on the streets. Mary wants to help him, so she agrees to go with him to the "training facility", not knowing it is in fact the Brotherhood's safe house.The brothers recognize him as one of their own, with a warrior name of Tehrror.On the first visit with John, Mary meets Rhage, the most beautiful man she's ever seen, who, for some reason, is drawn to her like crazy.Even though Rhage knows he can't make any commitment to a woman like Mary, he needs to have her, whatever it takes. After a few dates, kisses and memory wipes, Rhage is torn between his emotions and his loyalty to the Brotherhood. He needs to protect Mary, and wants to be with her, even though that is against the rules.Luckily, Rhage was never one to follow them ;) "I’m a vampire. I’m a warrior. I’m a dangerous beast.At the end of this evening, you aren’t going to remember you ever met me.And the idea of not even being a memory of yours makes me feel like I’ve been stabbed in the chest." The story - I loved the Rhage/Mary romance. Loved! It was very emotional and beautiful, most of all, very HOT indeed :DThere are several new storylines included, the one about John Matthew, a new character, and we are introduced to Bella, the heroine from the third book :) The writing - we get multiple POVs, from the MCs and now the new characters, John and Bella, as well as Butch and maybe a few others, don't remember all of them :) Anyway, for me that's just a bonus, never liked just the one-person-POV, so...The hotness - OMG this book is uber-hot! Rhage is really REALLY direct and says what's on his mind, usually everything sexy ahahhahahhaha but yeah, schorching-hot!The cliffhanger - it has nothing to do with Rhage and Mary, but still, my advice is to have the third book already open on the first page 'cause you won't be able to stop yourself from reading it ASAP! “I will not fall in love with you,” she said. “I can’t let myself. I won’t.”“That’s all right. I’ll love you enough for the both of us.” Mary has been ill for some time, and now her leukemia is back. She's afraid of the treatments and knows what's waiting for her.Having low self esteem because of her physical condition, she can't think of any possible reason why would Rhage be interested in her. She constantly pushes him back and thinks he's making fun of her, or that he just wants to be friends.Even though she made me want to kick her at some points in the book, I really liked Mary :) She is a strong character, despite her illness, she's used to taking care of herself, and doesn't lean on anyone for support. She really likes Rhage, but doesn't think he wants to be with her, and I have to say I just love that scene when she found out that he's a vampire :D Anyway, she's not one for crying and moping, and I liked that too :DI think my fav scene with her is when she pets the beast on the head :DDD "What you just had is nothing compared to what I want to do to you. I want my head between your legs so I can lick you until you scream my name. Then I want to mount you like an animal and look into your eyes as I come inside of you. And after that? I want to take you every way there is. I want to do you from behind. I want to screw you standing up, against the wall. I want you to sit on my hips and ride me until I can’t breathe." Rhage was cursed by the Scribe Virgin to transform into a huge terrible beast whenever he goes out of control. To prevent the beast from getting out, he uses fighting and sex to release his frustrations.Even though everyone envies him for being such a hit with the women, Rhage just feels hollow because of it, there is no real enjoyment in it for him, just means to an end.That is, until he meets Mary :)He's shocked by the attraction he feels because he hasn't felt it before for anyone, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to be with her, even though it seems that she's not very interested in him XDRhage is one of my favorite Brothers <3 I adore him!I couldn't help but sympathize with him, and feel sorry when he went on the sex prowl :((( He is sick and tired of that life, but must keep doing it to prevent the best from coming out, and possibly hurting the people he cared about, the Brotherhood.He meets Mary and can't stay away from her, and the more time they spend together, the more he realises she is meant for him, and he wants to bond with her.The only problem is Mary shutting him down, and not trusting him.But the end! Oh the end made me love him, what he did was just... Beautiful! I cried at that part, it was so emotional <3 He deserved his happy end, and the way it was made, just how it was meant to be :)))My favorite quotes from other characters: “Last night, I…ah…I drove out to Marissa’s brother’s house. I don’t even know how the Escalade got there. I mean, the last thing I need is to run into her, you feel me?”“Let me guess. You waited around in hopes of catching a—”“In the bushes, Rhage. I sat in the bushes. Under her bedroom window.”“Wow. That’s…”“Yeah. In my old life I could have arrested me for stalking.” “My twin’s not broken. He’s ruined. Do you understand the difference? With broken, maybe you can fix things. Ruined? All you can do is wait to bury him.” “Don’t touch me. I can’t…I can’t stand to be touched, okay? It hurts.”Bella stopped.“Why?” she said softly. “Why does it—”“Just get the fuck out of here, please.” He could barely get the words out. “I’m about to destroy something. And I don’t want it to be you.”“You won’t hurt me.”He closed his eyes. “Did it hurt you to do this to him?” she demanded softly, knowing Vishous hadn’t left. “Tell me it hurt you.”She heard a whispering of cloth. When she glanced over her shoulder, Vishous had taken off his shirt. On his muscular chest there was a fresh wound, a slice, as if a blade had cut into his skin.“It killed each one of us.”------------------------V’s diamond eyes, usually so calm, were narrow and pissed off. “When I say I’m never wrong, I’m not on an ego trip. Seeing the future is a goddamned curse, my brother. You think I like knowing how everyone’s going to die?” Rhage is like, totally hot, you feel me?
What do You think about Lover Eternal (2006)?
I am really kinda speechless after reading this book. Saying that I LOVED IT is kinda putting it mildly. Honestly, the other paranormal books I have read in the past few months have paled in comparison to these books so far. What makes it so different is the camaraderie between the Brothers and the heroes themselves are so unique in their own way.Rhage is such a womanizer. I really didn't know if I would like him or not. But, as the storyline progressed and his true nature starts to reveal itself, he was easily one of my favorite heroes of all time. He definately rates top 5 easily. For such a bad-ass, he was so tender and loving with Mary. His sacrifice at the end for her was amazing. I loved him. He is worthy of a happily ever after. Mary is another really well written heroine. I really liked her. I felt her insecurities, her hope that she may get better and the love she had for Rhage and the beast within him. Get your tissues out girls because I cried in this book. When Mary finally breaks down in front of Rhage, I literally had to put the book down and wipe my eyes for several minutes. It's not all sadness and tears. It has some very funny moments in it. It is just the total package all around.Gosh between Wrath and Rhage I don't know which one I liked the best. Now I am off to read Z's story...I have a feeling I will like this one too!
—Daisiemae
5 glorious stars !!!! Lover Eternal indeed ! This story will stay with me FOREVER !! ETERNALLY !!!Rhage :Teal-blue eyes the color of Bahamas seawater ❤❤I loved this book! I cried my heart out but it was incredible!!!!! I'm overcome with emotions .......Rhage <333 amazing!!
—Anna
You know those book you read where you wish/hope/pray the heroine would drop dead after the first couple of chapters??This was one of those books for me.I don't think I hated a heroine as much as I hated Mary since Ally in Rock Chick Revolution & Keira in Thoughtless.Dear Mary, This was me for the first 80% of the bookOnce or twice my eyes rolled so far back that I actually saw my own brain. True story! To sum it all up: LOATHED Mary, hated Rhage for pining after someone as pathetic as Mary, LOVED Butch/Vishous parts ('best bromance' shelf was created especially for those two!) and actually enjoyed the parts with lessers in them! Go figure.I know I am in the minority with my rating but This was almost a DNF ... I did skim a lot in the last 20%, mostly Rhage/Mary parts because My casting:Rhage *Hollywood*MaryWho gives a fuck what she looks like ... BR with us HERE.P.S. compared to this was a damn masterpiece!!!
—~IreneOust~
