Finished Shelf #1 for SOS Bookshelf Bingo - Demons
Lover Mine continues the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and since I can't really talk about it without spoilers the rest will be hidden.
If there were a main character for the Black Dagger Brotherhood, it would be John Michael. He's the only character to have viewpoint from since the first book. I'm curious how much we will still see from him in the future and if it will cut back now that he's gotten his happy ending. It also did look like he's starting to get his memories of his time as Darius, which I would be interested is seeing.
As I mentioned earlier, the Xhex/John pairing seemed a bit off to me. I started getting used to it in the last book, but did accept it in this book. When it was revealed that Darius knew her and was basically the reason she was alive, it was clear it was one of those fate thingys.
I did like that horror show subplot with Muhrder as well. I guessed it was a vampire, but didn't know who it was. When Xhex mentioned that he might not be dead (whereas all previous mentions I had thought were clear that he was) I guessed it was him and was shortly proven right :) I do know the pairings for the next few books, and none include him, so I'm curious what his place in the storyline will be. I doubt that JR Ward introduced him for nothing.
Blay and Quinn also got a lot of booktime in this and though I know where we're going, it's a bit gut wrenching to see everything play out now. I'm putting the fault on Quinn though, even though yes he's had a rough time of it with already being defective. I do wonder how long Saxton and Layla will be around. Layla is another one I'd like to see more about. She also hasn't been paired up as far as I know (at least she's not a major pairing in a book), but I'd like to see her get a happy ending. She sure as hell isn't going to get it from Quinn.
I was surprised that Lash was offed already. I honestly don't understand why the Omega decided to kick him out. I thought he actually had a decent plan and had done a lot for the society. He was still a sadistic asshole, but I liked him as a villain and I liked how he went out. It was fitting that John's book was his demise.
One thing that I didn't like in this book, was how Xhex had sex with John fairly soon after having spent four weeks getting raped and just underwent surgery for a uterine tear. Really?? I know they heal fast, but that whole scene did not work for me.
Also I've decided to start a ranking of the different books in the series:
(show spoiler)
8. Lover Revealed - Never liked Butch as a character and using baby as a term of endearment creeps me out. I did like Marissa's development and changes over the course of the book.
7. Lover Unbound - Almost no progress on the overall storyline and while I didn't dislike the Jane/Vishous, I was able to get into rooting for them like I have for other couples.
6. Dark Lover - The first book always has to setting up the world while also having a romance. It did a good job of getting me into the series and I do like Wrath and Beth, but it felt rushed and I don't like it as much as the other books.
5. Lover Enshrined - I wanted to knock sense into Phury the entire book, but he did pull through and I like the changes he made to the society and I really liked Cormia.
4. Lover Revealed - Nothing against Rhage and Mary, but I love Zsadist and Bella and this is where their story starts
3. Lover Mine - Really good progress on the overall story and I liked the couple.
2. Lover Avenged - Really good progress on the overall story and I loved the couple.
1. Lover Awakened - Bella and Zsadist are hands down my favorite couple and this was a great book. Gah the ending!!
