J.R. Ward

Review: Lassiter by J.R. Ward

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Ok. There will be zero spoilers here. 

Let’s start out by saying us readers have been wanting and waiting for this book for over a decade. Ever since we were first introduced to Lassiter, when he brought back Tohr, we knew there would need to be someone extra special to tame this angel. 

After his positively heartbreaking storyline in the previous book, Lover Arisen, I knew this book was going to tug a bit at our hearts. 

I was soooooo right. 

There was quite a bit happening in this story. We have the devious duo, Lash and Devina, whose story I could honestly do without. There was so much going on with these two. I was here for Lassiter and I cringed when I had to read about their “love”. But they’re a necessary evil that will bring upon the next group of books I’m sure. I still have a few questions about them so I’m hoping we get those answers within the next few books.

We have Rahvyn, who was going through an adjustment to this world. I’m still not sure what she is. But I’m assuming one more vampire with special powers, like V and Payne. She reminded me of Autumn a bit. She’s got a lot to learn about this world but luckily she has lots of people around to help her. I love her for Lassiter. She was definitely the right fit for that Angel. 

And of course we have Lassiter. He’s been slowly changing over the past few books, more serious and less flamboyant. But there was a definite shift with this book. Honestly, after the happenings in Lover Arisen, I would be shocked if there wasn’t. He wasn’t forced to go to Davina but it was no less traumatic for him. So he was marked on the inside and he needed help with healing and seeing himself the way others did. 

That’s just a pinch of what’s going on. So many things. But spoilers…

By the time I finished this book my heart was a twisted puddle on the floor. There were quite a few heart stopping moments and I needed to deep breathe through, and so will you. I like the direction she’s taking us in but I sure wasn’t ready for that journey. Ward knew what she was doing in this story. Whew! 

Side note: I finished typing my review before JRW’s Cinci signing so I’m hoping we get a title for the next one and I’m hoping it’ll make the BDB peeps lose their collective minds. 

~Melpomene

Grab a copy here: https://amzn.to/3mxZH3U

Review: Darius by J.R. Ward(audio original)

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Ok, let’s be real here. We know how Darius’s story ends. We knew this story was going to hurt. But we still wanted it.

I am so very thankful to receive an ARC of this book. As with all JRW books, you think you know what’s going to happen, but then she adds a little magic to the story and then shocks the crud out of you. I’m glad I didn’t have to worry about someone ruining that for me.

Without any spoilers I will say that I like the direction she chose to go with this book. The cameos sprinkled throughout had me smiling. Anne was one strong woman and she had to make some very hard decisions that I’m not sure many would be able to do.

Seeing inside Darius’s head, before the BDB stories we know, was wild. The brothers were the same, and yet different. It makes me wanna reread all the books again.

I finished this story with tears falling down my cheeks. But to be honest, I spent the last 50% of the book reading through glistening eyes. I knew what was coming and my heart wasn’t ready. Man, you’re really never ready for a story like this.

~Melpomene

Grab your copy here: https://amzn.to/3MjpMKU

Preview: Lover Arisen by J.R. Ward

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Ok. Can I just say that the Black Dagger Brotherhood series is one of my favorites? I was late to the party but better late than never, right? I discovered the BDB series back in 2012, with Lover Reborn. Up until 2020 I would reread the entire series before the newest book, I loved it that much. But these past few years have been rough so I didn’t have the headspace to do that. But you better believe I read each new book when it comes out, even if I need to flip the previous book to refresh my memory.

In Lover Arisen I didn’t need to refresh. I have been waiting for this one! I wanted to know about Erika and Balthazar since we first saw her. I’m intrigued with how the human police force explains all these weird happenings. We would see Butch’s ex partner from time to time, so we knew a little, but not from someone who has experienced the full force of the memory swipe and sort of knows it. That definitely messes with her as she’s tries to put the pieces together.

I had fun watching her and Balz. Their HEA was a little bit different than the past ones but I’m sure the Warden has a plan I’m just not seeing. I am happy they managed to figure out their differences and fall in love though. I’ll admit I was worried for a minute there. They obviously come from opposite sides of the law so that made things difficult to say the least.

Now I know this book wasn’t about Lassiter but I have a lot of feelings here. Some good obviously, because I love him, but there’s a great big negative that is going to bother me for quite a while. I won’t spoil it but I’m rather upset at this turn of events. I know I need to trust the author, but dang, this is hard.

And of course Davina was here as well, to cause mayhem, which she does so well. I was a bit shocked at the way her quest is working out. I didn’t see it going in that direction. But you better believe I will read the next book to see what happens there.

Speaking of the next book… I CANNOT WAIT. I’m thinking this may require a complete series reread so get the full experience.

~Melpomene 

Release day: April 5, 2022

Grab Lover Arisen here: https://amzn.to/3uvXtls

Review: Lover Unveiled by J.R. Ward

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Ok. Now that I’ve had time to sit and think I can put fingers to keyboard and type out my feelings.


I’ll admit with the various storylines happening I was a bit confused as to why. They seemed so random. But about 50% things started clicking into place and then I had a few face palm moments.


It’s was so very interesting to read about Sahvage’s story. I know some people wanted more from the regular Brothers but, let me tell you, we NEEDED his story. Without his story we would never get one of the most asked questions answered. And what an answer it is!! Wild and insane!



Mae’s story was heartbreaking. We often get caught up in the Brothers we forget about the civilians and the struggles they go through. I’m relieved to know that she found someone to take care of her in the end.


There’s a was a very slow burn. In fact this book was almost tame in the romance department. Way more action and intrigue. This almost seemed like a filler book. So many things happened, and yet the world is still the same.


Of course by the time to you get to the end you’re slightly freaking out. That’s the way J.R. Ward rolls. I am still reeling. But I’m so stinkin’ excited I can’t even stand it! I need the next book like you wouldn’t believe.

~Melpomene

Grab a copy here: https://amzn.to/3e4D1B4

Review: A Warm Heart in Winter by J.R. Ward

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As you may know already, I don’t read blurbs or search reviews before I read a book. Especially not from an auto-buy author like JR award. So I went in expecting a novella, since it’s labeled a .5 I’m the series. Boy, was I wrong. 

This book was more BDB than any of the last few books in the series. This had everything I wanted, more of the brothers, more family moments, and way more emotion. I cried three times. And once was legit full on tears, setting the book down to collect myself, type of crying. I was so not expecting these things to happen.


This tiny MMP packs a solid punch. While a Nor’easter slams Caldwell, things at the mansion are anything but smooth. You would think that having a snow day would be fun but one thing after another seems to go wrong.


Blay and Qhuinn aren’t my favorite couple, if I’m being honest. So spending more time in their heads didn’t sound like fun to me but this book changed my mind. Their love story is definitely one of the rockiest we’ve seen, sprinkled with the craziest family dynamic, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It makes me so very happy to see how far they’ve come.


Fans will be happy to see who else’s POV we get in this book. It was nice to be back with him and see that even people, or vampires in this case, still have to continue working on yourself even if you have a family. Having a family isn’t always the sure fire way to normalcy. There will always be demons you must destroy.


Last, but definitely not least, we have Lassiter. That angel is one of a kind. He can drive you crazy one minute, and the next have you in tears. I adore him. His scenes are evolving and it makes me stand up and take notice. The angel is definitely growing into himself. We better all hold on.


I wasn’t planning on talking so much about this but again, this little book packs a punch. There’s so much more I could say but I’ll let you just read it for yourself.

~Melpomene

Grab a copy here: https://amzn.to/3pJ8L2J

Review: The Jackal by J.R.Ward

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Face paced and intriguing beginning to this spin off series. I think I’m gonna love where these books are headed.

Now I knew a little bit of what it was about, but not the official blurb, so some of this was a nice surprise. But even with what I knew, there was still a bit that shocked me.

From the moment I picked this book up I felt drawn into the story. Nyx was kick a$$ character! She was ready for anything and everything. Except the Jackal. She was a very determined female and once she had her mind made up there was no changing it. I was rooting for her the entire time.

With the then and now chapters I was crazy curious about the Jackal. He had a bit of mystery surrounding him. He was a strong and fierce male and I loved the way he responded to Nyx. These two together were a strong unit.

The side characters have me really hoping for the future books. I would like to see what happens next in this world and how it merges with the regular BDB world. The BDB is one of my favorite series. I love how ridiculously insane and large it is. She could keep writing about these characters and we’d never get bored.

~Melpomene

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Review: The Sinner(BDB#18) by J.R. Ward

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The Sinner is the book we diehard BDB fans have been waiting for. This is what I would call a bridge book. If you’ve been reading these books from the very beginning, you will be very happy to see how all the things have worked up to this. And if you’re new to the world, J.R. Ward said you could just read Dark Lover, The King and then this one. But really, who would you wanna do that? I would recommend you start from the beginning.

This book is from three POVs. Jo, Syn and Butch. And let me tell you, I liked Butch before. He wasn’t my favorite, but I liked his attitude and snark. While reading this, I discovered a whole new love for him. There’s a lot going on in his head and I’m glad we see this side of him.

Syn and Jo’s relationship is a slow burn that will erupt and honestly made me tear up. Syn’s background is a doozy and I’m so happy he found Jo. She will definitely help him work through it.

Jo’s background is finally announced and will also bring on the tears. She’s been so lonely and I love when she finds out she’ll never be alone again.

For those who read the last page first, DON’T. Please don’t. It’s a build up throughout the entire book and when you get to the end it make you wanna stand up and applause. While wiping away your tears. I just love this series.

~Melpomene

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Review: Where Winter Finds You by J.R. Ward

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Blessed are those who believe in all that two hearts aligned achieve. For once united, no matter where winter finds them, they will always be warm.

After the emotional distress of The Shadows, I was ready, and yet not, for this story. I saw it coming for a few books now but I was not fully prepared for what this book was gonna bring. When I finished chapter one with tears in my eyes I just KNEW that this was gonna be a doozy. And I couldn’t wait. So I grabbed a box of tissues, got comfortable and dove right in.

Everyone seemed to get their HEA but not Trez. He’s been floating in and out for a while now. The pain so great. He avoids everyone because his pain seems to bring them all down to his level and he doesn’t wanna do that. When he first met Therese and she was the spitting image of his Chosen, he couldn’t get her out of his mind. It was an instant shock to his system. Come to find out, it was the same with as well.

Therese is trying to make a life for herself and doesn’t need any handouts or distractions. But there’s just something about Trez that she can’t put her finger on. There’s more to the Shadow than she thinks. But while she tries to distance herself, the fates have another thing in mind.

I needed this book. Diehard fans need this. I am so happy that J.R. Ward gave us what we wanted. There were so many scenes that tugged at my heart and had me reaching for those tissues. Family is the theme all throughout this book. An unbreakable familial bond, weaved together with love. My heart is truly happy. If you believe in happily ever afters, then you definitely need to pick up a copy of Where Winter Finds You.

~Melpomene

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Do you need a Savior?

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Waiting for this has been MURHDER…

I am so ready for The Savior! Are you? I am currently on my 7th reread of the Black Dagger Brotherhood in preparation for The Savior. In fact, I reread these every year since I discovered them. There’s something very addicting about these books. So Tuesday can’t come soon enough! Preorder so you can start it right away. https://amzn.to/2THtUc2

While I wait for my book to arrive, I’ll be enjoying the latest edition of The Caldwell Courier Journal that will show up in my email. Have you subscribed yet? If not, click HERE to be added. Meanwhile, enjoy this preview while you wait.

Who better to ask for honest, snarky relationship advice than Vishous?
Ask At Your Own Risk.

Dear Vishous, Agony Aunt Column
(with help from Mary)

Dear Vishous,

First of all, thank you for doing this. I need another perspective. I am a 27 year old woman, about fifteen months out of a five year relationship. I started dating a guy about two months ago. I’ll call him “Evan.” We met on Match.com. We both workout. We like a good time out at the clubs and the bars. We’re both Sox fans. He’s funny and he’s been good about keeping in touch when he travels frequently for work.

My problem is this. He told me he was twenty-eight. A week or so ago, when we were playing pool at our local, he told me to snag his wallet and pay for the next round at the bar. While I was getting money out, I saw his driver’s license. It said he’s thirty-six and the address listed was in a different area of the city than he told me he lives in. I got the drinks and put his wallet back in his pocket, and tried not to think about it.

But I can’t shake the idea he lied, and it’s causing me to obsess about things that are probably no big deal. Like, he only comes to stay at my place. I’ve never been to his apartment, and when I asked about this, he said he has two roommates who get on his nerves and he prefers the break he gets when he sleeps at my apartment. And I’ve introduced him to my friends, but he’s never offered to do the same. At first, I was psyched because my ex never wanted to hang with my people. But now? I guess I’m uneasy and looking for shadows everywhere.

I don’t care how old he is, and I know that some times folks on Match fudge their age to make them more attractive. And maybe it’s just an old license. I don’t want to ruin a good thing by looking like I’m second guessing him about stuff that only appears iffy and for which there is a reasonable explanation.

Please advise,

On The Fence In Beantown

#################

Vishous: Here’s what you need to do. Go to your local Stahp ‘n Shahp and get some Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ. Then get a good knife. After you slice his b*lls off, marinate them and then pan fry ‘em. Serve them to him hot and spicy and-

Mary: Okaaaaaaay. Let’s just all take a deep breath here.

V: I know, because the BBQ sauce smells great, right?

Mary: Ah, no. It’s because we should not settle this type of conflict through bodily harm.

V: Whatever, that lying sack of sh*t with the fake Match profile doesn’t deserve a set of nuts. S’all I’m sayin’.

Mary: I think we’ve heard your point of view loud and clear. And now, I’d like to offer a more nuanced opinion. On The Fence, it’s clear that there are some reasons to be concerned about this guy. One of the things that I tell people in my practice is to always trust your instincts. As much as you want to believe the best-

V: Fine. No BBQ sauce, then. Just slice, dice and toss ‘em in the pan. He doesn’t deserve Sweet Baby Ray’s.

Mary: …………….

V: What. Oh, come on, don’t look at me like that.

Mary: I’ve never actually said this before to someone, but why don’t you light up a cigarette and take a few deep drags.

V: I thought you’d never ask.

Mary: Anyway, On The Fence, my suggestion is that you have a frank, face-to-face conversation with “Evan.” Share your concerns calmly and succinctly. See what his answers are. Based on how he responds, you should be able to tell a lot. Is he listening to you and taking you seriously? Is he offering to have you stay over at his place? Or is he defensive and turning everything back on you-

V: And his Red Sox card is revoked. He has to root for the Yankees now.

Mary: -in a way that makes you uncomfortable? At the end of the day, you deserve to be in a relationship with someone who’s as honest as you are and treats you the way you’re treating them.

V: I have to agree with Mary on this one. Even though you’re a human, being with a lying sack of sh*t is whack.

Mary: Remember, your physical safety comes first, and fast on its heels is your emotional health. Please do not sacrifice your happiness just because you are hoping that “Evan” is the one-

V: I think you’re going to find out he’s got a wife and kids and he’s playing you. Which brings us back to my solution to the problem-

Mary: -and let us know how it goes, please. Best of luck!

V: F**k him! Go get a real man- and that skillet.

~Melpomene

Preview: Wedding from Hell part 3 by J.R.Ward

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Here’s the final part of the FREE 3-part prequel to Consumed. It’s actually an excerpt from Consumed. I don’t know about you, but I’m even more excited to dive into it now that we got a glimpse into this world. As a firewife, I’m all about firefighter books, so I’m a very happy girl.

Here’s the synopsis:
About the Book:
From the creator of the #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series, get ready for a new band of brothers. And a firestorm.

Anne Ashburn is a woman consumed…

By her bitter family legacy, by her scorched career as a firefighter, by her obsession with department bad-boy Danny McGuire, and by a new case that pits her against a fiery killer.

Strong-willed Anne was fearless and loved the thrill of fighting fires, pushing herself to be the best. But when one risky decision at a warehouse blaze changes her life forever, Anne must reinvent not only her job, but her whole self.

Shattered and demoralized, Anne finds her new career as an arson investigator a pale substitute for the adrenaline-fueled life she left behind. She doesn’t believe she will ever feel that same all-consuming passion for her job again—until she encounters a string of suspicious fires setting her beloved city ablaze.

Danny McGuire is a premiere fireman, best in the commonwealth, but in the midst of a personal meltdown. Danny is taking risks like never before and seems to have a death wish until he teams up with Anne to find the fire starter. But Danny may be more than a distraction, and as Anne narrows in on her target, the arsonist begins to target her.

And here’s your final excerpt:
Excerpt:

Harbor Street and Eighteenth Avenue
Old Downtown, New Brunswick, Massachusetts

Box alarm. One-niner-four-seven. Two engines and a ladder from the 499, responding.

Or, put another way, Anne Ashburn’s Friday night date had showed up on time and was taking her to a show. Granted, “on time” was the precise moment she had sat down for a meal at the stationhouse with her crew, and the “show” was a warehouse fire they were going to have to chorus-line for. But if you judged the health of a relationship on its constancy and whether it brought purpose and meaning to your life?

Then this firefighting gig was the best damn partner a woman could ask for.

As Engine Co. 17 turned the corner onto Harbor with siren and lights going, Anne glanced around the shallow seating area of the apparatus. There were four jump seats behind the cab, two forward- facing, two rear-, the pairs separated by an aisle of gear. Emilio “Amy” Chavez and Patrick “Duff” Duffy were on one side. She and Daniel “Dannyboy” Maguire were on the other. Up in front, Deshaun “Doc” Lewis, the engineer, was behind the wheel, and Captain Christopher “Chip” Baker, the incident commander, was shotgun.

Her nickname was “Sister.” Which was what happened when you were the sibling of the great Fire Chief Thomas Ashburn Jr., and the daughter of the revered—falsely as it turned out— Thomas Ashburn, Sr.

Not everybody called her that, though.

She focused on Danny. He was staring out the open window, the cold November wind blowing his black hair back, his exhausted blue eyes focused on nothing. In their bulky turnouts, their knees brushed every time the engine bumped over sewer access panels, potholes, manholes, intersections.

Okay, okay, she wanted to say to fate. I know he’s there. You don’t have to keep reminding me.

The hardheaded bastard was a lot of things, most of which carried terms you couldn’t use around your grandmother, but he knew she hated the “Sister” thing, so to him, she was Ashburn.

He’d also called her Anne—once. Late at night about three weeks ago.

Yes, they had been naked at the time. Oh, God . . . had they finally done that?

“I’m gonna beat you at pong,” he said without looking at her. “Soon as we get back.”

“No chance.” She hated that he knew she’d been staring at him. “All talk, Dannyboy.”

“Fine.” He turned to face her. “I’ll let you win, how about that?”

His smile was slow, knowing, evil. And her temper answered the phone on the first ring.

“The hell you will.” Anne leaned forward. “I won’t play with you if you cheat.”

“Even if it benefits you?”

“That’s not winning.”

“Huh. Well, you’ll have to explain to me the ins and outs of it when we’re back at the house. While I’m beating you.”

Anne shook her head and glared out the open window.

The first tap on her leg she ascribed to a bump in the road. The second, third, and fourth were obviously—

She looked back at Danny. “Stop it.”

“What?”

“Are you twelve?” As he started to smile, she knew exactly where his mind had gone. “Not inches. Age.”

“I’m pretty sure I peak more like at sixteen.” He lowered his voice. “What do you think?”

Between the sirens and the open windows, no one else could hear them—and Danny never pulled the double entendre if there was a risk of that. But yes, Anne now knew intimately all of his heavily muscled and tattooed anatomy. Granted, it had been only that once.

Then again, unforgettable only had to happen one time.

“I think you’re out of your mind,” she muttered.

And then they were at the scene. The old 1900s-era warehouse was a shell of its former useful self, sixty-five thousand square feet of broken glass panes, rotting beams, and blown-off roof panels. The outer walls were brick, but based on the age, the floors and any room dividers inside were going to be wood. The blaze was in the northeast corner on the second floor, billowing smoke wafting up into the forty-degree night air before being carried away by a southerly wind.

As Anne’s boots hit the ground, she pulled the top half of her turnouts closed. Her ponytail was up high on the back of her head, and she stripped out the band, reorganized the shoulder length, and cranked things tight at her nape. The brown was still streaked with blond from the summer, but she needed to get it trimmed—so all that lightness was on the chopping block.

Of course, if she were a woman “who took care of herself,” she’d get it highlighted through the winter months. Or so her mother liked to tell her. But who the hell had time for that?

“Sister, you sweep the place with Amy for addicts,” Captain Baker commanded. “Stay away from that corner. Danny and Duff, run those lines!”

As Captain Baker continued to bark orders out, she turned away. She had her assignment. Until she completed it, or there was an insurmountable obstacle or change of order, she was required to execute that directive and no other.

“Be safe in there, Ashburn.”

The words were soft and low, meant for her ears alone. And as she glanced over her shoulder, Danny’s Irish eyes were not smiling.

A ripple of premonition made her rub the back of her neck. “Yeah, you, too, Maguire.”

“Piece’a cake. We’ll be back at pong before ten.” They walked away from each other at the same time, Danny going around to the stacks of hoses in the back, her linking up with Chavez…

Be sure and grab this final part before you dive into Consumed.
Wedding from Hell
Part 1 https://amzn.to/2BDpL58
Part 2 https://amzn.to/2LeCF9t
Part 3 https://amzn.to/2PoZ3A6

Preorder Consumed so you can have it ready to read on release day, Oct 2
https://amzn.to/2nXznxW