Review of Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #2) by J.R. Ward
Have you ever picked up a book with a sense of trepidation—knowing it could either be a guilty pleasure or a total disaster? That’s how I felt diving into Lover Eternal, the second installment in J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Following the fierce, gritty world of vampires introduced in Dark Lover, I was excited yet a bit wary about what Ward might have in store for us this time. Spoiler alert: it’s a whirlwind of romance—and not the kind that sits well with my inner cynic.
Themes, Characters, and Plot Elements
At its core, Lover Eternal follows the less-than-charmed love story of Mary, a human, and Rhage, a vampire with a severe case of self-pity. Yes, folks, I said self-pity. Mary embodies the spirit of “I’m not worthy” to an almost annoying degree, while Rhage, with a name like Hollywood, is less of a brooding hero and more of a sad puppy. Their romance is rife with eye-rolling moments, and while I was ready for some heartfelt passion, I found myself wading through a puddle of clichés instead. It’s a pity party that I almost didn’t want to RSVP.
J.R. Ward’s knack for character-driven plots shines through, but this time it felt like we were stuck in the emotional abyss of our two protagonists, with a side of “who cares?” plotlines. The pacing dragged in a way that made my Kindle feel heavier with each turn of the page. It’s not that the emotional stakes didn’t exist; it’s just that I wasn’t rooting for them—at least not as much as I hoped to be.
Writing Style and Memorable Moments
Ward’s writing style remains engaging, blending humor and angst, but the cheese factor is cranked up to eleven. If you think you’ve hit peak romance drama, brace yourself for the melodramatic escapades that take place. Casual vampires, love triangles, and some utterly cringe-worthy moments prompted me to groan more than swoon.
One highlight was Rhage’s internal struggle and the nuances of his character—though delivered with an overwhelming dose of melodrama, the moments of genuine vulnerability did shine. In contrast, scenes featuring the other characters felt like a side show to the real drama, which made me yearn for something more substantial.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you’re a die-hard romance fan with a penchant for brooding heroes and love-redeemed clichés, Lover Eternal might just hold you captive. However, if like me, you sometimes enjoy a break from the unending cycles of romantic angst, you might find yourself rolling your eyes more than you ’d like.
While I didn’t emerge from this book ready to start my own vampire fandom, I can’t help but appreciate its place in the genre. For those craving a guilty pleasure that delivers ample drama and sigh-inducing moments, this one’s for you. As for me? I’m off to figure out if Z’s book can redeem this series in my eyes—or if I’ll need more than a bottle of vodka to get through it. Cheers to literary escapism!
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