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Lover Revealed by JR Ward

Grade: B

Wrath, Rhage, Zsadist… and Butch! Whoa, whoa, back up. Yes, I just said Butch. Don’t worry, kids, he gets his own little fake-goth name… but more on that later! You know, as I read this book, I asked myself every other page why JR Ward would give the little human back-up dancer a story of his own. I mean, there’s still Vishous and Tohrment and Rehvenge and Ohdour and Vhomit and Dhisgust and Hherphes (ah, crap, it doesn’t work with words that start with an H)! But by the end of this book, I was sold. Seriously. Okay, I was still laughing and rolling my eyes, but I bought it anyway. This entry to the series tells us Why We Should Love Butch, but also acts as a Saks Fifth Avenue catalogue. Yes, the brand-names with which Ms. Ward liberally sprinkles her books are now accompanied by price tags. (I was wondering how much a Ralph Lauren Black Label suit jacket costs and now I know!) If I had to be frank with y’all, this book is probably the most poorly written one in the series: the dialogue is still heavily peppered with euphemisms that are outright ridiculous and sometimes non-sensical, Butch evolves into THE ULTIMATE MARTY SUE, and the “lessers,” the villains, inexplicably get more airtime and only serve to show us how useless and boring they really are (their boss, the Omega does something pretty scary in this book, though). Fortunately, it’s also the most fun to read because 1) the sex is hot 2) the virgin heroine, a majorly spineless wimp in the previous books, is probably the most developed female character in this testosterone-charged ‘verse, 3) the sex is hot. I’m going to try to review this book with as little spoilers as possible, but if a little something-something slips here and there, you can write me an email and flame me, I promise.

Note: We finally get an explanation why Vishous and Butch seem soooooooo in luuuuuuuuuuuurve.

Butch O’Neal is a former cokehead and cop who is now the human pet of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. We met him in the first book of this series, Dark Lover, where he was the cop looking into the murder of Darius (seriously, how come he didn’t have a fake-goth name?), Beth’s dad. During the course of the invitation, he finds out a little more than he should about the BDB by hanging around with Beth and at the end of the book, the brothers realize Butch knows too much and for that he could not live. Vishous, his darling BFF (but only in a strictly heterosexual way, hags), pleads to Wrath on Butch’s behalf to spare Butch because they’re in luuuuuuuuurve (in a strictly heterosexual way, of course) and will take responsibility for Butch for the rest of his natural mortal life. In that book, Butch also fell in love with Marissa, the wife Wrath had discarded in favor of Beth. The two of them do a little dance, make out a little, then Marissa starts avoiding Butch for no damn reason. Or at least that’s what Butch thinks. Not that any of it matters. As far as Butch is concerned, he isn’t good enough for Marissa. He doesn’t have anything to his name ~~except for the clothes on his back~~, his own family hates him, he’s got issues that a year’s worth of therapy wouldn’t cure, and oh, he’s only human. That means he’s not even allowed to fight with the BDB; he’s sidelined and benched at every battle with the lessers and is pretty much useless. Because of this, he spends most of his nights at ZeroSum, a vampire-owned bar where he gets drunk and tries to forget about Marissa and his loser status. Just as he couldn’t get any more pathetic, he gets abducted by the lessers, heavily beaten up, and oh… The Omega does something really, REALLY fucked up to him.

Marissa is a member of the Glymera (that’s the ton for you Regency romance fans!), the creme de la creme of the vampire society. She is beautiful in a delicate porcelain way, but no one in her circle would touch her with a ten foot pole. After all, she was the woman dumped by the Blind King (man, I love that title) for a stinkin’ half-breed, so there HAS to be something wrong with her. Having reached her age without being touched—-even though she was married to Wrath, he wasn’t attracted to her and didn’t touch her unless he absolutely had to—-or loved by anyone, she’s not feeling too hot about herself. There was only one man who ever made her feel desired and that was Butch O’Neal. Not that it matters, anyway, ’cause he doesn’t want her anymore, either. At least that’s what she thinks. Unbeknownst to her, Butch visited her at her home and her brother Havers turned him away and told him Marissa doesn’t want anything to do with him. Now she spends her days helping out the abused women at her brother’s clinic and feeding from Rehvenge (sigh), the ultimate Bad Boy of all Vampiredom. Rehvenge luuuuuurves her, but Marissa only wants Butch. Just as she was about to drown in the pool of self-pity, she and Butch cross paths again. This time, Marissa intends to find out how Butch really feels about her. Only she may be too late. Butch, who got majorly worked over by the lessers, is probably dying.

Butch is the tortured King of everyone who’s ever been tortured. If Butch told the Marquis De Sade about his life story, dude would probably sink down to his knees, crying and pleading for Butch to stop. Man, this man’s life TOTALLY SUCKS. He doesn’t have any money, he got kicked out of the police force, he’s pretty much nothing but a glorified pet to the BDB, and when he was a kid, his big sister was abducted, raped, and killed and his dad somehow found a way to blame him for it. He just can’t fit in anywhere. He can’t leave the BDB because they’ll have to kill him for knowing too much and yet he’s not really a part of them because he’s a stupid fleshbag mortal. He’s a liability to them. Luckily, his body seems to be slowly breaking down, so dying soon is probably his consolation prize. Dude is just desperate to belong anywhere. I felt compelled to turn page after page of this book—-even though the writing could be so painful—-because I couldn’t wait to see what would happen to this guy. I mean, could his life GET ANY WORSE? He gets no respect, the love of his life is a vampire society chick, and… he just has no purpose. Does he whine about it? YES. Was it annoying? Kind of. Did I love him anyway? YES. Dude was so pathetic that he was like a deaf, blind, and mute puppy with only three legs and you know you should put him to sleep, but can’t help but love him anyway. And BDB fans would probably throw rocks at me for this, but I really, really think he’s the sexiest one of all of them. He reminded me of Matt Damon’s character in Good Will Hunting, except, you know, kind of retarded. But he’s tough and defensive and damaged… even more damaged than ~~Zarek~~ Zsadist and that dude has a big ole scar carved down his face. And you know, he just really, really wants to be good enough for Marissa even though he knows the two of them could never really work out because he’s human… and she’s a beautiful fairy printheth.

Did I mention how in luuuuuuuuuuuurve Butch and Vishous are in this book? There’s even a part in this book where Vishous comes across Marissa and Butch making sweet, sweet lurve to each other and he gets jealous. Of Marissa. Hawtness!

Marissa, on the other hand, really surprised me. I’ve always thought that JR Ward wasn’t very good at writing female characters, but this girl really impressed me with her own quiet strength. In the earlier books, she was a frail little thing who would faint at the sight of a Brother… heck, in the beginning of the his book, she was still a little porcelain doll, but in the end, she’s really the one who ends up with the most character development. She doesn’t let Butch bully her, instead she bullies him right back, even manages to manipulate him quite effectively a couple of times. I also really enjoyed her relationship with Rehvenge, her blood donor (she can only feed from other vampires). They’re nothing to each other, not even friends, but Rehvenge is in love with her and Marissa only sees him as food. This is one relationship where she has the upper hand. He is putty in her hands. Big ole scary Rehvenge is her bitch. It’s adorable. I applauded for her when she finally stood up to her domineering brother, Havers and pretty much told him to go fuck himself. I guess what I really liked about Marissa is that it’s obvious how scared she is, but somehow she manages to push it aside because she knows she can’t really depend on anyone but herself. In the end, she’s the one who ends up taking care of Butch and showing him how to forgive and forget his family for all the damage they had inflicted on him. In the previous books, I complained of the females in this book being nothing more than the fair maiden in the tower, but this is one woman who is actually willing to stand toe to toe with her man and fight for/with him. I liked her.

I will admit that the main reason I wanted to read this book was because I was curious as to how JR Ward would get around the problem of Butch being human. The set-up was a little contrived, a little forced, and the resolution itself was a little deus ex machina, but it nevertheless made for a very compelling read. The Scribe Virgin gets a lot of screen time in this book… she’s starting to smell like Acheron. She pops up, waves her magic wand around, makes everything okay, and disappears again. It is a testament to Ward’s talent that I want to read more about this woman. IS SHE GOING TO GET HER OWN STORY? What the hell kind of hero could Ward possibly set her up with? Maybe she’ll end up with Rehvenge. Man, that’d be interesting. He’s a drug dealer and she’s an all-powerful goddess. AWESOME. And she’s a virgin, so Rehvenge would hit that like POW-POW-POW. Anyway, we also find out more about the villains—-groan—-and honestly, can Ward come up with other bad guys for the BDB to fight? These guys are pretty boring and weak. They’re like bowling pins. They get set up one by one and the BDB knocks ‘em down all easy-like. There is one lesser that is very interesting, though. I felt really bad for him. He doesn’t want to be a lesser anymore. He just wants to stop… being. Maybe he’ll become a BDB in the future. Who knows. I want to know more about that dude, but Ward could get rid of the rest of them as far as I’m concerned.

My problems with this book are the same ones I’ve had in the previous books of this series. Ward gets crazy with the euphemisms. I mean, CRAZY. A friend and I were talking about Ward’s work—-she lives in the Philippines—-and half the time, she has no idea what homegirl is talking about. Sample convo:

Friend: What does “messie me” mean?

Me: That’s when a Brother invites another Brother to go mud rasslin’ with him. You know, they get “messy” with each other and stuff when they’re rolling around in the mud.

Friend: Really?

Me: No.

The pop culture references come fast and furious. One after the other. It’s not just like, “Man, this totally feels like The Usual Suspects,” but a character would actually say, “Whoa, I just got Keyser Soze‘d” (or something to that effect). Say a Brother felt like getting all vengeful on someone, he’d probably say, “I’m about to go John Wayne on your ass”. It just felt… lazy. I don’t mind pop culture references in the books I read, but not if the entire page is so riddled with them that the prose comes off muddled and hard to understand. It’s like Ward is almost trying too hard to sound hip and relevant. If you weren’t a big film, TV, or music buff, you’d probably be pretty lost. I was also pretty disgusted with the blatant consumerism that happens in this book. I’m serious, does Ward get major cash for each brand-name she drops? There’s Ralph Lauren, Davidoff’s Cool Water (Rehvenge wears this cologne and Butch thinks he smells delicious), Escalade, Dolce & Gabbana, Yves Saint Laurent, Grey Goose… Good God, I realize that the BDB have a lot of money, but here it just comes off as bragging. It’s… very unclassy (one might say almost chav-like). It makes them all seem shallow and superficial, like they don’t give a shit about anything else but who made their clothes and how much it cost them. IS IT REALLY SO IMPORTANT FOR US TO KNOW THAT THE COST OF BUTCH’S ENTIRE OUTFIT COULD FEED AN ENTIRE MEXICAN FAMILY FOR A YEAR? And here’s another phrase that made me cringe every time I saw it, “What’s doin’?” What does that even mean? Whatever happened to “what’s up?” or “How you doin’?” What’s doing what? Who’s doing What? What’s being done to whom? Oh, it drove me up the wall.

Oddly enough, I really enjoyed reading this book. I’m serious. Butch and Marissa are an interesting couple because they have so much hurdle to get through just to be together. I liked their chemistry, the sexual tension between them, and the fact that Butch actually listens to what Marissa has to say. We also find out more about John, the orphaned baby-vamp who may or may not be the reincarnation of a Brother who died. I can’t wait till Ward writes his book. AND REHVENGE! AND PHURY! I can’t wait for their books. Oh, and Vishous is next! Yay! I can’t even tell you guys how much I love this series, though it really, really infuriates me. I’m not always happy with Ward’s writing, but I will admit that this lady can tell a story. She’s very addicting. Anyway, check this book out if you want to find out what happens to Butch and how Ward gets around the “pesky human issue”. It’s a little hokey, but I enjoyed it. MORE, JR WARD, MORE!!

Kids, you may buy this book here.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 16th, 2007 at 5:00 am and is filed under Books, Grade: B, Romance: Paranormal, Suspense/Horror. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

168 Responses to “Lover Revealed by JR Ward”

kate r
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 5:23 am
1

I will be buying it. Thank you for helping me spend even more money, you bitch.

Devon
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 6:01 am

You’re killing me! Killing me! Nothing is sounding all that good, and I have to wait three more weeks for this!

Ward’s genius is that she can have so many elements that would normally drive me insane, but instead I’m eating the stuff up with a spoon and desperate for more. She can write the hell out of a hero. I swear I don’t even take note of the names anymore. But “messie me” made my eyes pop.

Glad to hear Marissa’s not painful. I think the heroines have gotten a bit better with each book.

kardis
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 6:35 am

It took me forever to start reading the BDB series. I don’t understand how JRW can use plot contrivances that make me want to pull my hair out, names that make my eyes cross whenever I see them, and really boring villains. Yet, I still love those damn books. I’m really glad too that Marissa makes a good heroine, I had plenty of doubts about this couple. Thanks Bam!

shuzluva
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 6:41 am

Bam, I hate you. I hate you for making my TBR pile huge. Of course, I love you at the same time…for my own personal reasons, including this:

What does that even mean? Whatever happened to “what’s up?” or “How you doin’?” What’s doing what? Who’s doing What? What’s being done to whom? Oh, it drove me up the wall.

It may have driven you up the wall, but it’s pure comedy gold here. I can’t wait to read this, and I hate you for making me want to. But I love you too. It’s a tangled web in here. It’s also way too early.

Teddy Pig
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 7:08 am

What no “La Croix sweetie, La Croix!”

Names Names Names SWEETIE DARLING!

SWEETIE… DARLING… SWEETIE DARLING!

“THE ULTIMATE MARTY SUE” Oh lord, you rock!

dillene
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 7:58 am

Oh, now you have me speculating as to what Butch’s newer, sillier name is. I read Wrath’s book and Zsadist’s book, but I think I’ll give this one a pass. I’m looking forward to Vishous’ book, though- I just hope he doesn’t accidentally set his sweetie on fire with his voodoo hand.

What are the odds that V falls in love with a bull dyke on the police force in order to replace his love for Butch?

Kat
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 8:58 am

“Marissa is a member of the Glymera (that’s the ton for you Regency romance fans!)” *giggle*

Have you heard of the term “jologz”? My friend had to force me to read my first BDB novel because I kept making shrill noises whenever I spotted a random H in someone’s name. But, you know, I totally heart JRW now. As for the slang, I sometimes pretend it’s Klingon or Elvish and that I just happen to understand it (mostly).

After reading this review, if I can’t get this book on release day, I think I might actually cry.

Ann(ie)
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 9:55 am

Nope. I will not buy this book, nor any that preceded it. I allowed myself to be persuaded into trying LKH on Smart Bitches and I’m still trying to heal the mental damage that inflicted. I must stay strong and resist.

Nath
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 11:40 am

okay after reading your review and siphoning off the over egged sarcasm meant to be used to pass as wit, we both basically agree that Butches story is a good one. I totally enjoyed it. It was fast paced and kept me hooked and yet again uninterrupted my sleep pattern as I couldn’t put it down. Now as for the pop references I’m Scottish and i get almost all of them, but here’s news when something is written using slang then some people do have trouble reading what they aren’t familiar with,I’ll bet good money that most of you would struggle to read a parargraph of Scots, but that ain’t the issue here really is it? Basically JR writes so her catchment group can understand, yes I’m sure she could make her writing way more challenging but then again you wouldn’t be able to understand it let alone dissect it and make yourselves look all big witty and humorous and what not! So put away the spiky barbed tongues and just enjoy a good read for a change please (and as for name dropping brands, you guys can actually visualise it now cant you, yes point proven)

LJS
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 12:06 pm

Wow.What a review. I’ve never read anything quite like it. Do you have that sort of opinions about ALL the books you review or just some? And by that I mean…Do you have an actual valid opinion of anything? You oppose yourself after every comment and seem to revel in the self-hatred that you have for yourself in (maybe? sort of? if its a good day?) liking the series. Sounds like some major issues and I hope you have fun with that.

Somehow I think that if all you said was indeed true–the over-use of the name brands, the vernacular, the names…I really don’t think that the series would have taken off the way it has or that there would be such an amazing following of true and loyal fans. Shit doesn’t sell, even if its sprayed with perfume.

So while, I’m sure that some appreciated your review (those also suffering from the–what should we call it? How bout “BDB-wish-I-could-form-ANY-opinion-about-it-itus”) I personally think that you shouldn’t quit your day job, cuz really–writing reviews on ARC’s just ain’t your bag, Sweetie

Sybil
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 12:17 pm

Geeze did everyone in the fuck get this book? hmph

I so no longer feel special. ::pouts:: I so need to email for V like now damn it. I wanna be special again!

Nath it is a review. A review is an opinion. If you don’t like her ‘wit’ or whatever that is ok. Just as much as it would be ok if she hated the book.

I think many people do not like brands in books because it dates the book. Or throws them out of the story. And well that is ok.

I loved the book. Loved loved loved it. And think it is the worst of the series. Marissa is the best female. Has the most growth characterwise. And Butch rocks. But right or wrong… that is my opinion. So who the hell am I to take anyone to task regarding their opinion.

Jane
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 12:20 pm

LJS - if you are a fan, and I suspect you are, you know that JR Ward is the worst brand name dropper; slang user; employer of the deux ax machina that is currently writing books for publication. She’s also a freaking genius that we can look past that and actually like her books. Her mojo is fierce. So far, at least.

shuzluva
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 12:25 pm

Shit doesn’t sell, even if its sprayed with perfume.

Sorry, LJS. I totally disagree with that. However, I know that a B from Bam is high praise. I can’t wait to read this, Vhomit and all.

Sybil
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 12:26 pm

fuck me… the rabid are gonna come out…

And it was a good review, I fear for what we get to read on a bad one… ::head met desk:: Guys, you do Ward no favors by acting like this. Do you honestly think she would WANT you behave like this? Please for the love of science think about that before you hit send.

Back… back to the cell with you! Trust me you will just give yourself a headache. Stay with the ones who think just like you. The cell will be much better for you and your heart.

And I am not mocking you. AT all… I love the book and the series. I don’t want people to view it in the manner. I WANT people to want to read it. Because it is a good book. Because Ward is talented. Not because a group of people turn it into a joke.

Karen Scott
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 12:27 pm

So put away the spiky barbed tongues and just enjoy a good read for a change please

Fucktard number 1

LJS said
I personally think that you shouldn’t quit your day job, cuz really–writing reviews on ARC’s just ain’t your bag, Sweetie

Fucktard number 2.

Anymore out there? No doubt you’ll get Ward’s weird fangirls coming over here to beat you with a shitty stick any moment now. Don’t worry, I’m totally here for you. *g*

Basically JR writes so her catchment group can understand,

Pray tell, who the fuck are her catchment group? I read her, but I’m betting I’m nothing like you.

Karen Scott
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
16

And I am not mocking you

Speak for yourself Sybil, I’m certainly mocking them. *g*

Jane
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 12:34 pm

Oh, I am so glad I am not the only one who doesn’t know her catchment group from her catechism.

Candy
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 12:40 pm

Aw, damn, Bam, the fangirls are out for your blood. Get out your shitkickers and prepare to throw down. IT WILL BE OFF THE CHAIN.

Sybil
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 12:47 pm

Will you guys stop egging them on! Bad bad bloggers… no soup for you! Some one is gonna come call you guys mean girls.

sybil
the nice one

Nath
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 12:48 pm

LOL fucktard sooo mature!

Im sorry but i have issues with the review and as said by someone above its all about opinions, mine included. And catchment group would mean the people who read the books sorry if I made that hard to understand, after all you read em or why else would you be here???

shuzluva
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
21

Didn’t someone already call us mean?

Jane
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 12:53 pm

Soooo, Ward’s catchment group (a water collection source apparently) is dumb as rocks and she writes down for all of us miscreants with our 8th grade educations because if she wrote for the more intelligent crowd, we losers would be left behind?

Just want to understand what the group dynamic is.

Karen Scott
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 12:57 pm

sorry if I made that hard to understand, after all you read em or why else would you be here???

Erm, because I’m a regular reader of Bam’s blog?

And you definitely are a fucktard. That’s just my opinion of course.

Nath
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 12:59 pm

oh dear you’re just going to take everything on a personal level aren’t you?

ok here it is, if something works, which given sales and popular feedback the format obviously has, why change it?

Ward I’m sure has it within her skill set to write a boring stuffy book without the use of popular colloquiums and wrap up the stories so boring that they make war and peace look like a page turner but then would would read them on loan from a library let alone pay good money for them?

Nath
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 1:00 pm

# Karen Scott Says:
February 16th, 2007 at 12:57 pm

sorry if I made that hard to understand, after all you read em or why else would you be here???

Erm, because I’m a regular reader of Bam’s blog?

And you definitely are a fucktard. That’s just my opinion of course.

ok so do you even read the books?

Jane
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 1:02 pm

I don’t know how much skill it takes to write using popular colloquialisms or be a brand name user. I think that is fairly easy to do. The skill is making us overlook the ridiculous and enjoy the story. I can’t help but wonder how much more popular Ward would be if she didn’t use such ridiculous slang, ridiculous names, and overt name dropping. Several readers have commented that they can’t get over the names to read the books.

Nath
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 1:04 pm

if you take it back to base though the granddaddy of all vamps even had a nickname though, its just pop culture for vampires

Sybil
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 1:05 pm

I think they were saying the term catchment group makes no sense if you look up with the word catchment means.

As for the terms in the book… they work.

For a hella lot of people. And they don’t for others. Doesn’t make them wonderful or right. But I don’t think it is fair to say she writes down to readers. Well because I am a fan.

And one of the first people to say if I break down the book into pieces… it so shouldn’t work for me. But I think that is the amazing thing. You lose yourself. The words, the world and the characters seem to take you over.

le sigh… just color me a fangirl but not rabid…

Nath
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 1:09 pm

it does if you look it in terms used by ad agencies etc, ok hw about target audience, or reading demographic?

Jane
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 1:10 pm

Yeah and if you dig further into the books, you’ll see all the women are beards for the guys and off screen the “brothers” are busy throwing down with each other and commenting about how buff and good they look against the black sheets and the candlelight.

“Bite me here on the pec, boyfriend. That hurts so good.”

Nath
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
31

????

fiveandfour
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 1:29 pm

When I realized the other day that this one comes out in a couple of weeks, I was thinking I might want to re-read one of the earlier ones to get myself back into the mindset of this world. But really, it’s not that complicated, is it?

Your comments pretty much mirror my thoughts on the series so far. I find many, many aspects of the world and the characters to be derivative. The faux gangster talk not only annoys me, but strikes me as completely unbelievable. The names….oh Gawd, the names! Yet I like ‘em. It’s utterly inexplicable to me, but I will no doubt be snapping this thing up the first chance I get. *Sigh* It’s like a sickness or something.

And good call on Zarek and Zsadist. I was really annoyed when My Own Private Idaho was out and no one seemed to notice that it was Henry IV. It’s been similarly annoying that no one seems to notice that Zsadist is Zarek…and that it’s but one of the ways in which Ward has ~~ripped off~~ been inspired by other series and stories.

Karen Scott
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 1:32 pm

you’ll see all the women are beards for the guys and off screen the “brothers” are busy throwing down with each other and commenting about how buff and good they look against the black sheets and the candlelight.

Jane, did you just suggest that the BDB’s are *gasp* gay?

E.D'Trix
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 1:41 pm

Oh Bam, what a tempest you have caused…by a *good* review.

I love this series. Love. Love. And even occasionally LURVE. But, as most others have stated in the comments, I love it DESPITE its many, many flaws. Flaws that make me giggle like a schoolgirl when I read them. Messie me??? Good lord. As someone who was born and raised in Southern California, I can safely say I am really up to date on current slang. “Messie me” is current for girls starring on “My super sweet sixteen”, not grown-ass vampires. “What’s doin?” is current for greasy jersey Don Juans, not grown-ass vampires. And yet? I still love. THAT? Is why J.R. Ward is a flippin genius.

Jane
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 1:42 pm

fiveandfour - how can you say these stories are not completely organic. Don’t you read ward’s interviews at all? These characters speak to her! They chose her, out of all the authors out there, to be the medium through which their voices are heard.

and yes, Karen, I am saying that they are gay. I mean, they aren’t? Cuz they sure aren’t books I would recommend to Tim Hardaway.

kardis
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
36

Karen, you made me laugh so hard I cried a little…

E.D'Trix
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 1:45 pm

***and yes, Karen, I am saying that they are gay. I mean, they aren’t? Cuz they sure aren’t books I would recommend to Tim Hardaway.***

Oh gawd, Jane. I love you for that comment. I really do. BDB could be taken to the next level with the introduction of Ehrohtic and Hhomosexhual.

Sybil
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 1:58 pm

I am so tossing my hair and stomping off and hating you all.

you… you… mean girls!

::toss::

I don’t see the kenyon thing, at all. But I haven’t read her much. And Z is completely just Z. Damn it! Not Zarek.

Teh gay thing would be cool. But I doubt we ever get a gay brother. I was so pulling for a threesome in this book. Really… don’t you think it would work? Or is that just me?

bam
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 2:07 pm

GODDAMN IT, now I have to put steel bars on my windows.

… so when’s the next book coming out? *evil grin*

Karen Scott
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 2:08 pm

Jane, I really don’t know what you mean, is it not normal for grown men to sleep in a bed together, and give each other soothing massages, and advise each other on what not to wear?

Wow, I learn something new everyday. *g*

And hey, they listen to rap music man, they can’t possibly be gay.

Despite the flaws I love the BDBs too, it’s her crazy rabid FG’s I’m not so keen on.

Hey E.d Trix, you’re still alive!

Estelle
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 2:50 pm

Oh the drama…

Great review Bam, as always. Although I’m a little worried for the rest of the series: in the last book, Lower Awakened, we had Phury in lurve with Bella and now we seem to have Rhevenge in lurve with Marissa.

Well, call me corny, but I don’t much like reading books in which the hero–or the heroine for that matter–has been madly in love before. Feels like the actual heroine is only getting second-hand goods.

All those second chance at love stories, grieving widower with his 2.1 cute kids in want of a mommy and all…not my cup of tea at all.

So I wonder how Ward will handle Phury and Rhevenge’s stories.

That said, I totally agree with you about Ward’s prose. It’s a mark of her talent that we still can’t get enough of her books–the names…gosh the names…I’m still not over all the Hs and the ‘My Brother’ but heck, I’m always asking for more anyway.

Nath
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 3:47 pm

okay serious here people, do you like the book? I personally don’t get where all the venom and negativity comes from, with some of the comments I’ve read I’D say you despised this series. Hey maybe its just me but if I dislike a book I tend not to get all hot and bothered in fact it creates the opposite reaction of complete indifference.

fiveandfour
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 4:04 pm

Jane & Karen, you’re killing me!

Don’t you read ward’s interviews at all? These characters speak to her! They chose her, out of all the authors out there, to be the medium through which their voices are heard.

Aack - there goes a splurt of water at my screen. I wonder if she’s not getting a little interference in the slipstream there - perhaps she’s getting some teen-age homeboy wannabes mixed in there accidentally, like a radio bringing in 2 stations at once.

Jane, I really don’t know what you mean, is it not normal for grown men to sleep in a bed together, and give each other soothing massages, and advise each other on what not to wear?

And there goes another bit of water, with ice, down my windpipe!

This series seems absolutely perfect for fanfiction, particularly the kind where the boys do all those naughty things to one another you know they’re just dying to do (except maybe Wrath…for some reason, I don’t get that vibe from him), and yet I haven’t come across any despite my best efforts. What’s up with that?

Sybil, read Dance with the Devil and you’ll see. Here’s a teeny tiny list of other similarities I found between Ward’s and Kenyon’s books (in a less lucid moment, I actually wondered if they were the same person).

bam
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 4:37 pm

okay serious here people, do you like the book? I personally don’t get where all the venom and negativity comes from, with some of the comments I’ve read I’D say you despised this series.

Nath, you’re new here, so let me explain something. We here at DionneGalace.com don’t hate. WE NEVAH-EVAH playa-hate. Obviously you drank a little too much Hate-o-rade this morning that you’re seeing hate everywhere.

This JR Ward review is not about Hate. Hate does not exist on DionneGalace.com. We do this out of Lurve. We here at DionneGalace.com love the shit out of JR Ward’s BDB as well as her SSE. We are huge, rabid fans of JR Ward. We would like to have JR Ward’s babies. In fact, if Ms. Ward were to send us an ARC of Vishous’ book, we’d probably die of happiness.

… but we’re not blind. Just because we love, doesn’t mean we don’t see what’s wrong with the series. Do you not see that we love DESPITE its faults? Now whose love its truer… yours or ours?

STICKETH THAT IN YOUR PIPE AND SMOKETH IT, true?

Kat
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 4:46 pm

I wondered when the rabid Cellies would descend. Makes me cringe to call myself one (though not rabid).

Nath, if you’ve read any of Bam’s other reviews, you’d know that this one was filled with compliments that add up to…a recommendation. *gasp* But part of why we love to read her reviews is because she says it like it is, in a snarky way that we enjoy. We don’t have to think a book is perfect to buy it. I LOVE the BDB but by no means do I think they’re perfect. If you can’t feel the serious JRW pimping going on in the comments, you haven’t been reading between the lines.

And there’s nothing more off-putting to potential readers (the ones who haven’t tried the series yet but are thinking about it) than fans commenting on review sites about how the reviewer is spewing vomit (excuse me, vhomit *lol*). We love Bam’s mess - we’d lick it off the floor if she asked (erm, that was an expression).

fiveandfour
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 4:51 pm

*Sniffle sniffle* Bam, you had me at We here at DionneGalace.com don’t hate. True, dat.

Before you responded, I was thinking about an analogy Al Franken made about patriotism. There’s the kind of patriotism where a person is like a 6 year-old child thinking about his parents - they are like Gods and they can do no wrong. Then there’s the kind of patriotism that’s like an adult thinking about his parents - he can see the faults and the mistakes and loves them anyway. What kind of patriotism would you prefer?

Nath, for myself, I do like the books. I suppose I just think of these things in them (gangsta’ language, obsessive-compulsive need to impress me with designer label names that I don’t give a crap about, character names that are soooo easy to laugh at) like how Star Wars fans thought of Jar Jar Binks when Episode I came out.

Nath
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 4:52 pm

okay if you cant read back over the comments and see the hate given forth not just regarding JR Wards books but in general then I’m not the only one missing stuff but hey thats just coming from my fucktards view so i may be not seeing things clearly given Im all rabid fangirl , true?

Kat
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 4:53 pm

Ah, snap! And she said it so much better. (”True?” Teehee…)

And yeah, I also thought that Butch and V had the greatest potential for some MM/MMF action. V likes handcuffs and chains, right? Right? *g* But I doubt we’ll get any three-way action. JRW’s vamps aren’t predisposed to sharing their soulmates. (I still get chills thinking about Bella’s needing in LA - 6 horny alpha males in one house. Good lord!)

Kat
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 5:02 pm

I think “fucktard” is almost a term of endearment for Karen. Or at least a badge of honour. Maybe Karen should give out badges so people don’t get so worked up. *g*

Gosh, why does a less-than-glowing JRW review always turn into a comments war?

bam
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 5:06 pm

okay if you cant read back over the comments and see the hate given forth not just regarding

Whhile whe hhere aht DhionneGhalace.chom lhove thhe ehver lhoving shhit ohut ohf thhe whhoooores whho pohst hhere, whe dho nhot nhecessarily shhare thheir hate. Bhut whe ahre ahmused bhy iht.

Fhrom thime to thime, whe dho ahllow iht tho flhourish. ‘choz thhat shhit ihs fhunny.

On the real, G. True dat.

L
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 5:11 pm

I strongly dislike the Scribe Virgin. Her getting a book would make me the sad, that bitch.

I’m glad she does something with Marissa. Ward’s heroines kinda…don’t do much.

Nath
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 5:14 pm

k well i guess i should feel honoured or summit. i just dinnae get it at all but if you guys are happy then go for it, just felt bad that JR busts her hump to turn out decent reads when theres so much drivel out there. anyhow as i said im in scotland its late and im off to bed as have work in the morning dont have the energy to bicker, maybe being a guy im just not bitchy enough least youre reading the books though. later

bam
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 5:23 pm

Author Comment

Hasta luego, Nath. Vaya con Science. ¡Espero que te veamos otra vez!

And yeah, I also thought that Butch and V had the greatest potential for some MM/MMF action.

SPOILER! SPOILER! There is a part where V watches Butch and Marissa and thinks, “… but he’s mine!”

Kat
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 5:29 pm

NO WAY! If you’re making that up, I’ll, I’ll…I don’t know, but it will be an anti-climax if I don’t find that scene. I will have a lack of climax.

Nath
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
55

theres every chance you will Bam. you play nice while Im gone okay?
Nath
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
56

its there Kat

bam
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 5:38 pm

Author Comment

Nath and I speak the truth, Kat. It’s there. And there’s about… hmm… a good five or six of those.

Richelle Mead
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 5:46 pm

As I sit here drinking my Tanqueray gin in its $4.50 Mossimo plastic tumbler from Target, I can’t help but realize a certain truth. If not for Bam’s review here, I would never, EVER read this series. I still might not, actually, but its simmering man-love tension and unnecessary consonants definitely intrigue me. But not as much the realization that I can use “Keyser Soze” as a verb.

bam
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 5:55 pm

Author Comment

As I sit here drinking my Tanqueray gin in its $4.50 Mossimo plastic tumbler from Target, I can’t help but realize a certain truth.

Well, damn. I’ve never been one for hyperboles, but I do believe I just sprayed a mouthful of my $0.65 can of Coca-Cola all over my four hundred dollar 17-inch flat screen Dell monitor and two-hundred dollar Dell ergonomic keyboard. I just looked down at my wrist and noticed there is a trace of spittle on the face of my ten dollar Casio watch which I had purchased from the UCSD Bookstore.

kate r
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 5:58 pm

huh–here, too.

sometime before I die I want a luvfest like this on my blog that won’t have anything to do with jan butler.

sallahdog
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 6:29 pm

wut woh… what would happen if Bam had a negative review of a JR Ward Book….. says sallah who lurves these damn books even as she has a severe eye rollage problem… its the names and the rap thing….. Me likes the homoerotic undertones…

sybil
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 8:17 pm

I am not licking anything of Bam’s.

Karen has most likely called me a fucktard at some point. And she likes me… most of the time.

I find it really really hard to believe anyone would ask me if I even liked these books.

I am not bothered by the triangles because I don’t really think phury loves bella. He will get his HEA with a female of worth and be all Bella who?

I really want Rev’s story but V. Yeah, V… will fucking rock. le sigh… this makes me want to go back and reread. Oh and bam hon you can’t get V yet cuz he isn’t due until Thursday. just saying…

Oh and I LOVE the rap thing. *g*

Marg
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 8:56 pm

Well…it certainly whetted my appetite to read the book!!

I am completely hooked on this series and have been pimping it to my friends. Doesn’t mean that there aren’t things about it that I think are a little overdone or just plain silly.

trackback:
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 9:01 pm

Ménage à Kat

Lover Revealed Linkage…

Oh, oh, the reviews have started to trickle in…and it’s looking good. And hawt! Official release is in March. Damn you people who get JRW ARCs!!!…

Charlene
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 9:03 pm

Man. Here I was enjoying ye olde mantitty parade on Bam’s TBR list, and suddenly there are 62 replies.

KimD
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 9:32 pm

Nice review, thanks. I’m conflicted about this series. Half the time I want to throw the books against the wall, and the other half I can’t wait to see what happens next. JR Ward has built a pretty compelling world, despite some maddening flaws (the mind numbingly boring villains, the less developed heroines, and excessive name dropping).

I never cared for Butch though, so I’m only going buy this b/c it will lead in to V’s story. I gotta say, after reading your review I’m even more hesitant knowing Butch is such a pathetic mess. But I guess he could be so pathetic that yes, wondering how low he can go would make it an amusing page turner.

Suisan
Posted: Feb 16th, 2007 at 9:37 pm

JeeeeHOsaphat!

60 plus comments? WTF?

I giggled mightily during that review and thought it was great.

I might go buy it, but I think it’s unlikely. I’m still not quite totally one hundred percent sure that I like the first one. So I’m kinda fence sitting on buying more. (Oh. No. This means I’m a Haytah. What have I done?)

Anyway, just had to say that I really enjoyed the giggle, Bam. So funny. (My favorite? I mean, there’s still Vishous and Tohrment and Rehvenge and Ohdour and Vhomit and Dhisgust and Hherphes ha ha ha ha!)

Karen Scott
Posted: Feb 17th, 2007 at 2:04 am

i just dinnae get it at all but if you guys are happy then go for it, just felt bad that JR busts her hump to turn out decent reads when theres so much drivel out there.

You know, just because an author sweated balls to write a book doesn’t make it exempt from real and honest critique. It also doesn’t mean that said book is going to be brilliant.

If you were a regular here, you’d know that Bam has her own special way of reviewing, and this my dear is a positively glowing review. You should try reading some of her D reviews, they’ll probably give you a better insight on how freaking positive this review was in comparison.

Teddy Pig
Posted: Feb 17th, 2007 at 6:22 am
69

Karen Scott wins! She used numbers for point by point commentary. I bow.

Teddy Pig
Posted: Feb 17th, 2007 at 6:26 am

OMG! Name Brands and “Vishous, his darling BFF (but only in a strictly heterosexual way, hags), pleads to Wrath on Butch’s behalf to spare Butch because they’re in luuuuuuuuurve (in a strictly heterosexual way, of course) and will take responsibility for Butch for the rest of his natural mortal life.”

Butch is obviously a Buy-Sexual.

Jane
Posted: Feb 17th, 2007 at 7:14 am
71

Wouldn’t that be “Boy-Sexual”

Sara Dennis
Posted: Feb 17th, 2007 at 9:19 am

I haven’t laughed this hard at a review and comments-thread in, oh, ever. I also haven’t read any of these books yet, though I have the first. Now I kind of want to dive into my TBR pile just to see what’s compelling enough to get past the names.

Jackie
Posted: Feb 17th, 2007 at 10:13 am

Holy fuckfest, Batman. I step away for a bit and come back to more than 70 comments.

With all the angst tied up in this book (apparently), I’m going to have to read the series.

But not as much the realization that I can use “Keyser Soze” as a verb.

Richelle, I (heart) you.

Shiloh Walker
Posted: Feb 17th, 2007 at 11:05 am

Gosh, why does a less-than-glowing JRW review always turn into a comments war?

Lost track of who said the above, but the sad thing is that this was a good review for Bam. Bam, you might have needed an armed escort if you actually didn’t like the book.

Nath said, i just dinnae get it at all but if you guys are happy then go for it, just felt bad that JR busts her hump to turn out decent reads when theres so much drivel out there.

and Karen replied,
You know, just because an author sweated balls to write a book doesn’t make it exempt from real and honest critique. It also doesn’t mean that said book is going to be brilliant.

This is a fact of life. Plain and simple. It’s a fact of life and that’s not coming from a reader, but a writer. I bust my hump, so to speak, on a regular basis but that doesn’t mean anybody is required to like what I write. Do I want people to like my books? Well, yeah. Am I going to slit my wrists with a paperclip or hang myself with a rope made up from crappy reviews when some people don’t like them? Nope.

Not every book out there is going to be brilliant. Personally, I love JR’s books, even if I don’t much for some of the slang. But I know some people who don’t care for them at all and I’m not going to get hot in the collar over that. It’s OPINION, people. We’re all entitled to them.

Nath
Posted: Feb 17th, 2007 at 11:27 am

i said i didn’t get it but you guys go for it and it was still critiqued! it means ok while I dont agree with you im happy for you to make your own opinions and wont argue them! and i didnt say it should be exempt from anything now did i?

my point was when I that is me not anyone else compares it to other books available i find this series rates better for me, not necessarily to you but to me!

bam
Posted: Feb 17th, 2007 at 11:37 am

Author Comment

Whoa, whoa, speedracer… simma down, dawg. It’s cool. You are welcome to say anything you want on this here comment section, my brother.

… but I do believe that some of the commenters on this particular post are stuck on this:

Basically JR writes so her catchment group can understand, yes I’m sure she could make her writing way more challenging but then again you wouldn’t be able to understand it let alone dissect it and make yourselves look all big witty and humorous and what not!

Doesn’t it imply—-and I think Sybil may have already pointed it out—-that you think JR Ward writes down to her readers? I’m sure she wouldn’t appreciate that notion at all.

LorelieLong
Posted: Feb 17th, 2007 at 12:19 pm

Whhile whe hhere aht DhionneGhalace.chom lhove thhe ehver lhoving shhit ohut ohf thhe whhoooores whho pohst hhere, whe dho nhot nhecessarily shhare thheir hate. Bhut whe ahre ahmused bhy iht.

Oh sweet baby jesus, teh laughter! Thank heavens I’d finished my $1.07 Wendy’s coke or I’d have sprayed all over my $450 Averatec laptop.
And. . . .

and yes, Karen, I am saying that they are gay. I mean, they aren’t? Cuz they sure aren’t books I would recommend to Tim Hardaway.

I actually just gave a friend two J.R. Wards ’cause I know she loves the gay. And she stayed up until 3am reading ‘em, despite the fact that she had to be up at 6 (when she started reading again.)
I can’t wait until the next one comes out. . . . despite the silliness.

LorelieLong
Posted: Feb 17th, 2007 at 12:26 pm

Since this came up when I was dragging through the more than 70 replies and posting my own. . .

but you guys go for it and it was still critiqued!

Just so you know, darlin’ a critique is not in and of itself a bad thing. It’s a skillful, analytical review, a detailed evaluation.

Christ, this is a sore point for me in today’s culture. “You’re so critical” people throw around, and it’s really just a polite way of saying “you’re such a bitch”. I’m sorry, would you prefer I go through life oblivious and ignorant?

Nath
Posted: Feb 17th, 2007 at 12:58 pm

Bam i meant if JR chose to she could write in stuffy English prose that most people, me included, either wouldn’t understand nor care to and Lorelie I was referring to me graciously surrendering being critiqued

sybil
Posted: Feb 17th, 2007 at 2:58 pm

Damn you Bam! Damn you to hell!

How come the link to your 10 things doesn’t work? ::pout::

Ann(ie)
Posted: Feb 17th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
81

What the hell does “messy me” mean?
Nath
Posted: Feb 17th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
82

use an instant messenger online to talk

pingback:
Posted: Feb 17th, 2007 at 7:29 pm

redwyne.com » Blog Archive » Killing by Trade

[…] A little adopting and a touch of lovers of reviews. […]

Devon
Posted: Feb 17th, 2007 at 8:06 pm

Wow, I am in awe. Does a Bat signal go out? A “Cellie” signal? “The WARDen needs our help!” Very intense.

I’m about to blow a gasket over here in anticipation of Butch/Vishous sexual confusion/jealousy. How long must I wait? Yay and HoYay for JR Ward!

Wylie
Posted: Feb 17th, 2007 at 9:25 pm

See what happens when I go on an off-line holiday for THREE measley days?!! All HELL brakes loose!
WTF, Bam? Don’t they know a ‘B’ is like a gift from the gods??

Wylie

*Dear Lord, please please please may I have a fan-club this psychotic when I grow up and write books?*

Sarah
Posted: Feb 18th, 2007 at 5:05 am

This has to be one of the best reviews I’ve read. Though part of it does scare me a lil bit. I’ll be buying it!

May
Posted: Feb 18th, 2007 at 6:26 am

Bam, thank you for this.

Mind you, I’m not going to pick this one up–it is possible that I’m the only person in the whole wide world to have read past the first BDB book and decided to drop the series–but this review… Amazing girlfriend!

Keishon
Posted: Feb 18th, 2007 at 6:52 am

Since, I’m the last to comment. I hated the first book. Just thought I’d throw that out there.

Ann(ie)
Posted: Feb 18th, 2007 at 10:37 am

I think at this point, we just want Bam to hit 100 comments. The little blog post that could, “I think I can, I think I can…”

LinM
Posted: Feb 18th, 2007 at 10:55 am

Good review, funny funny comments. Here’s helping the march to 100. If its a slow month, I may get the latest J.R.Ward. I wasn’t interested in “Succubus Blues” until I read:

As I sit here drinking my Tanqueray gin in its $4.50 Mossimo plastic tumbler from Target, I can’t help but realize a certain truth.

Guess I’ll have to check out some Richelle Mead.

Karen Scott
Posted: Feb 18th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
91

Oh we’re going for 100 comments are we? Might as well help out a fellow bitch. *g*

Kristie(J)
Posted: Feb 18th, 2007 at 12:44 pm

I”m in for helping in hitting 100 . The thing with me about Ward is I read her first one though I don’t really “do” vampire romance. But the zealousness of her over-the-top fans have completely turned me off trying any more of hers. I don’t mean the majority that have posted here. I mean the really odd ones that flock to wherever there is a review of her books. I can understand the luuvv - but I’m all weirded out by the over the topness of some of her fans.

Kat
Posted: Feb 18th, 2007 at 2:29 pm

Hey, I just realised that this a book about a hundred-plus-year-old VIRGIN. Does this mean Karen S will feel obliged to hurl it across the room? *g*

And also…John is like an amnesiac, right?

Josie
Posted: Feb 18th, 2007 at 4:11 pm

I’m in to help you get to a hundred too Bam - that review was funny as Hell.
PS - Good call Richelle Mead!

Ann(ie)
Posted: Feb 18th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
95

Is there a secret baby? That would make it perfhect.
Wylie
Posted: Feb 18th, 2007 at 6:13 pm
96

FIRST!!!
Oops, guess not…

Catherine Morgan
Posted: Feb 18th, 2007 at 6:33 pm

I really enjoyed your review and thought it was right on the mark. Personally, the psycho fans really turn me off ever discussing this author with anyone again. It’s like an LKH discussion. It always seems to end in me backing away while nodding and smiling politely.

Keep up the awesome reviews!

CindyS
Posted: Feb 18th, 2007 at 10:53 pm

Holy Shit!! Some Butch and V lovin’ !? I’m so in.

Whhile whe hhere aht DhionneGhalace.chom lhove thhe ehver lhoving shhit ohut ohf thhe whhoooores whho pohst hhere, whe dho nhot nhecessarily shhare thheir hate. Bhut whe ahre ahmused bhy iht.

AND

Were just icing on the cake. Thanks for keeping the spoilers to a minimum - I so didn’t want to come over here but I just couldn’t help myself!

CindyS

L.E. Bryce
Posted: Feb 18th, 2007 at 11:52 pm

Wow! 98 comments already, and the testosterone warning label. Nice to know it’s being put to such good use already.

Something tells me I’ll know I’ve made it as an author when a review of one of my books inspires much discussion (and maybe some wankery, too)

May
Posted: Feb 19th, 2007 at 3:06 am
100

Did I make it 100? Did I?

Saam
Posted: Feb 19th, 2007 at 3:16 am

101

…and the lucky number 100 goes to….me!

Bam, this review & the comments that it has spawned have only made me more determined to read the book.

I love me a bit of that mm action, even if it’s only voyeurism. I reac Ward for the escapism, not realism. Also for the girly giggles when the characters speak in their ghangsta vhampire dhialect. Lurve it!

To all of you who have commented, thank you for making me fall off my chair snorting with laughter!

Saam
Posted: Feb 19th, 2007 at 3:17 am
102

Whoops, I spent too long composing my weighty tome…oh well, it’s still over 100!
L.E. Bryce
Posted: Feb 19th, 2007 at 3:50 am
103

We’re going to have to start calling Bam “Bham.”
bam
Posted: Feb 19th, 2007 at 9:28 am
104

We’re going to have to start calling Bam “Bham.”

good god, bite your tongue.

May
Posted: Feb 19th, 2007 at 11:09 am

105

L.E., I really like the way you think!

Bham indeed. ROFL. We may have to publicize this a bit more.

Karen Scott
Posted: Feb 19th, 2007 at 11:28 am

106

Hey, I just realised that this a book about a hundred-plus-year-old VIRGIN. Does this mean Karen S will feel obliged to hurl it across the room? *g*

Not only is there a 100+ year old virgin in this book, there’s also vampires, and you know how much I hate those *g*

Just as well it’s not a contemp isn’t it? *g*

How many comments is that now Bham? (hehe)

L.E. Bryce
Posted: Feb 19th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
107

So if Bam is now Bham, do I get to be L.E. Bhryce?

Jess
Posted: Feb 19th, 2007 at 4:38 pm

108

I really like these books but they tend to be hella outlandish. So much so that when I read that Butch was the Torture King I thought for a moment he actually became some sort of king of torture. I guess it would be Thorture Khing then.

About the slang did she learn it from a hip-hop video? Maybe she was listening to 50 cent and thought that people actually talk like that, like all the time. And is it just me or only 2 or 3 rap artists ever talked about? The ones that even people who don’t know Hip-Hop know about. You’d think the brothers would know more artists being as they listen to Hardcore Rap, all the time. Maybe they only like it cuz hip-hop already has 2 H’s.

Eva Gale
Posted: Feb 20th, 2007 at 5:57 am

109

“… but we’re not blind. Just because we love, doesn’t mean we don’t see what’s wrong with the series. Do you not see that we love DESPITE its faults? Now whose love its truer… yours or ours?”

Hoo My Gawd, that.

You know, I was swearing off JR. I was. She was up there on my swear offs with LKH, although not for the same reasons. Her Cellies made me Whretch so bad I could Vhomit.

But now? Now I will buy. Bham you Bitch! Dhamn.

And, I love Cool Water.

Sarah F.
Posted: Feb 20th, 2007 at 6:02 am

110

Jess, as a white inmate of an Historically Black University, when my students are with each other and not in the “professional” context of the classroom, they do actually talk like that with each other. Not all the time, and not in all situations, but often enough that the BDB slang isn’t as odd to me as it might be to other white middle-class, approaching-middle-age women just like me. YMMV. Then again, my students are 18yo black males, not 400yo white vampires. ::shrug::

Don’t get me started about Ward’s laughable attempts at 19thC slang in Z’s book. I think she got her centuries confused there!

Jess
Posted: Feb 20th, 2007 at 6:59 am

111

I understand what you’re saying. My college is near a city that is predominatly black so we’re pretty diverse. I have heard people talk like that. With the exception of outtie. I’ve only heard white teenage girls say that. My point was more about talking like that in every situation. People naturally alter the way they talk in different situations and the BDB doesn’t. Maybe it’s a symbolic of how badass they are. They don’t have to alter their behavior for nobody, damn it. To me, it just seems contrived. Maybe it it because they are 400 years old and white. Who knows maybe I’d buy it if they were young black guys. Then again maybe not, the books have a weird mix of slang usually used by young white females and urban slang. I don’t think that anybody over the age of twenty says “messie me.”

Elaine
Posted: Feb 20th, 2007 at 9:20 am

112

Bham.

Thanks for writing such a great review. It sounds as though the things that drove me nuts in her first few novels are still around, so I’ll be passing it up.

Sarah F.
Posted: Feb 20th, 2007 at 11:29 am

113

Ah, now I see. Yeah, I feel you (I can’t even type that without sneering in contempt, dammit!). Context changes–or should change–language. And it does sometimes sound like some “18yo Valley Girl” slang notecards got lost in the “25yo Inner City black” slang notecards.

Not that I’m not desperate to read this one. Because I am. And definitely V’s book–can’t wait for that. And Phury’s. And….and…. ::sigh::

Flo
Posted: Feb 20th, 2007 at 5:37 pm

114

I had never read anything by Ward but this review tantalized me for like… 5 seconds. Then I realized it’s more of the same vampire schlock that Kenyon puts out as well and I slapped myself. Twice.

It sounds fun but alas I’m tired of the “Save me and love me!” vampire boys. I’m tired of the trite attempts at catchy “popular” humor. I want characters I can actually LIKE as humans (or beasties) and most of these vamp fellas and gals leave me cold and dissatisfied.

Where have all the good people gone?!?! *tear*