In the fourth Black Dagger Brotherhood book, Marissa hasn’t seen or spoken to Butch in months. Since she’s used to rejection, she thinks he wants nothing to do with her.
Butch O’Neal is the only human who knows about the Brotherhood, but he feels like an outsider looking in. He wants to fight and protect the vampire race against the lesser (super-strong soulless humans), but the Brotherhood refuses to let him. After he saves a vampire civilian, he’s captured, tortured, poisoned, and left for dead. Thanks to his best warrior buddy Vishous, he’s taken to a vampire-run hospital, but he’s different. The lessers’ god, the Omega, has put some of his evil darkness into Butch’s body. Luckily, Butch’s new abilities work in the Brotherhood’s favor.
I absolutely loved Butch! Despite his abusive childhood, he was strong, easygoing, and determined to help others. He was an honorable person and loved Marissa very much. His and V’s friendship deepened to a whole new level. Neither of them understood the strange connection between them, but it was definitely sexual in nature. Though he wants Marissa, he knows his friendship with V is just as important.
I couldn’t relate to Marissa. I felt sorry for her—she suffered so much pain and humiliation—but most of it was her own fault. She was just too polite to stand up for herself. Though she does grow and become stronger as the book progresses, I couldn’t forgive the way she shamed Butch after they made love for the first time and how she demanded things of him, which destroyed his self-worth.
I really liked most of the side characters. Zsadist has stepped up to teach the warrior trainees, and I loved the scenes with him and John. Poor, sweet John. (I adore him!) After Wellsie’s death and Tohr’s disappearance in the last book, John has become so angry and determined to avenge them. His argument with Wrath, the vampire king, was heart wrenching.
Xhex is an awesome new character. She’s Rehvenge’s symphath friend and lead security guard at his nightclub.
I’m still not fond of Rehv. How will he keep his job as a pimp a secret after the incident with a glymera (aristocratic) patron? This looks like a glaring issue to me, but I doubt it will be mentioned in the later books.
Even though I found some various word choices/phrases distracting, I enjoyed this story and I’m excited to read about V in the next book.
4 Stars
( )

I love butch. I truly do. But I think if he and I were in a relationship, it would be extremely physical. Violently. ( )

[b:Lover Revealed|42898|Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #4)|J.R. Ward|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1389646548l/42898._SY75_.jpg|2958166] by [a:J.R. Ward|20248|J.R. Ward|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1437768069p2/20248.jpg]
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense
4.75 Stars

Reread Review 9/17/19

Well I'll be danged! I can't believe I'm going to say this, but....

I love Marissa.

I understand her better this time around.

In fact, all my rereads of this series has me loving each book more than the 1st time around.

My first read, I had trouble with Marissa. But since I have read every book in this series I have immersed myself in their world more. I have come to understand and despise the 'Glymera' and understand how their 'rules' could affect women like her. How hard it was for her to wrap her mind around her circumstances and break free of their influences.

Is she my favorite female lead?
No.
But, I have to say I enjoyed her character much more and connected with her better this time.
She definitely came up tons of notches for me.

Review from 11/16/14

I loved Butch and I liked Marissa.
There were parts about her and her relationship with her brother that put me off.
I found her a bit pathetic in that she Allowed him to rule over her even when she knew he was wrong. Not even trying to stand up for herself nor Butch.
Hence, the 4 stars instead of 5.

The suspense and action involving Butch and the BDB is spot on. Some of it absolutely chilling.

There is a lot more in this one than just Butch and Marissa.
The relationship between Butch and V is fascinating to say the least.
Many of the characters have parts in this story and I loved those parts.

The adult intimate scenes between Butch and Marissa I would describe as the 'sweet & steamy' variety.

Awesome!
Breathless... ( )

I had been waiting for Butch's book and I was not disappointed. Not quite sure why the non-vampire cop in a vampire series ended up being one of my favs but... he did! His love interest also became my favorite female character- which is something since normally I don't care for the sweet and proper types. They're usually boring but Marissa just captured me- you can't hate her.

The story was good though I felt the "of couuuuuurse that happens" moment a few times. Butch will be a bigger player now in the series (woo) and the WHY of it all is very cool.

As always, a great read and I look forward to picking up the next in the series ( )

reread 2/21/22:

i love butch and marissa but the two of them are always so frustrating. for the love of god speak to each other ( )