BDB Book Club: Lover Eternal Discussion

This month's book club centers on the second installment, Rhage's book: Lover Eternal!

1. On a scale from 1-5, what would you rate this book? Briefly tell us why.

I rate this book a 5 all the way!  I have a Godzilla sized crush on Rhage on top of the fact that JR Ward's writing is spectacular.  See my prior review here.

2. Did you have any preconceived notions about this book given that we knew it would be from the point of view of a different brother?

I like the different views.  At first, I was worried that the magic of the first wouldn't be matched; however, the views already change so much within each novel that I did not worry much about the focus moving to another brother.  Rhage intrigued me in the first book, I am a lover of the smart ass so I highly anticipated a novel just about him. :)

3. What did you think of Rhage's transformations?

Holy boatloads of killer bees!  The Scribe Virgin never ceases to surprise me on how fast she flies up on the bitch-o-meter.  Seriously, she only gets better as the novels progress...

4. What did you think of Rhage and Mary's first encounter at the Brother's house?  Did you foresee a relationship forming after this meeting?

The first encounter was a bit creepy.  Honestly in the grand scheme of things, I never really liked Mary.  She seemed very weak and lacked a shred of confidence in the beginning.  As the novel continued, I started to like her more but she definitely is not a favorite of mine.  I figured a relationship would come out of the two of them simply because this is a romance novel; however, did I find them compatible in that moment, not really.

5. Ward seems to like forcing her characters to make some hard choices.  What did you think of Rhage's choice to save Mary at the end of the book?  Would you do the same for someone you loved?

I completely admired Rhage's decision.  I would one hundred percent do the same thing without a second thought.

6. Do you think John will become a brother after his transformation?

Yes, the foreshadowing definitely points that way.  The brotherhood could use some more new blood!

7. Do you think Bella will become Zsadist's shellan?  What, if anything, do you think this will do to Phury and Zsadist's relationship as a result given that Phury showed mild interest in Bella as well?

Zsadist deserves a compassionate and steadfast shellan, both qualities that I think Bella embodies completely.  I think Bella will be a point of contention between the two brothers; however, with the celibacy claim that Phury has undertaken and his martyr attitude around his twin, I don't think Phury would outright fight for Bella.

Zsadist's book is next!  Come back in June for the next book club!

~Helena

BDB Book Club: Dark Lover Discussion

This is a tad late...but life got the better of me recently.  So without further ado, here are my answers to the discussion for the first book of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series: Dark Lover by JR Ward.


1. On a scale from 1-5, what would you rate this book? Briefly tell us why.

I would rate it a 4 out of 5.  See our review here for the reasoning behind the rating!

2. What did you think of the alternating point of views (Darius, Beth, Butch, Wrath, Marissa, Mr. X, Havers...)?

I love stories where we get a rounded and complete view of the plot line and setting.  Marissa is not my favoirte character; I pretty much loathe her in all honesty.  She strikes me as weak and so I tend to skim over her parts.  The whole drama with the Omega and Mr X really intrigues me...the whole keep your friends close but your enemies closer lol.  I really liked hearing from all the other characters and was deeply saddened that Darius' part was cut so short.

3. What did you think of the new language Ward created? (i.e. Shellan, Princeps, Doggen, etc.) Did it help pull you into the story or distract you?

The language helps build the world.  None of the terms are too far out there for me.  Once I feel like I can't pronounce them or that they all sounds the same, is when I lose focus in a novel.  Neither of which occurs for me with this series.  I also love the snide slang terms and phrases that each brother uses; they make me giggle like a little school girl!

4. We all know that this series is Paranormal Romance -- and we all know that's the good stuff, however, did you feel that Beth and Wrath moved a little too quickly in the beginning? How did you feel about these events given what had happened to Beth the night before?

Yes!  I was put off by Beth jumping in the saddle that fast after her almost rape.  The connection that they share is well developed and the level of intense loyalty/love helps smooth it over with the reader, but it was still a bit of a shock.

5. What did you think of Zsadist's surprise singing abilities?

I love that Z has a soft 'angelic' center...just like a Rolo!  Hehe!

6. How about that offer Havers made Zsadist in the end? Did you think Zsadist would do it? Do you think Havers punishment for this incident (or lack thereof) was fair?

Havers' offer was a display of pure cowardice.  If he was so upset about how he thought his sister was treated, why didn't he bring it up to Wrath himself?  I did think Zsadist might choose to go through with Havers' suggestion.  All we know about Zsadist from the first part of the book is how violent and void of emotion he is.  Havers' deserved a real punishment.  I don't necessarily think he should have been put to death, but simply brushing it under the table is crap. (yes that was putting it eloquently)

7. What did you think of Darius' decision to come back from The Fade, but never again know his daughter? What would you have done given the same choice?

Darius obviously wants to be close to his daughter, to be able to protect her from harm.  I find this to be a noble and just cause.  This speaks completely true to character, what little of an impression we got to have before the explosion.  At the same time, if he never gets to know his daughter, then isn't the whole purpose of his returning a moot point?  If I could be certain that I would get to be around my loved one, then I would definitely do it.  It would be hard to lose those memories; however, if I got them back when I finally did pass into the Fade, I would be more willing to go through with it.

8. Compare the Brotherhood Books (on first impression) to other vampire series that you've read. Is is better or worse and how so?

There really isn't another series that I have found that compares.  I adore it, the characters are well built, the world is amazing, and the action/emotions are fiercely intense.  In recent installments, the novels have more of an urban fantasy edge to them than the typical paranormal romance; but, I like my novels with more of an edge and less of the funny fluff, so it fits me perfectly!  I have heard that Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed series is similar; however, I have not picked up on that series yet...though it is on the TBR pile.

 ~Helena

Finished!

I just completed the 24 hour Read-A-Thon!  It was a blast but I am beyond exhausted.  Here are my totals:

Total time read: 8 hours 46 min
Total pages read: 377 pages
Total time cheerleading: 1 hour
Total mini challenges entered: 22
Prizes won: 1
Total books completed: 1

I will definitely be ready to do this again in October!  For now, I will sleep.  Night fellow readers!  Gold stars to you all and a special thanks to all the people that made this event a reality!

~Helena

End of Hour 24 Update

Holy crab apples!  I made it! :D  Now it is time for glorious sleep!

Current book: Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

Time spent reading since last update: 48 min
Total time: 8 hours 46 min
Pages read since last update: 32 pages
Total pages read: 377

Mini challenges completed this hour: End Survey
Total mini challenges completed: 22
Books completed: 1
Prizes won: 1 (YAY!!! Jumps up and down!)


Random joy:

~Helena

End of Readathon Survey

For the last hour's challenge, there is a survey about our experiences.

1. Which hour was most daunting for you?

Probably hours 21-23 were the worst; I hit a brick wall

2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?

The Hunger Games, Harry Potter series

3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?

Everything was very well run.  The update posts were fast and organized.  Mini challenges were awesome.  I don't have any complaints.

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?

The mini challenges were really fun and varied.  Definitely helped break up the reading stints.

5. How many books did you read?

I only finished one, but I got a good bit of the way through my second.

6. What were the names of the books you read?

Lover Unleashed by JR Ward and Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

7. Which book did you enjoy most?

I adore both of them.  I highly anticipated the release of both for quite a few months lol.

8. Which did you enjoy least?

Not applicable

9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?

I cheered for one hour.  My strategy was to open up blogs in batches of five.  I wrote a jingle and used it for each blog.  It really is a pain though when comments are blocked or require verification.

10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?

I would love to participate again if it fits in my schedule!  I really enjoyed the mini challenges and cheering.  I hosted a challenge on my blog and LOVED it.  I would definitely be a host again hands down.  I didn't do near the amount of reading that I had anticipated but the majority of the fun is socializing anyways.

Ok one more hour to blast out!
~Helena

End of Hour 23 Update

Chugging along...only one more hour!

Current book: Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

Time spent reading since last update: 52 min
Total time: 7 hours 58 min
Pages read since last update: 36 pages
Total pages read: 345

Mini challenges completed this hour: Referral challenge
Total mini challenges completed: 21
Books completed: 1



Random joy:

~Helena

End of Hour 22 Update

Surfed other participants blogs instead of reading.  It amazes me how many of us are still up!

Current book: Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

Time spent reading since last update: 0 min
Total time: 7 hours 6 min
Pages read since last update: 0 pages
Total pages read: 309

Mini challenges completed this hour: Book Trailer
Total mini challenges completed: 20
Books completed: 1



Random joy:

~Helena

Book Trailer Challenge

For this challenge, we are asked to post a book trailer of our choosing.

Here is mine:

I actually wrote a review of Wither by Lauren DeStefano if you are interested. :)

~Helena

End of Hour 21 Update

I cheated and took a nap.  I am not sure if I will be reading anymore, but I will make it up to finish the last couple challenges!

Current book: Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

Time spent reading since last update: 0 min
Total time: 7 hours 6 min
Pages read since last update: 0 pages
Total pages read: 309

Mini challenges completed this hour: Picture challenge
Total mini challenges completed: 19
Books completed: 1



Random joy:

~Helena

Picturrific Challenge

For this challenge, you find and post a picture that is related to the book you are currently reading. 

I am currently reading, Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione.  This book centers around the story of the four horsemen of the apocalypse.  Hence my picture:

~Helena

End of Hour 20 Update

Four hours left!  My head feels like it is floating above my shoulders right now lol.

Current book: Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

Time spent reading since last update: 27 min
Total time: 7 hours 6 min
Pages read since last update: 16 pages
Total pages read: 309

Mini challenges completed this hour: Bookish Humour and Movie Madness
Total mini challenges completed: 18
Books completed: 1



Random joy:

~Helena

Bookish Humour Challenge

No problem, I have been posting random pictures/cartoons every hour with my updates.  So if anyone is interested in more laughs, do check them out.

~Helena

End of Hour 19 Update

Enjoyed the character crush challenge!  Twitter is keeping me going right now.  You guys are fantastic, keep up the reading, only 5 more hours!

Current book: Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

Time spent reading since last update: 26 min
Total time: 6 hours 39 min
Pages read since last update: 12 pages
Total pages read: 293

Mini challenges completed this hour: Character Crush
Total mini challenges completed: 16
Books completed: 1

Random joy:

~Helena

End of Hour 18 Update

So tired...duct tapes eyes lol.  In other news, my slow, easily distracted butt finally finished a book!  Congrats to me! *dances and prances*

Current book: Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

Time spent reading since last update: 33 min
Total time: 6 hours 13 min
Pages read since last update: 22 pages
Total pages read: 281

Mini challenges completed this hour: Classic + Paranormal Smash (by the lovely Lily Ghates)
Total mini challenges completed: 15
Books completed: 1 (YAY!)

Random joy:

~Helena

Congrats to our Mini Challenge Winner!

The winner of our character theme song challenge is:

nfmgirl

Please email us at: vampsrus(at)gmail(dot)com to discuss claiming your prize!  We will furnish you with one book through book depository up to 20 USD!

Congrats and thanks so much for all the participation!

~Helena

End of Hour 17 Update

Ugh these hours are hitting pretty hard!  Got a tad distracted helping teach my father how to work netflix through the wii...entertainment at its finest ;p

Current book: Lover Unleashed by JR Ward

Time spent reading since last update: 27 min
Total time: 5 hours 40 min
Pages read since last update: 15 pages
Total pages read: 259

Mini challenges completed this hour: none
Total mini challenges completed: 14


Random joy:

~Helena

End of Hour 16 Update

Another cup of coffee downed, another one brewing.  This is the point that I can definitively say my reserves are starting to run dry.  Must keep reading...

Current book: Lover Unleashed by JR Ward

Time spent reading since last update: 38 min
Total time: 5 hours 13 min
Pages read since last update: 25 pages
Total pages read: 244

Mini challenges completed this hour: none (my brain is frying, might not be doing many that require any thought ;p)
Total mini challenges completed: 14

Random joy:

~Helena

End of Hour 15 Update

Really enjoying all the responses to my challenge!  Keep up the reading guys!  We are on the home stretch :)

Current book: Lover Unleashed by JR Ward

Time spent reading since last update: 37 min
Total time: 4 hours 35 min
Pages read since last update: 24 pages
Total pages read: 219

Mini challenges completed this hour: Character Theme Song
Total mini challenges completed: 14

Random joy:

~Helena

End of Hour 14 Update

Current book: Lover Unleashed by JR Ward

Time spent reading since last update: 23 min
Total time: 3 hours 58 min
Pages read since last update: 14 pages
Total pages read:195

Mini challenges completed this hour: Book Title Sentences
Total mini challenges completed: 13

Random joy:

~Helena

Hour 15 Mini Challenge

Wow!  I can hardly believe we have made it to hour 15 already!  This calls for a celebration and a MINI CHALLENGE...don don donnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.

So without further ado...

That's right folks!  

Pick a character from one of the books you have read during the "thon" and tell us what their theme song would be (include song and artist).  

Leave your choice in a comment on this post.  After three hours, the polls will close and I will choose a winner with the help of random.org.  I will post the winner here and they will also be posted on the official readathon page; with instructions on how to claim your spoils [email me at vampsrus(at)gmail(dot)com].

What is this gift, you ask?  I am offering a book of your choice up to $20 (USD) from The Book Depository. Please check the list of countries they ship to here.  So start your entries! :)

My character is Xcor from Lover Unleashed by JR Ward (the only book that I have gotten to so far; I get distracted easily lol).  His theme song is most definitely "Bodies" by Drowning Pool.

~Helena

PS - After you complete the challenge, stick around a while.  Comment on the entries of other participants, visit other entries on this blog, follow me through google connect or twitter if you are interested.  I love meeting and chatting with fellow readers/bloggers and authors! :)