748 reviews for:

Lover Avenged

J.R. Ward

4.14 AVERAGE


no Butch,,, but Wrath <3
adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

 This is turning into some Game of Thrones drama.

This book really makes you empathize with Rehvenge. He already had a hard start at life with the circumstances of his conception.

And I wish it was better explained what happened exactly with Ehlena's family that made them become so poor and fall from the glymera.

Otherwise, they're perfect for each other. She will never let him get away with being so mouthy like he usually does, and I think that's good for him. 
adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

4/5 stars

"You keep showing up here? Being who you are?" There was a pause. "I'm going to fall in love with you."


This was amazing! This series is the gift that keeps on giving and I am well and truly hooked! Lover Avenged didn't just give us the angst, heartache and love from one relationship...but THREE. I fell in love with the main characters but I also grew to love old character as they went through new heartbreaking experiences. This book had so many great aspects but nothing can top my love for Rhevenge right now, he was by far the best part of this book!

Rehvenge normally keeps himself away from the BDB business, especially when the business has to do with his Sympath identity. The BDB and his close friends are the only people who know about his true identity since his life would be endangered otherwise. Rhev has come to terms with being a Sympath, but he cannot accept the sacrifices he has to make because of it. He is blackmailed into acting like a whore to the Sympath princess, and this knowledge plagues him daily. Now that this side of his life is threatening to endanger those he loves, Rhev may have to sacrifice his own existence for those around him.

The only reason that Rhev finally wants to get clear of his old life is Ehlena. Ehlena is a nurse at Havers' clinic and has treated Rhev on numerous occasions. She is deeply intrigued by the mysterious man that she treated and grows to care for him more and more when he refuses treatment. She doesn't quite understand why she cares so much for his health, but Ehlena just can't seem to stay away, even if Rhev seems dangerous. What Ehlena didn't expect was the vulnerability underneath Rhev's tough exterior.

“It’s simple. I don’t think you should date anyone.” Rehv moved in even closer, until he could see the flecks of gold in her eyes. “But I’m not just anyone.”


This book was an excellent instalment in the series and had heaps of stuff going on. Seriously, there were so many new stories and revelations that intertwined with each other. There were at least three main romances being showcased , and each one was super interesting and intriguing. Of course, I enjoyed Rhev and Ehlena's the most, but I also cannot wait until I read more about Xhex and John because that relationship is so angsty and explosive. I loved the entertainment and excitement that all of these storyline brought, but I also wished that there wasn't so much going on because I would have liked to focus on each story separately. Each story packed an emotional punch (especially Beth and Wrath), but I think it would have been even more impactful if there wasn't so much going on at once. For example, I hated reading about the Lessers and I think that their chapters distracted from our main characters.

Rhev and Ehlena's relationship was one of the best from the whole series. From the start, they had this sort of explosive connection that sent sparks flying off the pages. I revelled in every moment that they were together and absolutely loved their dynamic. I especially loved that they both chased and supported one another. It was not a one sided relationship and both parties invested. Ehlena helped Rhev through his problems whilst Rhev did the same for her it was such a beautiful and supportive relationship that they had. Even thinking about it now brings butterflies to my stomach, they were just so cute together. They had a very angst-filled build up to their relationship and just got better and better as the story progressed. My heart was practically beating out of my chest, that's how emotional and angsty their story was.

“No matter what you wear... to me, you will always have diamonds on the soles of your shoes.”


I have fallen head-over-heals in love with Rhevenge. I think he is one of the most complex and intriguing characters of this whole series. I became so intrigued by his unique storyline earlier in the series, but this book just fed my fire. Rhev is definitely a morally grey kind of guy, being a drug lord as well as a sweet and sacrificial boyfriend makes him both loveable and dangerous. He had a very badass and rough exterior, but he was also deep,y scarred and very vulnerable. There were times in this book that just broke my heart because Rhev didn't going highly of himself. I really just wanted to give him a hug so many times, but I also think he wouldn't appreciate that. To be honest, all of the main characters are amazing and I praise them in every review, but Rhev just stood out to me as being extra fantastic!

I don't think I can praise JR Ward more than I already have, but I'm going to try anyway. She has written the best paranormal stories that I have ever read and I think that she is truly talented. I think that her work is amazing and all of her characters are so well developed and loveable. This series has quickly become one of my favourite series of all time! I can't believe that I have only started reading them this year!

“Life is such a glorious trauma, is it not?”



Lover Avenged seemed to jump around a lot less than the last book, which was good. I kind of feel like as the books go on there is less and less "romance" in them as well...I hope it picks up again! I loved the relationship between Rehvenge and Ehlena, it's nice to see him have someone. It is kind of weird that there will be no more ZeroSum for the brotherhood to hang out at though. I Can't wait to read the next one to find out what happened to Xhex and if Wrath ever gets his sight back.

The seventh installment of the series focuses on Rehvenge, and sets some background for John Matthew and Xhex's story. The plot/story was pretty good, and I liked the writing better than the sixth book. I'm losing interest in the series (or maybe the genre in general) because I don't feel the same connection with the newer characters.
challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I’m working my way through another reread of J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series, and I’m glad to be back with the OG characters again. Rehvenge and Elena’s book has always been a favorite, and Rehvenge will forever be one of my top fave MMCs in this fictional world that J.R. created.

Storyline/My Thoughts: I’ve always felt strongly for Rehvenge since he was first introduced in the series. He came off as the bad guy/antihero due to what he did for a living, but he also had another side that I knew eventually would come out whenever we learned more about him. J.R. Ward gave her readers his POV several times in other books leading up to his won full-length book, which is why I was fully invested in Rehvenge and learning more about his character. 

In Lover Avenged, Rehvenge is approached by Montrag (a part of the higher vampire council) to take out the King of the vampires because Montrag knows only Rehvenge can do it due to the warriors always protecting the King. The issue is Montrag has no clue that Rehvenge is close to the BDB due to his sister. Rehvenge is the MMC in the BDB series that you don’t want to cross with, especially when he has people working for him that are loyal only to him, and he’s loyal to them, too. I loved the twists and turns happening with this particular storyline, and I did fear at the beginning that Rehvenge would go after Wrath, the King of the race who happens to be my book husband since he stole my heart first before Rehvenge. Rehvenge, though will forever be my fave antihero and one of my book boyfriends I’ve collected since I started reading romance years ago. I love those who come off as villains but secretly are heroes in their own way and will burn the world to save you and who they love, and that is exactly who Rehvenge was in Lover Avenged. 

The question was who would be the lucky-fated female to deal with Rehvenge since he’s not fully vampire and has another side of him that is forbidden to the vampire race. (J.R. Ward goes into more detail in this book, too.) I thought Beth, Mary, and Jane were strong lead FMCs in the series, but Ehlena topped them in her own way. She was the perfect mate for Rehvenge because she was similar to him. Ehlena and Rehvenge had made sacrifices in the name of love and family, where they both had to give up so much that they forgot they deserved happiness, too. Ehlena meets Rehvenge when he comes into Havers clinic, and she makes him a priority, especially when he isn’t taking care of himself. She has no clue who Rehvenge is and what he does for a living, but she immediately feels for him and wants him to care for himself, even when she should take her own advice. 

Ehlena and Rehvenge were equally stubborn and perfect in every way to be together. I loved reading their slow burn. I didn’t enjoy the two characters’ breakup, but I knew it was necessary. Rehvenge loved Ehlena and didn’t want to put her in danger, so he sacrificed his love for her to do what he thought was right. No spoilers from me on this one; just know that there is a bigger villain in this story that has been targeting Rehvenge for years, and I couldn’t stand this person. 

J.R. Ward doesn’t just give us the main characters’ storylines; she gives us sneak peeks of other storylines that are coming, plus what is happening with previous characters. You’ll get John Matthew and Xhex’s POVs and what is happening between these two. A lot of push and pull is happening, and I’m here for it when it comes to JM and Xhex. There’s also POV regarding Wrath, the King of the vampire race, and not just with Montrag wanting him unalived. Something significant happened to him that made me tear full when I read the scenes between him and Beth. Those two will always be a fave in the series, and I love that J.R. Ward continues to give us their POVs, even if it’s heartbreaking. 

Overall, this book gets five stars from me and will always be a favorite in the series. Rehvenge and Ehlena’s love story is one that was epic, and it was a great addition to the BDB series. 

Standalone or Part of Series: It’s part of the BDB series and I recommend reading in order.

Steam/Spice: 🌶 🌶.5

Genre/SubGenre(s)/Trope(s)/Element(s): Romance | Paranormal Romance | Fated Mates | Vampire Romance | Slow Burn Romance | Nurse/Patient | Alpha MMC | Antihero | Kickbutt FMC

Would I recommend this book/series? Yes. I recommend this book/series to readers who enjoy Paranormal Romances with Vampires/Warriors and their fearless heroines who fall for them.

LOOOOVVVEEEDDDD ITTT! :)

It was a good book I enjoyed reading. I really love Ehlena she is an amazing woman. Rev is s great guy but I have to say Ehlena was my favorite character in this book. I liked it.

*4.5*

LOVE!! Ahh I loved the romance with Ehlena and Rehv!! It was such a slowburn and I loved their connection! I enjoyed this was a lot more than Phury’s book, but it still was a bit slow at times for me. I don’t know if that’s because I was so busy with the holidays but I felt like this one took a while for me to finish! I really enjoyed the moments between Wrath and Beth as well and I’m so happy they have George!! I’m so excited for John Matthews book! He broke my heart i this one and I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen between him and Xhex!