Let me start off by making it clear that I'm a fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I feel like I know the brothers, and enjoy catching up with them and watching their progress in the war against the Lessers. But despite the fact that I'm a fan, this book was a disappointment and I don't think it lived up to the rest of the series.

This was supposed to be Rehvenge's story, yet there were too many other storylines screaming for attention. There was Wrath's struggle with being king, the John Matthew and Xhex will-they/won't-they dance, Lash dealing with the Lessers, and even a plot cooked up by some of the Glymera. I found myself skipping over parts trying to find Rehvenge and Ehlena's part of the story.

As much as I love Wrath and John Matthew, Wrath already had his turn and John Matthew's story should be coming out sooner or later. There were too many distractions and not enough time spent on the two main characters. I felt cheated, and a little outraged on Rehvenge's behalf! *L*

Because of all of the side stories and distractions, I only gave this one 3 out of 5 stars. I'm glad I borrowed it from the library instead of buying it, as it was a little on the disappointing side. ( )

Lover Avenged is Rehv and Ehelena's story. The story was woven with tons of action. I found myself feeling sorry for the life Rehv endured. Ward revitalized the series with this book. If she had continued as she did in Lover Enshrined, her entire vampire world would have been doomed. ( )

I finished reading Rehv's book a few days ago. I had plans to take it slow and savor it, but that never works as planned. I finished it in about three days, the story really sucked me in and I loved every mintue. There is something about each brother I like and I've enjoy all the books. While Zsadist has always been my favorite brother, I think Lover Avenged is the best story in the series.

Once's again there are different plots going on. Lassiter and Tohr were great. It was also nice that we got to see more of Wrath and Beth. Even though the brothers & their Shellens appear in the other books I feel Wrath and Beth have been pushed out of the picture alot.

I was never a big fan of Rehv's but this book really made me like him. The development between Rehv and Ehlena was sweet, tempting and very sexy. The only things that I didn't really like were the Lessers (sorry but they bore me to no end). Then there is John Matthew. I don't like the turn his character has taken. But I assume and hope the issues will get resolved in future books. Other than those two factors I felt the book was solid and a great read. ( )

Overall I liked this book, but....I agree with other people who've read it who say that it's more of a fantasy/action book than a typical paranormal romance. There is a love story in it - and the main couple interact beautifully. For me the main themes in this book are love, lies vs. reality, and personal growth. To me it was like typical J.R. Ward with a dash of "Lord of the Rings". My husband read it after I did and really liked it, but he said it had the action pace of "24" - like he expected an hourly countdown to appear at the beginning of each chapter. ( )

Through its various faults the Black Dagger Brotherhood is a series that I still continue to follow. The complex plots and sometimes heartbreaking characters are what keep me coming back for more. Rehvenge I found to be an interesting character in the other books. Because he is not himself part of the Brotherhood I wanted to see how his story would tie into the series.Like the other books, Lover Avenged is a multiple plot book. In this book the parts really added up to a better whole story then the last couple books.

Rehvenge is half vampire and half sympath, a secret he pays dearly to keep. As the last male in his family he has always felt that he needed be the protector of his family. He wants to keep his mother and sister living well and to pay to keep his secret hidden. He runs his business life with an iron fist running his clubs and selling drugs and women. I had a hard time deciding whether Rehvenge was acting completely out of character or if the effect that Ehlena had on him really changed him so much when they were together. But in previous books he has shown a gentler side, especially with his mother and sister Bella. He shows a different side of himself when he is with Ehlena, romantic and thoughtful.

Ehlena is a do-gooder nurse who always puts others before herself. Her father suffers from mental illness and Ehlena has been taking care of him. She wants to do the right thing, even when it comes to Rehv. Rehv and Ehlena have a sweetly romantic relationship. One thing that bothered me is that some of their interection is over the phone and at times felt like they were in junior high. Not a lot of time is spent on the couple but their connection was a lot more believable than others. I enjoyed the dynamic of the good nurse and the man with nothing but trouble.

The Sympaths are a different species related to the vampires. They have the ability to manipulate emotions in others. The Sympaths in this book are disturbing and bizaar. I can only sympathize with Rehv for having to be a part of them and having to deal with them is such an awful way. Some of the parts with Rehv’s blackmailer are uncomfortable to read. It almost feels over the top, written for the shock value.

One of the secondary plots is about Wrath, the king. He is out fighting again when he shouldn’t be and it causes a lot of tension with his mate, Beth. He has always had problems with his eyesight and in this book he has to take a dramatic life change. It was nice to have glimpses from Wrath and to know that his story is still ongoing.

The other major plot line in this book is with John Matthew. He is fascinated with the badass female, Xhex, who works with Rehv. This book puts John into even more emotional turmoil. He has always been one of my favorites so his personal struggle in this book was saddening. His book is up next so I know his issues will be dealt with. Things have to get worse before they can get better. Xhex I’ve never liked. In fact when Ward announced she would be mated to John I was ready to never read their story. She is a strong woman but I’ve never been into reading butch female characters. This book changed my mind. The depth of her emotions are put on display in this book. Her struggles with her past and her sympath side are described in more detail. I cared about her in this book and that’s saying a lot. I’m excited for what their story will be.

The usual things that I don’t like about this series are present in this book too. The over the top language, label name dropping and character names, but as a follower of the series I just move on to the good stuff. This was a good installment of the series. You get to learn about the Sympath community which it seems will play an important roll later on. Even though this book isn’t focused on a member of the Brotherhood it has enough impact andinvolvement with the Brothers to be a good addition. ( )