This installment  is focused mostly on Rhage and Mary, but of course with any BDB book, the other characters are also featured and there are some other side stories going.  But I felt that this one was more focused on the relevant story lines even though there were still multiple points of view as opposed to some of the more recent books. There seemed to be fewer points of view and the chapters or sections seemed shorter so you did not get stuck in a story for too long, but by the same token sometimes it made for quick transitions that left you hanging for a bit until their time came around again. There were a couple of new additions and side stories that became more relevant as we learned more about them, but for the most part this was about the core BDB.

This one starts out and goes right into some serious action. Rhage is feeling edgy and restless and not sure why. And despite a dire warning form his brother, Rhage refuses to back down from danger and it ends up in a potentially disastrous situation. This brings out some really tense moments, mayhem, fear, emotions, and some surprises.

I adore Rhage. He is like a big, sexy, strong, sweet, loyal teddy bear...so he  kind of turns into a raging dragon beast, but even the beast responds positively to Mary and is like a big lap dog. I love his relationship and reverence of Mary. I loved getting to know more about him in this one and seeing some vulnerability and insecurities. I fell for him even more.

Mary is determined, fearless, and his perfect match. She can handle both sides of him. But she is sometimes plagued with her own self doubts and things she secretly thinks about. Recent events put Rhage and Mary into a place where they can talk about hidden issues that have been bothering them and have been causing some distance. And it opens up new possibilities for them.  But due to their history, they also have some challenges to face together and I really loved how the story line progressed.

Most of the other brothers and their mates are back, some featured more heavily than others: V, Jane, Blay, Quinn, Layla, Wrath, and Lassiter were stand outs. Although some of those less than desirable side characters like Assail and Xcor are also in the mix. Layla's story does finally see some progress and V is having some internal struggles to deal with as well. There are some new characters that are introduced that I believe will continue to be relevant in later installments.

Some of their challenging situations are more like the trials and tribulations of working vampires. It deals with normal everyday things like relationship ruts, communication, personal wants and needs, and fulfillment. But their world has that added sense of mystery, magic, and secrets that  could become an issue if the humans get too close to the truth. And they of course still have enemies both against the vampire race and also against the BDB and King.

This was over 500 pages long, but I did not feel like I needed to skim it like I have in some of the more recent books. Although it could have probably been cut down some and had the same effect. I admit I got a little distracted, especially in the beginning, by all of of the pop culture references and some of that seemed overdone or uncharacteristic of the brothers. But overall I felt like it was getting back more into the heart of this series--the bond of the brothers, the connections with their shellans, and the sense of family and loyalty. I love their dynamics and teasing, taunting banter, but I also appreciate the fact that they would lay down their lives for each other.

I had such a happy smile on my face from  some of the happenings in this book. But there are still stories building and evolving. It definitely had some tense and precarious moments. It had humor, action, passion, and emotional turmoil. Overall this felt more like the older BDB books with the core group and I enjoyed spending more time with them again. 

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. 

J. R. Ward 

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J.R. Ward is a #1 New York Times bestselling author with more than 15 million novels in print published in 25 different countries around the world. Ward is a graduate of Smith College who currently lives in Kentucky. Before turning to writing full time, she worked as a lawyer in Boston and also spent many years working as Chief of Staff for one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation.