Lover Revealed

Black Dagger Brotherhood #4

by J.R. Ward

Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard-living ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world—to engage in the turf war with the lessers. He's got nothing to lose. His heart belongs to a female vampire, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. If he can't have Marissa, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers...

Fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, he's found by a miracle, and the Brotherhood calls on Marissa to bring him back. But even her love may not be enough to save him...

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Adult

455 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 6, 2007

About the author

J.R. Ward is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. She lives in the South her family.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the 4th book in The Black Dagger Brotherhood and the story focused on Butch and Marissa. I think it could be subtitled I Know Why the Caged Pet Sings - primarily because Butch has pampered pet syndrome and Marissa has sort of the same thing going on with her sudden ejection from the glymera.

Here is my shortened version of the book:
Butch: “My name is Butch and I feel like a cheap whore wearing clothes I didn’t buy and not paying rent and having no purpose in my life. My birth family hates me and my new-found family (the Brotherhood) can’t really except me because I am human and fragile. I think I will drink a lot and feel bad.”

Marissa: ”Hi Butch - My name is Marissa. I have been a virgin for 300 years and was rejected by the King as a lover - but thats ok. I was brought up in the elite aristocracy so I have really good manners - although I have panic attacks and feel really confined and trapped. I too am an outsider. Hey Butch - what’s that black crap coming out of you when you bleed?”

Butch: ”Well Marissa, I was taken by the lessers and tortured. Then the Omega showed up and cut me open and sealed a chunk of his finger in me so that now I am a freak that bleeds black goo. Lucky for me I have a weird vaguely homosexual bond with my roommate who has a glowing golden hand of power (uh hu) and when he touches me with it I feel a LOT better. Hey I know - Lets fool around! Ewwwww - my junk is black!“

Marissa: “It’s ok! I am a virgin so I don’t know how gross that is. Oh No! My brother saw us fooling around and now he is kicking me out! Where shall I go?!?! Oh I know - I will go live in the same complex as you so our relationship can develop.”

Butch: “Great idea! Then I can feel like a weak human when I can’t feed you but we can finally get rid of that pesky virginity you have been plagued with. When I perceive you rejecting me because nobody in these books can actually talk to each other honestly and openly until the last couple of chapters - then I will go kick some ass in the field to prove my loyalty to the Brotherhood. I learned this neat new trick where I suck the soul out of a lesser and then I go to my roommate for some quality time with his golden hand for healing.”

Vishous: “I am the tortured roommate. I am sad and mysterious and I have strange feelings for my roommate and his chicka Marissa. I also like long walks in dark alleys and kinky sex in my secret apartment that everyone knows about. I used to have visions but I don’t now - I just have a bad dream every night and I am going a little crazy....Butch - Are you sure you are a human?”

Butch: “ Well I think I am but lately I have been acting kind of vampy. Maybe I am Wrath’s cousin and you guys could turn me into a Vampire and then I could join the Brotherhood and feel like my life has purpose and meaning?”

Marissa: ”But I find that frightening! What if you die?!?! Oh wait. I can’t ask you to live a shallow half life like I did. Ok - You can be a vampire and a Brother.”

Butch: “Cool. And we eventually worked everything out so now we are good!”

John: “And my life is mentioned here and there and it still sucks really bad but at least they still pay a little attention to me. Maybe once they get through all the Brothers they will devote a book to me too. I have this great secret that I sometimes vaguely remember.....”

[Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Butch The Dhestroyer Stars



Spoilers

First read 2014
Reread 3/28/2017

When I lie this close to you, when I smell your scent, when I hear your voice, I know everything that matters." She looked down the length of him. "You are the male I want to mate with. That's who you are."-Marissa

J.R. Ward did it again. Lover Revealed is another riveting book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series. It has it all, a bumpy but beautiful love story, a damaged hero finding his way, a naive sheltered heroine finding herself, and loyal friends so close they're family. Butch/Dhestroyer and Marissa's book had so much going on, so many unexpected twists in it I never got bored. Butch was such a sweetheart. He was so gentle and tender with Marissa. Protective, loyal, brave, charming, and strong Butch was everything a hero should be. I loved his special friendship with V. Loved the fact that he would have died before betraying the brothers and their shellans. Butch had a sad backstory and I was so glad that he found his home with the brothers. Marissa grew a lot in this book. She started out timid, very naive, and insecure. I loved how she found her backbone. She found her true calling helping others and she stood up for herself. What I didn't like was there was a few times she wasn't very supportive of Butch's role in the Brotherhood. I know she was scared of losing him but she could have stood by her man more. Of course she turns it around and redeems herself, but I just wish she would have had his back from the start.

"It's not just the sex. I can't stand the idea of someone else's blood in her. I want to feed her. I want to keep her alive."-Butch



"I won't lie. I'm scared. But I don't want to turn my back on you and you're a fool to try and make me."-Marissa

Butch and Marissa were so cute together. Butch was so nurturing with Marissa. Always telling how much he wanted her and how beautiful she was. Which Marissa really needed to hear because everyone treated her so badly. Marissa loved Butch and saw his worth and strength when he felt weak because he was human for half the book. I loved the way Beth befriended Marissa in this book and how her and Wrath were there for Marissa when her worthless brother Havers threw her out 30 mins before dawn. There was a lot of Z in this book and that always makes me happy. There was this part with Z and Bella where Z is chasing Bella through the Mansion playfully, catching her, biting her and dragging her off to make love. It was so cute I totally melted. Qhuinn was in this book, and the Qhuinn, Blay, and John friendship is formed. Butch becomes a vampire in this book in a freaking scary ass way and becomes a true Brother. Xhen, John Matthews' future shellan is in this book, but she hooked up with Butch which I really didn't like. There was also some more Rehv in this book and I like me some Rehv. There was too much time spent with the Lessers which is why instead of 5 stars I gave this book 4.5 stars but still a great book. Below my favorite moment in this book and yes it's from my Z!

The Brother's bonding scent filled the foyer, just as his low, lion like growl did. The male was all animal at the moment....a very sexual animal. "You like to be chased, nalla, " Z said in a voice so deep it distorted. Bella's smile got even wider as she backed up into a corner. "Maybe." "So run some more, why don't you." The words were dark and even John caught the erotic threat in them. Bella took off, darting around her mate, going for the billiards room. Z tracked her like prey, pivoting around, his eyes leveled on the female's streaming hair and graceful body. As his lips peeled off his fangs, the white canines elongated, protruding from his mouth. And they weren't the only response he had to his shellan. At his hips, pressing into the front of his leathers, was an erection the size of a tree trunk. Z shot John a quick glance and then went back to his hunt, disappearing into the room, the pumping growl getting louder. From out of the open doors, there was a delighted squeal, a scramble, a female's gasp, and then....nothing. He'd caught her. ......When Zsadist came out a moment later, he had Bella in his arms, her dark hair trailing down his shoulder as she lounged in the strength that held her. Her eyes locked on Z's face while he looked where he was going, her hand stroking his chest, her lips curved in a private smile. There was a bite mark on her neck, one that had very definitely not been there before, and Bella's satisfaction as she stared at the hunger in her hellren's face was utterly compelling.

[Alex is The Romance Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's crazy, I know that...but I can't help myself!!! I keep rereading this series over and over again and never get tired or bored with the books. It's become my book addiction...truly!!
Just as before...I love this couple. Butch & Marisa are just so well-suited (right,...what an old-fashioned word that is..but just so true!!)

I love this
One of my fav couples in this series.
And yes...I will read this book again...and again!!!!

2nd Review
Rereading due to my BDB SERIES CRAZE.....each waking hour of my day is filled with the world of the BDB.....and finishing this book I was even more crazy for these two...Butch and Marissa....and V's little obsession for B and his kinky sex life didn't irritate me as much....still love the guy though....he's such a BADASS.....I have rated this book 5 stars because I found myself enthralled by this story than before...
so onto the next book........

1st Review
After meeting Butch O’Neil, a tired, hard drinking, burnt-out cop and Marissa, an aristocratic vampire in the first book of this series, Dark Lover, I was looking forward to reading their story.
I love Butch….his love for designer clothes, his relationship with the Brotherhood – he has given up his old life and since discovering their secret when he helped Wrath and his wife Beth, is living with the warriors. I like the interaction between human and vampire. He becomes very close to Vishous…..whilst I liked the bond the two had I really didn’t want them to become lovers…I became a bit irritated by the romantic feelings Vishous displayed towards Butch….I wanted Butch to finally get the girl he craved for…Marissa. Thankfully he does…although I do like Vishous….don’t get me wrong.
Butch and Marissa have to overcome so many obstacles before the finally get together…..the interference by her brother, his capture and torture by the Lessers, his turning into a vampire not knowing if he would survive it. Marissa is a kind, innocent woman who finally meets the man who changes her life.
Their story is tender and warm….at times I did want to feel more passion and intensity between the two….I mean….the scenes between Butch and Vishous…geez …hot and sexy………..but as I said before…..I am glad the author changed her mind….and we did not have a Butch & Vishous couple!!!!!! I am sure we will get a story about two warriors in love in the future.
And wow ….the characters…Omega, The Scribe Virgin…. I liked reading more about John, Revhenge…what a fab guy….bad and gorgeous…Xhex…what an amazing character…was reminded of Xenia, the woman warrior……can’t wait to read their stories!!!!

[Emily May · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm more than a little embarassed to say that it took four whole 500+ page books of this series to get me to see them for what they really are. It was mr sweet, troubled loner (Zsadist) that screwed with my head and had me hoping this series would blow my mind in a similar way to the Fever series (I know how surprised you must be seeing as I rarely mention Mac Lane, Barrons or Karen Marie Moning ¬_¬ ).

I'll just explain what I mean by the Zsadist thingy. So I read Dark Lover and really liked it, the novel had all the necessary components of good urban fantasy and paranormal romance: strong heroine, hot supernatural guy (even if he was called Wrath and liked to wear biker leathers) and just generally dark paranormal mystery goodness. So, naturally, I then read Lover Eternal and got a whole lot of the same... in exactly the same way... with a guy (Rhage) who's character was nothing but a pretty, blond version of Wrath. But, hey, Ward is a good writer and the series is so popular that I was blinded into thinking that either a) Lover Eternal is an excusable one-off, or b) The problem was my own for not 'getting' the awesomeness. And, of course, Ward held my attention with some slight hints at Zsadist's past. Now, this is what I mean about Zsadist screwing with my mind... he is the one character of the Brotherhood who is completely different, unique and interesting. I gave Lover Awakened 5 stars because of him and I rarely give 5 stars. I stand by it too, because I still think he is J.R.Ward's greatest achievement of this series.

So... my point? Zsadist threw me off-guard and gave me false hope, twice as much false hope as the unbelievably high ratings gave me. Books 1 + 2 = written well but practically the same plot, hot male, mystery story, etc, etc. Book 3 = blew my mind. Then *sigh* book 4 = written well but practically the same plot, hot male, mystery story, etc, etc. as the first two. Damn you, Ward, for making me read so far and keeping my hopes up. Damn you for managing to convince me that your novels were more than just carbon copies of one another (with the obvious exception of Lover Awakened).



Why are all your characters and storylines just clones of one another? You are obviously a talented writer, surely you could come up with something better? And, even more troubling a question, why the hell does everyone rave so much about this series? Hasn't something like number 9 just been released, god I couldn't imagine reading another 5 versions of the same book. Is it just me? Is this another Lord of the Rings scenario where I feel like I'm reading something different from everyone else? It's not as if I didn't want to like it, I really honestly did, but I couldn't - They. Are. All. The. Same.

I'll tell you what else seems to be the same: the romance story. All this stupid denial and obsession-at-first-sight (god, do I hate that!), why the hell can't two people actually build up a romance/love/relationship like they do in other books instead of having to take one look at each other and know it's meant to be - sorry, I'm not buying it.

I know I'm part of a ridculously small minority that doesn't like this series and I'm not blind to the many reasons why others might like it: hot men, smut, vamps in general... and so on. But I'm not taking it any further, I've had enough of this tiresome jumping from brother to brother and playing matchmaker, that isn't what I come to get out of urban fantasy. I'll leave my ratings for the others as they are because I can't be bothered editing the reviews to explain but I'm definitely done here.

[Blacky *Romance Addict* · Rating 5 out of 5]

"United by their clasped hands, they became again the two halves, the light and the dark. The Destroyer and the Savior. A whole."

I admit, the first time I read this book I gave it 4 stars. But after my re-read, I loved it so much that I had to change my rating to 5. Just an awesome book :)


The story


Butch is getting sick and tired of being on the outside when it came to the Brotherhood, and he jumps in the opportunity to save a civilian from the lessers.
That only gets him taken by the bad guys, tortured and eventually infected with evil by the Omega himself.
The Brothers get him to Havers' hospital, even though there seems to be little chance of him surviving.
Marissa finds out that Butch is sick and rushes in to see him, which gets her quarantined with him.
Her presence helps Butch recover, and they finally realise they both have feelings for each other.
But the evil is still inside him, and first he has to find a way to deal with it, and his life.

At the air lock, he looked back over his shoulder. “Don’t think I was the only reason he healed. You’re his light, Marissa. Don’t ever forget that.” The Brother’s eyes narrowed. “But here’s something to keep in mind. You ever hurt him on purpose and I will consider you my enemy.”

The story - It was very interesting, lots of cryptic things through the book that kept me guessing, and the ending was just amazing :))
Butch and the evil thing inside him was the main part of the story and it was very dark but I still loved it (more now than in my first read though).

The characters - There is a lot of John Matthew in this book, him dealing with Thor and Wellsie and everything :((((
Rehv and Xhex get some page time, and we learn some more about them, but mostly Rehv because of his involvement with Marissa.

The triangle - even though it's not really a triangle, it's more of Butch and Marissa, with Vishous watching on the outside.
Just have to say, the chemistry and intensity of emotion was more pronounced from V's side, and I wanted them together :((((
I liked Marissa, don't get me wrong, even her relationship with Butch was great at some points, they were a good couple, but I still wanted V/B more.

“Butch, let me help you.”
He cursed. “What if—”
“What ifs don’t cut it.” She took a deep breath. “I won’t lie. I’m scared. But I don’t want to turn my back on you and you’re a fool to try and make me.”

She is from the vampire aristocracy and doesn't know much about humans, or males for that matter.
Marissa was mated to Wrath for centuries, even though they never consummated their relationship, and she always though it was her problem that he didn't want her.
After Butch pushed her away, she blamed it on herself as well, thinking there is something wrong with her.
Now the glymera has basically outcast Marissa, and even her brother is ashamed of her.
After catching her and Butch in a compromising position, Havers throws her out, and she seeks refuge with the Brotherhood.
That, of course means seeing Butch all the time, and finally starting something between them.

“Baby…it’s going to be all right.” Thank God, she let him put his arms around her. “Baby—”
“I am so angry at you right now,” she said into his chest. “You’re an arrogant, prideful fool who’s breaking my heart.”
“I’m a man who wants to take care of his woman.”
“Like I said…a goddamned fool.”

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Marissa is... delicate. I don't know, From book 1 she just seemed that way to me :) Even though she got a little tough in this book, she is still a fragile female, not that I didn't like it or that it got on my nerves, that's just the way she seemed to me.
Her self-esteem is very low, for ages she thought there is something wrong with her, and she keeps thinking it every time Butch pushes her away.
About the no-fighting thing. Marissa doesn't want Butch to fight because she's afraid he'll get hurt or die when he's with the Brothers hunting.
I think she's the first female that feels this way and I'm glad cause it makes the whole thing very realistic. The fact is, he really could get hurt and die, every single night. It's OK to be proud of your warrior but come on, with what they deal in their lives... I could totally understand her.
I really liked the fact that she supported him later on, and was with him in the big event.
The ending, kinda didn't like the fact that she basically begged for his forgiveness. But oh well.
So even though my heart went for Butch and Vishous, I really liked Marissa and her relationship with Butch. She didn't get on my nerves and I guess that's the great thing :DDD

She wanted him. Was it true?
Felt true. Felt good. Felt…
He let incautious, desperate words fly. “I am pathetic over you, Marissa. Yeah, totally fuc—er…really pathetic. Over you.”
Her pale blue eyes teared up. “Me…too. For you.”

He is a human. He's a former cop. He isn't a part of the Brotherhood, but they treat him like he is, except when they fight.
He's been getting more and more frustrated by his life, he can'd do anything anymore, and he wants out, even though that means they'll probably have to kill him for it.
After the Omega infects him, he doesn't trust himself anymore, because there is evil inside of him, and he doesn't want to endanger the Brothers or Marissa until he finds out what that is.
To stop him from leaving, Vishous proposes doing something very dangerous, but what could make him stay with the Brotherhood.

"He seemed to hesitate before turning to Butch. Then he pivoted and their eyes met. As candlelight flickered over V’s hard face and got caught in his diamond irises, Butch felt his breath get tight: At that moment, his roommate looked as powerful as a god…and maybe even as beautiful."

The first time I read this series, Butch got on my nerves. A lot. But when I read this book I kinda loved him, and later on he was great :D
So, when I got to my re-read, I started the first book with Butch NOT getting on my nerves, and by the time I got to this book again and finished it, I ended up loving him totally :DDD
Anyway, he's got an awesome sense of humor that we see through all of the books, especially here :D
He's in love with Marissa but thinks himself unworthy of such a woman, she is perfect in his eyes, and he's only a human without a goal in his life, well, without a life in general.
He pushes her away after the infection thing, but can't stay away from her long because he loves her :)
Him agreeing to do the dangerous thing... Yep totally get it, especially as his life had no purpose before he met the Brothers. Great scene and I'm glad for him :))))
Although, there was always this thing between him and Vishous, I loved it and wanted those two to have more than they did, but I guess it wasn't meant to be :((((((

“I liked you, cop. From the moment I met you. No…not the first moment. I wanted to kill you when I first met you. But then I liked you. A lot.” God, V’s expression was nothing Butch had ever seen before. Sad…affectionate…but most of all…yearning.

“I have him. I have”—V eyed the bloody mess that was his roommate—“Jesus, I need a pickup. Oh, shit, Rhage—” V put his hand to his eyes and started to shake. “Rhage—what they did to him…”

He's had a special connection with Butch, especially after that scene from the last book when he gave him his blood.
Bit by bit we see more of his feelings toward Butch, his jealousy and sadness.
V is having problems with his visions, and nightmares too. He's on the edge, and everyone is worried about him.
He finds out that he's the only one that can help Butch with the evil thing, and proposes something to make him stay.

Those undead bastards had taken his—well, he didn’t know what Butch was to him specifically. But it ran deeper than anything he’d felt in a long time.

Well, I always loved V, now more than ever <3
He was the tortured one in this book, on the outside looking at Butch and Marissa, wanting the warmth and love for himself...
He knew there was something about Butch right from the start, something that connected them, and he's the only person V's ever felt something about.
I'm just sorry this book didn't go in that direction because, like I said, the Butch/Vishous connection was much more intense than Butch/Marissa.
Anyway, the scene on the balcony :( I teared up there, really did.
And the ending in the cave! OMG! More, I wanted more!!!!!!
I wish JR Ward wrote an alternate universe book where Butch and V end up together :DDDD *sigh*

"On their own accord, Butch’s hands left the pegs and came to rest on V’s hips, squeezing that hard flesh, bringing them together from head to foot. A tremor went through one of them. Or maybe…shit, it was more like they both shuddered."

My favorite quotes from other characters:

Beth put her cue down. “How is John?”
“Who the hell knows.” Wrath went over and kissed her on the mouth, then on both sides of her neck over her veins. ...
Beth wrapped her arms around Wrath’s waist and leaned into her hellren’s body. Their black hair mixed together, his straight, hers wavy. God, Wrath’s was so damn long now. But word had it that Beth liked the stuff so he’d grown it out for her.
Weird, how males do shit like that.

Strong arms gathered him up.
John started screaming again, but now in agony, not anger. With nowhere to turn, he clutched at Wrath’s huge shoulders. All he wanted was the hurting to stop…. He wanted the pain in him, the stuff he tried to bury deep, to go away. He was raw with emotion from the losses in his life and the tragedies of circumstance, nothing but bruises on the inside.
“Shit…” Wrath rocked him gently. “It’s all right, son. God…damn.”

“You like to be chased, nalla,” Z said in a voice so deep it distorted.
Bella’s smile got even wider as she backed up into a corner. “Maybe.”
“So run some more, why don’t you.”
Bella took off, darting around her mate, going for the billiards room. Z tracked her like prey, pivoting around, his eyes leveled on the female’s streaming hair and graceful body. As his lips peeled off his fangs, the white canines elongated, protruding from his mouth. And they weren’t the only response he had to his shellan.
At his hips, pressing into the front of his leathers, was an erection the size of a tree trunk.

Vishous’s chest expanded…and his diamond stare slowly swung to Butch. There was a heartbeat of intensity. Then V reached out and repositioned the cross so it once again hung over Butch’s heart. “You did well, cop. Congratulations, true?”

Butch and V are meant for each other, true?

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering how late to the BDB party I am, I'm not going to write a review on this book. This is just a "collection of my random thoughts" so I can keep the story straight in my mind, and therefore it's bound to be full of spoilers. If you haven't read this book yet and don't like being spoiled, stop reading this "review" now. I'm not kidding!

Okay, here I go...

When I finished Lover Awakened, the previous book in the series, I didn't feel much compelled to keep going with the BDB books. I mean, I really liked the 1st 3 books, but I didn't think that Butch and Marissa belonged together and wasn't that interested in reading about them. Eventually, my curiosity couldn't stand it any longer and I had to find out how Butch, Marissa and, well, Vishous would "untangle the web" of their messed up lives.

Now that I read Lover Revealed, am I happy with Butch and Marissa's bonding? Yes, absolutely! Ms. Ward changed my mind about them and I ended up being very glad to see them together. I so wanted them together that I started disliking V for his "crush" on Butch. I already had to suffer Phury pining for Bella in Lover Awakened, and I wasn't in the mood for a repeat performance featuring V and Butch. At one point, I started to think that V was just pathetic, and that isn't a good thing considering his book is the next one in the series.

Anyway, back to Butch and Marissa... I loved Butch and the way he was completely devoted to Marissa. I never doubted his love for her. When I thought they didn't belong together, it was only because I didn't think she was worthy of him. In this book, Ms. Ward did a good job redeeming Marissa. Even though Marissa grated on my nerves a couple of times, especially when she resorted to her cowardice due to her inability to deal with Butch's joining the Brotherhood's fight against the lessers, she came a long way from the wimpy spineless doormat she'd been in the 1st books. So I ended up liking her, but she was far from becoming a favorite heroine of mine.

As for having Butch turned into a vampire and being inducted into the Brotherhood, I loved it! Halfway through the story, I began to worry about his future as I thought Ms. Ward was going to turn him into a "good" lesser but, thankfully, that didn't happen. It was nice to see Butch with a new purpose in life because, frankly, he deserved being more than a BDB pet whose sole job was to drive the Brothers around. I have to say that I'm a bit wary of Butch's future, though. All that "inhaling business" left the door opened for bad things to happen, and I don't trust Ms. Ward not to pull something "nasty" unexpectedly. After all, this is the same author who didn't hesitate to kill Wellsie in Lover Awakened...

A BDB book isn't only about the main H/h, so Lover Revealed wasn't only about Butch and Marissa. As usual, there were other storylines running along the main love story and, even though I don't particularly like it, I'm getting used to it. I still can't stand the scenes with the lessers, mainly because they all seem pretty much the same: the lesser du jour (pick any letter from the alphabet) hatches an evil plan to kill the Brothers, recruits a new "apprentice", the evil plan fails, the Omega gets p!ssed, and the lesser du jour is killed. Lather, rinse, repeat, and you're ready for the next book.

As for the other storylines, V had some major scenes in this book - as expected - and I can't say I was happy with them. Besides his pining for Butch, which I already said it was annoying, his kinky side was a bit disturbing because I'm not into BDSM. I'd better brace myself for a bumpy ride next... *drags her feet to get Lover Unbound*

On the bright side, I enjoyed getting updates on John and I'm looking forward to his transition, even though I feel it isn't going to be an easy one. If only Tohr was around to help the boy get his act together... Thankfully, Wrath and Z stepped up to the plate and knocked some sense into him.

All things considered, I enjoyed this read better than I had expected. I haven't become a die-hard fan of this series yet, but I'll keep reading it... Well, I'm going to read Lover Unbound and see how it goes.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guilty pleasure read 🤗😍 4th in series… Caution: 🛑 Rated R. This series is older- but still good. Steamy hot adult content. Not suitable for ya or wholesome folks. 😉

[Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many images of Butch that I want to put in but I will stick with this sexy guy

Sometimes fate takes you in fucked-up directions

I didn’t like when Butch turned all GQ on me. Is that even an expression, “GQ” - you know what I mean, designer suits, cufflinks (although maybe the cufflinks would work). I wanted him in faded, jeans, tight t-shirts and scruffy boots. Naked would be good too!

"Why are you doing this? You're just human-"
"I am so sick of hearing that. Leave!"

Butch, an ex-cop, who now lives with the Brotherhood. He and Vishous share a house and boy oh boy do we have fun with them. Seriously, I just wanted them to get down to business once and for all and it ain’t the type of business that is studied at the Harvard Business School that I am talking about. KWIM??

Okay, he was flirting with Looney Tunes here.

So much happened in this book. There were so many twists and turns that I did not see coming.

Tears raced to his eyes. Seeped down his raw cheeks

Stayed up until 1.45 this morning and so wanted to finish it but you really need to concentrate on all the ins and outs and who is who and what is what that I decided to wait until this morning.

"Sire, we all die alone."

Marissa sort of annoyed me in previous books. Did she redeem herself? Well, I suppose she did. But she still is not the perfect person that I would have picked for Butch. That would be ME, of course. She dressed too perfectly, she looked too perfect – JEALOUS MUCH, MAURA?? I sort of wanted a more down to earth girl for him. Someone like me, who is happier in jeans and shirts… Dream on!

There shall be one to bring the end before the master,
A fighter of modern time found in the seventh of the twenty-first,
And he shall be known in the numbers he bears -
One more than the compass he apperceives,
Thought mere four points to make at his right,
Three lives has he,
Two scores on his fore, and with a single black eye,
In one well will he be birthed and die.

To steal a phrase from the cop, Holy Mary, Mother of God

I absolutely loved Vishous. Cannot wait to read his story, there were a couple of scenes with him and Butch that we so moving, I felt like crying.

"V?"
"What?"
"I will rather die than hurt you."

I haven’t picked my V yet but this guy will do for now

Butch felt a sudden need to go to church and pray for his salvation

Will you be on your knees, praying, Butch?
Cos I can get down on my knees too - but it won't be praying I will be doing!!

Yes, the sex scenes were pretty explosive!


Butch was tough guy from Southie, Boston. He loved to drink his Scotch – actually he should have been drinking Irish Whiskey, now that I come to think of it but as Himself is partial to an odd dram of Scotch, we shall let the author off, this time


Oh, I could go on and on and on and on about this book and about Butch and how much I loved him but I am afraid that if I post too many quotes and reference I will spoil it

You should go and discover how good this book is for yourselves. How good the whole series is. Well I presume the whole series is good. I will read Book 5, as that is about dear Vishous and then take a little break I think.


Even, herself, the Scribe Virgin, is starting to grow on me


I was so glad he went and made peace with his mother because there is a special bond between an Irish Mammy and her sons (and daughters I suppose) but the sons are always the favourite!

Off to read the next one but I really don’t think anyone can top BUTCH O’NEAL


And as the old Irish saying goes …..



THANKS TO MY FRIENDS WHO LET ME BORROW GIFs AND PICTURES TO USE HERE. LOVE YE LOTS!

[• Lisa • · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS, TRUE?



"What if I told you I had a fantasy" ...

Opening line of this book, and opening line of my review. Yes you guessed it, my book fantasy stopped right here with the black dagger boys, and I am still on the biggest book roll ever with this series. The five star fun run hasn't stopped yet, and my prediction is that it may not ever.




So now that I'm an established BDB fan, what did this book have to offer you may well ask ... Well it certainly pushed my 5 star rating buttons and I have once again fallen for these addictive brothers and here's why ...

Unrequited love, Miscommunication between Star crossed lovers. A Bromance that I'm sure could not be rivealed between Butch and Vischous. The story also speaks a message of fresh beginnings and the hope of having a new start. As with the previous books in the series the novel highlights the strength of family within the Brotherhood, and yes once again I was sold by the whole package.

Beautiful, wealthy and pure Marissa is both trapped and defined by her status as an aristocrat of the vampire kingdom. Feeling rejected and alone 'lover revealed' demonstrates a passionate liaison between two species that should never come to pass. yet they share pain, broken lives and a twisted past that leads them to love.

We are also treated by getting to know Butch the resident human involved with the BDB. His life story was heart breaking and I felt fully invested in seeing this brother reach for his happily ever after.



This story is not only about Butch and Marissa, as always the authors intertwines the rest of the brotherhood into the mix, and we get to learn more about vishous, rehvenge and John Matthew. The story lines are perfect and engaging. All in all an interesting plot coupled with out and out romance.

"To him, she was the unforgettable woman, the one he'd never had and never would but who nonetheless reached into the core of him."


"Darkness will never take me ... Because I have you. Light of my life, Marissa. That's what you are."

“V?" Butch said. "Don't leave, okay?"
"Never." V brushed Butch's hair back with a gesture so tender it was out of place coming from a male.”

I simply can't put into words how much I'm enjoying this series, thanks Anna for joining me on the BDB BESTIE BUDDY read, love you TRUE?❤

I'm giving this book 5 stars, you feel me?

[Sophia Triad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Butch and Marissa

"Marissa. I am called Marissa."
"Butch." He touched his broad chest. "Er... Brian. O'Neal. People call me Butch, though."
He stuck his hand out. Then retracted it, rubbed it vigorously on his pant leg, and offered it again.
She lost her nerve. Touching him was too much, and she took a step back.
He dropped his hand slowly, not looking at all surprised that she'd rejected him.
And still, he stared.
(From Dark Lover)

Butch and Marissa met in the first book of the series.
Butch fell in lust with her straight away. Marissa was mostly curious about Butch, but she was not allowed to touch because she belonged to the King. If she expressed any interest, Butch would have been skinned alive. That’s what she thought.

On the other hand, Wrath did not really care for Marissa’s love interests. He hated that he depended on her for feeding and had already started falling in love with Beth.

A few books later Wrath is happily mated to Beth and Butch has quit trying being a better person for Marissa. It is about time for aristocratic, sheltered Marissa to pursue her happiness and fight for it.

Butch and Marissa have to overcome many complications before they mate.
- First of all Butch is human and Marissa is vampire.
-Secondly Marissa is part of the vampires’ aristocracy, while Butch is just a poor cop.
-Thirdly, Marissa’s family , i.e. her brother Havers, is not really happy that Marissa is no longer the King’s mate.

I have to admit that I don’t like Marissa. I think she is a very weak and annoying character and basically in this book and all the following books she tries to prove herself all the time.
Maybe the problem is that I have always imagined Butch as Vishous’ mate. These two have been always the opposite sides of the same coin.
Apparently Ward wanted the same thing (as she has mentioned), but those years it was hard for the fans to accept a relationship between two males.

Butch is one of the strongest characters in the series. He knows what he wants and he does not hesitate to almost die in order to achieve it.
Butch will be a full vampire, a Brother and he will get his girl!

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Don't think I was the only reason he healed. You're his light, Marissa. Don't ever forget that.”

Honestly, I hadn't set my hope that high before I read like the first two books. But Lover Revealed had proved me wrong. Marissa isn't a character I am very fond of; she's quite annoying, weak and not important to be the MC of this book. But J.R. Ward proved herself again that her works always have development. She molded her characters in each book thoroughly until they're ready to get their own books, so that's why this book is far beyond my expection so much.

“V, you know I love you like a brother, right?"
"Yeah."
"You feed her and I'll tear out your fucking throat out.”

Butch is the hero that I set eyes on since Dark Lover. He has some potentials promising something good has yet to come. So I'm here waiting and trying to be patient until I got my hands on this book. The story is exciting and intense. I just couldn't fathom how J.R. Ward did this kind of thing so perfectly. She put Butch and Marissa together because she knew that there's a lot of chemistry there waiting to explode.

“That's you," Wrath said. You shall be called the Black Dagger warrior Dhestroyer, descended of Wrath son of Wrath."

"But you'll always be Butch to us," Rhage cut in. "As well as hard-ass. Smart-ass. Royal pain in the ass. You know, whatever the situation calls for. I think as long as there's an ASS in there, it'll be accurate."

"How about bASStard?" Z suggested.

"Nice. I feel that.”

I gave this book 5 stars without hesitation. It kept surprising me no end. I loved many scenes from this book. What Butch has done for his brothers cracked my heart and made me love him even more. The reaction between Wrath and Beth was also divine. I really liked this couple a lot. Please give me more.

https://goo.gl/T4qQ0S

[Choko · Rating 4 out of 5]

A ton of manufactured drama, but still fun for an over the top Paranormal Romance. All could have been much easier on the characters if they only spoke to each other in complete sentences! All of their internal and perceived inadequacies stopped them from actually communicating and listening to each other, which lead to most of the drama... But, the overreaching arc is still a draw for the series 😈😀!

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ / 5 stars
Lead Male Character: ★ ★ ★ ★ / 5 stars
Lead Female Character: ★ ★ ★ and a half/ 5 stars
Plotline: ★ ★ ★ ★ / 5 stars
Genre: Vampire, thriller, adventure, action, romance
Will I recommend this book to others?: YES
Will I reread this book?: Maybe
Overall story summed up in one word: Butch-tastic!

Unmarked spoilers!

Ok, so I'm gunna talk about the ending of the book first, since I literally just read that part. So, Butch's dad is a vampire. Um, I totally wasn't expecting this. But now, it does actually all make sense, how Butch is related to Wrath and all that stuff. And his stepdad, or whatever, knew so that's why he hated him. Well, screw you, Eddie O'Neal. Don't you dare talk to my Butchy like that. I swear, those scenes when Butch talked about Eddie, I wanted to strangle someone! I treat my vamps in this series like my own children. So when someone offends them, they gotta go through me, Alyssa. *cracks knuckles and neck* And everything with Janice, I feel so bad! Those types of cases are always the most disturbing and hardest on one's family.

And also, apparently, Butch and V are two halves of each other. Hot damn, that's pretty cool! The way they care for each other is so heartwarming and super cute <3

What I didn't like much about this story, hence my 4 star rating rather than a 5, was Butch and Marissa's love. I swear, they were constantly on and off, on and off. It was driving me nuts! Marissa always had some stupid and illogical reason for them to not be together. Ugh, she is by far my least favorite female in the series!

Then Butchy gets inducted into the Brotherhood! Ahhh, that's awesome! I'm very happy for the guy but at the same time feel sorry for him because he has to spend the rest eternity with snobby Marissa.

[Exina · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Now the new era in the war begins.”

Lover Revealed is the 4th book of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, the story of Butch and Marissa.

Butch and Marissa met in the first book of the series, and the attraction between them was instant and undeniable.

It is the most action-packed story in the series so far, with many fights, twists and turns, surprises. Butch’s problem is solved brilliantly. Lover Revealed also provides insight into the world of the Lessening Society: the Fore-lesser’s motivation was a big surprise to me. Really shocking.

The main conflict is that Marissa is a vampire, and Butch is a human. So Marissa is practically immortal, while Butch's life span is definitely shorter. Furthermore, at the beginning of the story, both of them think that they have no chance with the other. When their relationship settles, and their true feelings for each other are revealed, it doesn't mean their problems are solved magically. They have to work on their relationship, communicate a lot, and handle conflits. But it's not an easy ride.

At first, Marissa is very self-centered. She doesn't seem to be interested in Butch's past, family, problems, plans, and dreams. She is engaged in her reputation, virginity, the difficulties of her feeding, and only her own happiness. She totally ignores the very real threat to the vampire race, and demands Butch not to fight. Her behavior in erotic situations is absolutely unbelievable. Marissa needs to find self-confidence and self-esteem. She also has to find her place outside the aristocracy, to figure out what is important and what isn’t. As the story progresses, she establishes a project to help abused women and children, she becomes able to stand up for herself and outbrave her brother and the Princeps Council, and finally she realizes and accepts her and Butch’s role in the Brotherhood. 

Though Marissa's development is spectacular, and she becomes a strong character by the end of the story, she'll never be my favorite heroines.

Lover Revealed is not only a romance, but also the individual development of Butch and Marissa.

Butch is a very complex character. He has many thoughts and desires, many scars on his soul. His relationship with Vishous is very special, and hopefully it will always be. It is just so great to see them together. I love the bond, the understanding between them.



His fate is to fulfill an ancient prophecy, and with that he'll never be an outsider again. This part of the story was done brilliantly, I loved it. 

Secondary characters.I’m really not sure if they can be called secondary characters, as all of them become more and more important, and each has a significant role in the book: Vishous, Rehvenge, Xhex, John, Quinn, Blay, Lash.

All in all.It is a great book of the series, considering the action-line, Butch's character development, the friendship between him and Vishous, but I’m not fully satisfied with the romance, and the character of Marissa.

“You are my only friend. Never my enemy.”

My favorite quotes.

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Butch and Vishous make a badass team



This is the story of Butch and Marissa. They were introduced in book 1, and have been appearing ever since. Butch was taken by the lessers and tortured, then the Omega put part of himself in Butch’s stomach. Vishous was able to remove most of it and heal Butch, but there is still something left. Some connection. Butch is awesome, he used to be a cop, but after discovering Vampires, he took to the life. He is now roommates with Vishous in the Pit, he wears all designer clothes, shoes, watches, wallets, and drives an Escalade, and he is willing to get into it with a bunch of Lessers to protect civilian vampires, and won’t give away the brothers even after unbearable torture.



I’m thinking Marissa is pretty much a selfish witch sometimes. I mean she knows how much Butch loves her. She knows he wants to be the one that feeds her, she knows that he doesn’t want her to go to this “other guy” to feed her, so what does she do? Instead of talking to him about it and trying to come up with a mutually agreeable plan, like maybe using V, or possibly another friend, she just dematerializes and goes to Rehvenge to feed.

Also when she know he wants to change she just immediately says. “If I asked you, would you not do it?” When it should be his choice not hers. She has to know in something like that, if she forced a choice on him it would end up in resentment and that would sour the relationship later on. But it isn’t until he explains his entire childhood and reasoning to her that she finally agrees to let him make the choice of what to do with his own body.

And by the way, after Butch’s story about his childhood, all I can say is what the heck is wrong with his siblings. They should have seen that the parents were nuts and stood up for him. So I say he is better of with Vishous and the brothers.

Then Marissa does it again after the Scribe Virgin tells Butch and Vishous about how they were meant to find each other so the light can benefit the dark and how Butch is now the Dhestroyer. She doesn’t care how he can possibly save her species, she just cares that she doesn’t want him to get hurt because she might lose him. She also doesn’t care that this is what he wants to do with his life, now that she is running a shelter and happy with her life. I am really hating her, but I love the book because I love Butch and V so much. They are completely awesome.

The storyline about John is coming along as well too. He is still suffering about what happened to him in that stairwell of the building he was crashing in before Wellsie found him. He even beat up Lash for ragging on him and one of the other guys after training one day. He thinks nobody will understand what he went through, especially Zsadist, since John saw Zsadist and Bella being so loving. I can’t wait until he actually opens up to Zsadist for some advice. You know that is coming since they go on walks every night.

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[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Butch! He's one of my favourite Brothers, along with Rhage and V. Especially, when they are all together and joking around. Even as a human, this dude can kick some serious ass. He's such a tough guy, known as the hard-ass for a reason. But there is also this charming, sweet side to him as well. Butch definitely has what it takes to run with the vampires!

I loved Marissa as well. I felt so bad for her in Dark Lover. She is so innocent and pure, yet all these terrible things happen to her. As Butch always says, none of it is her fault. Her character grew more and more on me and I felt like she finally found herself as she went through the rollercoaster of emotions for Butch. I enjoyed the “action” between her and Rehv too. Actually, I found that my favourite characters are all mixed into this one - Butch, Marissa, Rehv, and even Xhex.

I squealed when Butch got inducted to the Brotherhood. I couldn't help myself. My favourite scene is probably when Butch is babbling to the Scribe Virgin and can’t seem to shut the hell up. The scene where Nurse Vishous gets all doctored up and turns Butch into a vampire was pretty cool too. It's just so great to see that Butch has finally found his family and fits right in. For once, he is no longer the outside.

Lover Revealed is a great love story. But more than that, it’s a great story about friendship too. Butch and V are the shit when they're together!!!

Favourite Quote:
V smiled, his eyes shiny as if he were too choked up. "Don't worry, I'm covered. So, I guess you're back, true?"
"And ready to rock and roll."
"Really."
"For sure. I'm thinking about a future in contracting. Wanted to see how this bathroom was put together. Excellent tile work. You should check it."
"How about I carry you back to bed?"
"I want to look at the sink pipes next."

[sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

#1.) Dark Lover ★★
#2.) Lover Eternal ★★★★
#3.) Lover Awakened ★★★
#4.) Lover Revealed ★★★.5

This series is constantly taking me by surprise. The books that I expect to like the most- I don’t and vice versa.

Butch was not my favourite character for the first 3 books, so I wasn’t too excited to have to read a full book about him. I wanted John’s book instead. But I ended up being pleasantly surprised- as Lover Revealed ended up being my second favourite book thus far!

I am beginning to wonder if there is a slight correlation between the way I consume the stories and my rating. The ones I read with my eyes, as an ebook I generally enjoyed more than the ones I listened to audibly. It could be because I just zone out while listening and don’t concentrate as much. Which is a bit annoying since this is the sort of series where I don’t mind devoting as little brain power towards as possible. I guess I will actually have to devote time to reading the, actively from now on. Sigh.

Now, less about my realisation and more about the story. I don’t have too much to say apart from the fact that I actually enjoyed (most of) my time reading this book, which is more than I can say for some of the others. I found the main characters likeable, was invested their romance and enjoyed the side characters.

“He'd always wanted to be alone in his head. How ironic that he found the silence deafening.”

But. I can’t be the only one who saw the chemistry between Butch and Vishous in this book, right? I’m not sure what will happen with that, but I expect we’ll find out in the next book which is focused on V.

I am more excited to continue the series now, and hope it is all uphill from here!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent re-read! Full review to come... Never did a casting or review the first time around.

My Butch: (Yep, I couldn't choose just one!)









My Marissa:

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 of the BDB primarily features Butch ‘the cop’ and Marissa. We also get a good bit of Vishous and John Matthew. I liked Butch the first 3 books, but I was nervous I wouldn’t ‘love’ this book. I just didn’t feel that Butch/Marissa connection in the first few... Once again, I was wrong. I loved this one!

Butch didn't live in his own place. He didn't spend his own money. He had no job, no future. He was a well-kept pet, not a man.

Butch has never really felt like he belonged. Not with his family, not with his friends or job. And now that he’s with the BDB, he finally feels he has a family. But he’s still different from the rest of him. He’s just a human. And not one of worth. He lives in the pit with his best friend V, and pines over vampire royalty, Marissa, who wants nothing to do with him. He doesn’t feel good about himself. One night, he decides to do something about it. In the form of taking on the lessers to save some civilian vampires. He barley makes it out alive, after being tortured by the lessers and the Omega himself, and when V finds him, somethings wrong. Hey rush him to Haver’s to get checked out.


Marissa has a lot of the same feelings as Butch. After everything that happened with Wrath, she too feels unworthy. She is from an aristocratic family, but after all these years is not mated. Is there something wrong with her? She has feelings for Butch, but she hasn’t spoken to him in a long time, so he must not want her either. When she finds out he is at Haver’s, she rushes to check on him. Her presence helps him heal. Then she finds out that Butch does have feelings for her, he came to her several times, and she wasn’t told. She wants to be with him, but there are complications. Not only is Butch not well, her brother essentially disowns her for wanting to be with a human male.

With no where to go, she goes to the Brotherhoood. Wrath takes her in. She and Butch become even closer when he starts to heal. Then he starts to fight. Marissa freaks out a bit. It becomes a wedge between the two. Marissa is afraid. She doesn’t want Butch to be hurt again. Butch is better, but still not completely healed. There is still something in him, something the Omega left behind. And it really freaks him out.

Butch needs a purpose. When and opportunity arises, to do something that could keep him with the BDB, keep him with Marissa. He has to take it. Marissa isn’t all to happy with this, but she comes around. I felt like Marissa was one of the most realistic females of the BDB. She loved Butch so much, and she was worried for him. She knew how fragile he was, and she didn’t want him hurt. But she compromised when he explained what he wanted and why he wanted it. There were a few nail biting moments, but it all worked out. I thought the ending was just great!

The Destroyer has arrived and you are he.

Butch not only has his relationship with Marissa, he has a special relationship with Vischous. V is Butch’s best friend. They have had a special bond since the first book. V had it rough this book. Along with his best friend going through all this, he’s not sleeping, not eating, having nightmares, and his visions are still dried up. Now he watches Butch and Marissa together. He longs for something like that. He is instrumental in healing Butch, and helping Butch in this story. I may be in the minority, but I love the Butch/V dynamic more than the Butch/Marissa dynamic. Don’t get me wrong, I love Butch and Marissa together, and I think they are good for each other- but I just love V and want him happy... I kind of wish it would have turned out differently

“V?" Butch said. "Don't leave, okay?"
"Never." V brushed Butch's hair back with a gesture so tender it was out of place coming from a male.

If I were the author of these books, I just may have let Butch and V explore what they had together... I just LOVE these two!
And Marissa could always end up with Rehv, right? Win win? Wishful thinking on my part I guess. I just know V’s book is going to be AWESOME! Can’t wait to see how things turn out with him.

“Thanks for putting me up for it ... trahyner." As V's eyes flared, Butch said, "Yeah, I looked up what the word meant. 'Beloved Friend' fits you perfect as far as I'm concerned."

Just going to say this again... I LOVE THESE BOOKS! I enjoy a lot of PNR/Urban Fantasy series- I love the Sookie Stackhouse books, the Mercy Thompson books, but the BDB is kicking their asses. This is for sure my new favorite PNR series... I am seriously finding it difficult to wait a week in between books, but hey- something to look forward to I guess... As I mentioned before, we not only get Butch and Marissa in this book, a big part is some of the secondary characters. I felt a huge connection to V(just LOVE him), Rehv(He intrigues me... I’m really curious to see where his story goes) and John Matthew(adore him, even though my heart broke for him in this one) in this book- I am looking forward to all 3 of their books! Especially Vischous. He better get a really happy ending. Z is still my favorite warrior, but V is pretty high up there, we will see after I read his book which one I like best ;D


(Just for fun- reminded me of some of the mated Warriors ;D)

TRUE.

And of course...

[Danielle The Book Huntress *Pluto is a Planet!* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from page one. Butch resonated with me because he was so tortured. He was just as tortured as Zsadist but in different way. He got abused by his father and his mother ignored him. And his siblings pretty much followed their example and disowned Butch when his sister died. He felt like he was worth nothing and had nothing to live for. He was abusing himself and slowly killing himself day by day because his family had basically rejected him. That's why I love that he found The Brotherhood. He found a sense of family and belonging, although he still felt different because he wasn't a vampire. I love the relationship between Butch and Vishous. I haven't read many romances between men, and this one isn't per se. But the bond between Butch and Vishous has different layers and elements, and one of them is a romantic/sexual one. Their relationship remained unconsummated, but they definitely have strong feelings for each other that will remain, the sexual moreso on Vishous' side. I was so glad that Butch had Vishous to love him and take care of him, and vice versa. More than anything, I am so glad that Butch has Marissa. I think they are a wonderful couple, my second favorite in this series. Butch never thought he deserved anything, but he got his princess in Marissa. Marissa is not perfect, but to Butch she is perfect. And the great thing is that Marissa needed to be loved and adored. She felt rejected by her people (the glymera) since Wrath did not love her and did not want her as his Shellan, and she felt she could not live up to their and her brother's expectations. She was slowly dying inside, until Butch came and his adoration gave her the acceptance she needed. I also loved how Marissa came into her own and became the strong woman she was meant to be so she believe in herself, and she could stand at Butch's side, not behind him or in front of him. I really could not put this book down and was on the emotional rollercoaster ride along with the characters. There are more moments of interaction between the Brothers and their Shellans that are touching, and you get to see how everyone is doing. There is also trouble brewing with the Lessers and things heat up, and Butch is intricately involved with this change in the War with the Lessers. We also get to see more of the intriguing and seductive Rhev. He is so yummy to me. I love how tender and solicitious he is to Marissa. If there was no Butch, I'd probably like Rhev and Marissa to be together. But since there is a Butch (Thank God), Marissa is his. There are so many scenes that I love, but one of my favorites is when Butch goes to be inducted into the Brotherhood and all the shellans are lined up in their dresses that represent their Hellrens, and there is Marissa waiting for him. I almost started crying. I am tearing up writing this right now. In the end, I cannot even put into words how deeply this book affected me. Although I love Lover Awakened the most, this is definitely my second favorite.


My Butch is played by Johnny Messner

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My Marissa is played by Kelli Garner

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread 2020: I forgot how much of this one I had forgotten. Really cool plot with the Lessers abducting Butch and implanting a piece of the Omega. I loved the scenes between him and Marissa in the hospital. I found it interesting how V’s personality has changed so much across the first four books. This one marks a striking difference with the BDSM piece, the hidden condo downtown, the attraction between him and Butch. It’s not that any one version is better than the other (okay, I’ll admit I like the super-intelligent, philosophical V the best), it’s just that the shift is interesting.

The Butch is actually a part vampire plot was one of the most interesting parts about this book, especially when they decide to change him. Did I find it a bit out of the blue how it only popped up for the first time here in this book? Maybe. But it sure did make for a cool plot arc. And I had forgotten this was where the coffins appeared! This is why I love rereads 😊. You catch so much more the second time. I continue to love the John Matthew, Blay and Qhuinn stuff. And now onto book 5!

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lover Revealed was a decent book. It doesn't have the intensity Lover Awakened had, but afterall: Butch isn't Zsadist.
Don't get me wrong: I love Butch. And I liked Marissa. And I luuuved Butch and V. Actually I was wishing for a Marissa/Butch/Vishous menage but alas :(
Still: enjoyed it. A lot. 4 stars.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit, at the thought of reading Butch's and Marissa's story i was all like...




For those who don't know i was NOT a big fan of them both in the previous books. Butch i kinda hated, and Marissa seemed really pathetic to me. Not a great mix of emotions, true?

Especially if you are the kind of reader (which i think the majority of us are) that if you do not care for the characters you do not care for the book. I am that type of reader, and that statement is accurate as that was exactly what happened with Lover Revealed.

But first...meet Marissa...




Rejected.
Invisible.
Scandalous.

Marissa is scarred in the society and in her own eyes ever since Wrath, the vampire's blind King, took a half-bred vampire as a mate. Marissa has been waiting for 3 centuries to be in her shoes.
Now, everyone, even her, thinks she ain't good enough.

But Butch O'Neal is about to change that.




Broken.
Loyal.
Pushed aside.

Even though Butch is now fighting his own demons (literally), he will show Marissa how much she is truly worth, and will heal her...but what about him? Will her love be enough to save HIM?

Butch O'Neal is an ally and loyal friend of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, who will face the challenge of his life and the evil of the ages.
Is he barely a pawn in a dangerous game between vampires and their slayers, or is he a winning card?




I did not enjoy Lover Revealed until i reached over 100 pages.
That might be because Butch and Marissa really did start to grow on me.

J.R Ward has proven that she is the kind of author who will most likely never disappoint.
The way she writes her books, develops her characters, and captures your imagination is quite...exceptional.
Her characters seem like real people because not only do they not sound similar (you can know who it is just by their talk), but also because they have something unique in them.




This is not going to be a big review as everything that is to be said about this book, series, and author is already said in other people's awesome reviews.
So go check them out if you want to know more!

All i have got to say is that BDB is THE BEST, and i can not wait to read the rest books in the series. :)

[Julianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for www.thcreviews.com

After meeting Butch and Marissa in Dark Lover, the first book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, I was intrigued by the characters and looking forward to reading their story. Unfortunately, I found it a bit difficult to become emotionally invested in the ups and downs of their relationship as presented in Lover Revealed. I think this may have been the result of a few different things. First, Butch and Marissa spent very little time together during those initial scenes in Dark Lover and it was all very sweet and innocent. They were then separated for a 6-9 month period over the course of two more books, during which their relationship was still in play, but on the sidelines, with both of them pining desperately for each other. While this alone could be cited as an indication of their deep love, I really would have liked to see their relationship reestablished before they started engaging in sexual intimacy. When compared to the previous books in the series, I thought that Lover Revealed was simply lacking in the lovely, heart-stopping romantic scenes that I really love to see. In addition, during the course of the entire book, at least one of these two characters (though sometimes both at once) seemed to be holding the other at arms length, so I found it difficult to really feel their love in the powerful way that I did with the main characters in the prequels. While these were the primary reasons for my feeling a lack of romance in this story, I also think the world shifting that was taking place was a contributing factor as well. In and of itself this was certainly not a bad thing, as a continuing series such as this would not hold up well to critical scrutiny for long if it just kept telling the same narrative of the war between the vampires and the lessers only with a different couple in the lead. In this respect, I understand the author's choice to move the story to another level, but in my opinion, these changes in many ways overshadowed the love and romance that I was expecting. Vishous was also such an important character in this book, and his relationship with Butch ran so deep that it seemed like Marissa had a difficult time getting a strong foothold in the story.

As I mentioned earlier, I went into this book liking Butch and Marissa very much, and while I did not find them to be particularly unlikable at any time during this story, I did have a hard time fully relating to them. I think this was owing to the author not digging quite deep enough with the characters emotions, particularly Marissa's, as well as the rapid and drastic changes that took place in both of their lives, which completely caught me off guard. This was definitely a good thing, as I wouldn't want the plot to be too predictable, but so many things were happening so quickly that I had a hard time adjusting to all the shifts. Marissa went from a meek and docile female to an independent, outspoken, and basically liberated female almost overnight. While there is much to be said for those qualities, I think that perhaps finding some middle ground or building these changes more slowly would have been more believable. Butch's transformation was somewhat slower, yet incredibly dramatic. Even by the end of the book, I had been so blown away by everything that happened, I was still having a hard time thinking of him as anything but the human ex-cop who had been befriended by the Brotherhood. Still it was all an intriguing turn of events that did help to propel the story and the series forward. In spite of these perceived deficiencies, there were still things to like about these two characters. Butch, like the vampire brothers, was a tortured hero, one of my favorite kinds. He had never felt the love of a family until the Brotherhood took him into their confidence and their home, and he had also never felt like he belonged anywhere until then. In this book, he was finally able to find the missing pieces of himself. Butch was also very kind and considerate toward Marissa and a true friend to Vishous, as well as completely loyal to the Brotherhood. While Marissa for her part, made some rather selfish choices out of her sense of fear for Butch's safety, she at least recognized her mistakes and corrected them in the end. At the heart of her character, she was a gentle soul which was evidenced in her work at the hospital early on, but I found myself wishing that this part of her had been explored more fully. It just ultimately seemed like her newfound independence, rather overshadowed her kind heart. I did however, enjoy the scenes of her starting the Safe House for abused and displaced females, and hope to see more of her work with the shelter in the future.

In my opinion, what Lover Revealed was lacking in it's main characters, was made up for in it's secondary characters. These were some of the parts that I enjoyed reading the most. Wrath and Beth played significant roles for the first time since Dark Lover, and it was nice to see them front and center again. Zadist and Bella shared a playfully sensuous interaction, which even though it was only one scene, really stuck with me as being very beautiful and romantic, and Zsadist was able to put in some additional time as an instructor to their new trainees. As with the past two books, I greatly enjoyed John Matthew and his continuing story. I also sensed a friendship growing between him and Zsadist which I hope to see more fully explored in future books. There were a couple of the young vampire trainees who played larger roles in this book. I liked the awkwardness of Blaylock going through his transformation, and it was great to see Lash finally get his comeuppance. Bella's brother and club owner, Rehvenge, put in another appearance, adding more details and intrigue to his character as well. There was also an interesting sub-plot involving the fore-lesser, Mr. X, and his surprising desire to be freed from the Omega, and I also enjoyed the shellans creating a sisterhood of sorts, which I felt rather mirrored the relationship that their mates share.

The strongest of the secondary characters, who was fleshed out the most though, was Vishous. In previous books, he has been pretty much an enigma. For the most part, he was merely the techo-genius who held everything together, but who obviously harbored some very special gifts. Those gifts as well as glimpses of his backstory and personality are finally explored in Lover Revealed. Vishous's deep friendship with Butch seemed to develop into something more, at least from V's perspective, but nothing of a romantic nature ever happened as a result of it. In some ways they reminded me of Zsadist and Phury with their twins connection, and it became obvious by the end of the story that Butch and V are twins of a sort, two halves of a whole, who will likely share a special connection for life. Ultimately, there was a lot of complexity surrounding their relationship, which I believe could be interpreted as symbolic of this greater connection. From what I perceived, Vishous was a male who, not unlike his fellow members of the brotherhood, has many soul-deep wounds that torment him. It seems that he had never experienced real love and acceptance in his life (either giving or receiving) until meeting Butch and his feelings concerning this are confusing to him. He also doesn't seem to fully understand the bonding of his fellow brothers to their females, but does question in his own mind what this might be like. Vishous seems to have a penchant for hard core BDSM (though it isn't played out in particularly explicit details) which normally would not be my cup of tea, but Ms. Ward has painted an otherwise sympathetic picture of V which leaves the appealing potential for a Zsadist type of story for him. I can say that the author's portrayal of V has intrigued me sufficiently to whet my appetite for the next book, Lover Unbound, in which he becomes the hero.

Although I thought that Lover Revealed could have been a little better, especially romantically, the continuing story of the Brotherhood is one that I find to be very intriguing and still difficult to put down in spite of any weaknesses that might be present. I came to the conclusion that these weaknesses are due to Lover Revealed being a bridge of sorts between the first three books and those yet to come, a book where there are major shifts in the overarching story. Ms. Ward writes with an intelligence that I greatly appreciate, often making me really think about what is happening. In fact I found myself thinking about Lover Revealed and trying to figure certain things out days after turning the last page. When an author can engage both my emotions and my intellect in such a way, they have in my opinion, done their job well. I will be looking forward to continuing with the series to see where her fertile imagination leads these wonderful characters. Lover Revealed is the fourth book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. It is preceded by Dark Lover, Lover Eternal, and Lover Awakened and is followed by Lover Unbound, and Lover Enshrined, with Lover Avenged due to be released next year. There is also a companion book to the series, The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide. J. R. Ward also writes contemporary romances under the name Jessica Bird.

Note: Sensitive readers should be forewarned that as in the past books, there is quite a bit of strong language and violence, and the sex, due to the BDSM element is a bit more explicit than what one would typically find in an average romance novel.

[Jx PinkLady Reviews ♡ bookwormthoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Belonging Stars.... You feel me?

‘Sometimes fate takes you in fcuked up directions’ ~ Butch



Butch.....sigh.....the cop....the man....

THE MAN

I absolutely fell in love with Butch in this story, what a fierce loving sweetheart he is!!!

I have to be honest, I didn't care too much for Butch at the start of this series, he was just an 'extra' character, a filler, but he has grown on me in a lovely way.

He is a man of honour, a lost man.....
Where does he belong?
Who does he belong with?

‘…he was right where he’d always been: no more alive than when he’d been rotting in his old life. Still on the outside looking in.’

He wants to belong to the Brotherhood.....
He wants to belong to Marissa...
He wants Marissa to belong to him....



Is any of this possible????? This is what was going through my mind as I was reading this fantastic, passionate brother loving story......

Marissa, the heroine is, "...amazing. Smart. Capable. Compassionate," all the things a good heroine needs to be and I warmed to her and wanted her to have a 'happy ever after.'

The other very important love in the life of Butch is the delectable Vishous...their friendship is something beautiful.....a manly bromance, fierce protectors of each other....

“You’re his light Marissa. Don’t ever forget that……You ever hurt him on purpose and I will consider you my enemy.” ~ Vishous

Lover Revealed is truly fabulous and weaves the layers of future stories, characters and possibilities. BDB fans will LOVE it...♥

And of course there were some smoking HOT knicker wetting moments!!!



Yummy!!!!

It has all the usual elements, the characters we love and a couple of new ones to add to the mix. It has left me wanting more....more vampires, more loving action, more brotherhood and especially more Vishous, I think I'm going to love him in a big, kinky way.....luckily I get him next.... MINE

Butch, in my opinion, well and truly earns his place in this story and the world of the.....




Only look at the spoiler if you want to know.....
'The destroyer has arrived and you are he.' ~ Scribe Virgin
Yes, all of Butches wishes come true
BR with the fabulous Pinks <3

TRUE

♥

[Anna]

5 STARS

~ if you wanna kiss the SKY better learn how to kneel boy - stars !!! ❤❤❤❤❤











Wow another great book !!!

More
More
I need to feed
On more
True ?!

This book has served it's purpose ! Now my interest is on high alert for Rehvenge's book!!

With his Mohawk and drug-dealing self ! I need to get my hands on him ! STAT!!!!!

Solidified in concrete and everlasting love/lust and all GIRLY PARTS COMBUST ❤❤for Vishous

His book is going to blow me away
True
Fucking TRUEST of TRUE !!

And John Matthew ❤ my heart is totally invested. I've got my book heart on you ❤


Buddy read with the Bestie Lisa Jayne :)

What doing ?

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

How perfect the Scribe Virgin is a combo of our names Analise. GIRL POWER

Yeah we can cut these boys and eat them up for lunch with our powers. WE CLEAR ?

This scribe virgin wants to annihilate the creepy alphabet soup !!! X O M A E I O U.... All of them. A biggggg F U !!!!

TRUE

TRUE


❤❤❤who would've ever thought that TRUE would replace the

Laters, Baby ❤❤❤❤

In my book swoon heart !!! Like serious giggles and swoon ❤❤❤❤ me likeyyyyy. Me love. Me swoon.

[Jiana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm just utterly upset and disappointed.

Butch is one of my favorite characters in this series and I've waited to read his book since he first appeared in the first book. I was so excited to start Lover Revealed. I shipped him and Marissa instantly in book one. Then... I started this book and everything was flat. Butch's character fell flat; I felt he was so out of character. I pretty much disliked Marissa in this book, despite the fact that I used to love her before. She appeared so utterly weak in this one and all she did was cry. Even their relationship felt forced? I don't know. I'm just so disappointed and Ward did not do Butch right. I lowkey shipped Butch with Vishous in this book, but oh well.

After loving the first 3 books in this series, I didn't expect to be disappointed with Butch's book, especially since I love him so much. But yeaaaah. It was so boring and dull and it lacked majorly. Of course, I'm still super excited for the next books. The fifth book is V's book and gosh, I adore him!!! I absolutely cannot wait to immediately start it.

[Shurrn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Dagger Brotherhood continues to deliver amazing stories, but was compromised by the inclusion of a questionable love interest... Sorry Butch...

"I liked you cop. From the moment I met you. No… not the first moment. I wanted to kill you when I first met you. But then I liked you. A lot."

This is a 3.5 Star read, but I'm rounding up to 4 because I still love BDB...

My opinion of Marissa detracted from my enjoyment of this book. I found the relationship between Vishous and Butch far more interesting than the romance between Butch and Marissa (more on that later)…

While so much happened which will affect the future of the Brotherhood, and the Vampire Race as a whole, I feel like the this book failed to stand up next to the previous books in the series. Don't hate me. Let's face it, Zsadist's story was a tough act to follow…

I know several people who adored Butch from the very first book… I was not one of those people. I didn't dislike him; I was simply far more interested in the Brotherhood to really care about Butch's self-loathing… I enjoy a broken alpha-male as much as the next woman; but you can't "use the power of love" to cure self-loathing… Note the "SELF" prefix.



One of the things which I enjoy about J.R. Ward - her female characters are not usually weak and whiny little ingrates… I was thoroughly disappointed about Marissa… EVERYTHING about Marissa. I kept crossing my fingers that she was going to metaphorically grow a pair, but I was wishing for too much.

There were times when female hysteria got everyone's attention, and this was one of them.

I'll be honest, Marissa's whole personality has me hesitant to start Lover Unbound. I'm trying to tell myself that in a general population study, there have to be a few idiot simpering spoiled rich bitches… But seriously… I wanted to take a dagger to Marissa on more than one occasion throughout the course of this book. Every time she showed a little backbone, she'd crumple right afterward. Two steps forward, Three steps back…

Her saving grace was
1. Torching all of her dresses in the yard and the epic line afterward.

Well, wasn't this a night for firsts. Sex. Arson. Pants.

2. Deciding to create a Vampire version of a Women's Shelter, thereby gaining her a purpose in life...

3. Standing up to Havers and The Council… My opinions on her aside, the way the Council and Havers treated Marissa was unforgivable, and allowed me to cut her some slack.

4. Eventually dropping to her knees and begging Butch to take her back after she was acting like a hypocritical little idiot.



Something which might have encouraged me to like Marissa's character a little bit more:

I would have Loved, Loved, Loved to have been a fly on the wall when Beth, Mary, and Bella sat down with Marissa to straighten her out. Especially Beth, something tells me that she would have shook some sense into Marissa and I really needed a dose of Strong Female by that point in the book.



Which brings me to a very important point!

One of my favorite aspects of J.R. Ward's writing is that she can flip Points of View so seamlessly between her characters. Just when I was getting raging mad and ready to throw my book frustrated with Marisssa, we would switch to other characters like Vishous or John... I have the biggest crush on little John right now *sigh*

Each new book in the black dagger brotherhood focuses on the struggle of a single character, but we never lose touch with the rest of the brotherhood. Our favorite characters are still growing, and we continue to see their evolution.

I will be taking a bit of a break before reading Vishous's Story in Lover Unbound. I am excited to learn more about him, especially as he seemed to be leading up to a precipice throughout this book. His relationship with Butch intrigues me…
*clears throat*
And after seeing the inside of his high-rise apartment, I can tell Vishous and I could get along just fine…

Overall, I enjoyed the book… Even if I didn't particularly like one of the characters… I'm still going to continue the series, and I am still a fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood!

Some of My Favorite Moments:

What the hell was he going to do without that smart-ass, tough-talking, Scotch-sucking SOB? The rough bastard somehow smoothed out the edges of life, probably because he was like sandpaper, a scratchy, persistent wrong-way rub that left everything more even.

There were times when female hysteria got everyone's attention, and this was one of them.

"You are my only friend. Never my enemy."

He couldn't even call it an orgasm. More like his cock swore out loud.

She might not have any clue who she was, but better to be lost and searching than shoved into a social box by someone else.

"V, you know I love you like a brother, right?"
"Yeah,"
"You feed her and I'll tear your fucking throat out."
V smirked, then broke into a full smile. The grin was so wide he had to cover is fangs with the back of his gloved hand. "Nuff said, my man. And just as well. I've never let someone take my vein before."
Butch frowned. "Never?"
"Nope. I'm a vascular virgin..."

"You getting married?
...
Where you registered? Crate and Bury 'Em?"

"You're very tight."
"Well, you're very big."
He laughed in a burst. "Nicest things... You say the nicest things."

Well, wasn't this a night for firsts. Sex. Arson. Pants.

V's answer was factual, straight to the point. Horrific. Hell, any plan that ended with "and then we pray" was not a trip to Disneyland.

"I liked you cop. From the moment I met you. No… not the first moment. I wanted to kill you when I first met you. But then I liked you. A lot."




My Other Reviews in the Black Dagger Brotherhood Saga:
(I will update links as they become available)
1. Dark Lover - My Review
2. Lover Eternal - My Review
3. Lover Awakened - My Review
4. Lover Revealed - YOU'RE READING IT
5. Lover Unbound - My Review
6. Lover Enshrined - My Review
6.5 Father Mine - My Review
7. Lover Avenged - My Review
8. Lover Mine - My Review
9. Lover Unleashed - My Review
10. Lover Reborn - My Review
11. Lover At Last - My Review
12. The King - My Review
13. The Shadows - My Review

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 BUTCH smart-ass, tough-talking, Scotch-sucking STARS

Butch O'Neal



Marissa





This book concentrates on Butch and Marissa’s relationship.

However to be honest I found the development of his relationship with Vishous to be more exciting than the romance between him and Marissa.
I thought that Lover Revealed was simply lacking in the lovely, heart-stopping scenes that I really love to see, so I found it difficult to really feel their love in the powerful way that I did with the main characters in the others books! This doesn’t stop me from strongly recommending it.

Lover Revealed is a fantastic read, a exciting page turner that you won’t want to put down. Mrs. Ward I will be looking forward to continuing with the series to see where your wonderful, and fertile imagination leads these awesome characters!!

Vishous will be up next in Lover Unbound...

[Maria Clara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Exactamente no sé qué decir: salvo que esperaba más; mucho más de Butch! Y en cuanto a Marissa, bueno, tampoco me ha convencido; en ningún sentido! Creo que, como pareja, les ha faltado la química. Lo único, sí, la historia en general está bien, pero sobre todo por V.