Blood Vow by J.R. Ward (Black Dagger Legacy #2)
Released: December 6, 2016
Paranormal Romance
Ballantine Books

Reviewed by Mandi

This is the second book in the BDB spin-off series, but as we have seen in the past – this book has a main H/H, Axe and Elise, but the other half of the book (maybe even more than half) is the continuing story of Rhage, Mary and their adopted daughter Bitty. If you didn’t read Rhage’s book that came out in March, you might be a little lost with Bitty. Mary and Rhage adopted her (or are in the process of adopting her) after Bitty’s mother died from extreme abuse from her husband. Bitty also suffered, and because so many bones in her body were broken and healed poorly, they are afraid when she transitions into an adult vampire, she could have permanent damage to all of her limbs. On top of that, her blood-uncle makes contact looking for her and Mary and Rhage worry that he will take her away from them.

Look – Bitty bored me tears because – we all know, Bitty is going to stay with Rhage and Mary. They have their HEA, and to stay happy forever, they can’t lose Bitty. So they entire drama with Bitty’s uncle coming into the picture didn’t do anything for me. Plus – Bitty is the most well-behaved teenager EVER. My God, I wanted her to rebel or have some kind of attitude. Be a brat just for a second, Bitty! Even her uncle was super nice. It was a LOVEY MUSH-FEST. Don’t get me wrong, I loooooove when Rhage goes mushy on Mary. It melts me. But, the entire family being this ooey-gooey lovey-dovey pile of mush? For half the book? My bitter, jaded heart was over it.

The main couple is Axe and Elise and I liked them! Axe is a trainee at the BDB compound. Ex-heroin user, super poor, abandoned by his mother, father killed in the raids. Belongs to a sex club. He was edgy and grumpy and badass. Elise is glymera – wealthy, privileged and her father is terrified for her safety after all the raids and murders that have occurred. He ends up hiring Axe to be her bodyguard – and the two have super hot chemistry. Elise rebels against the glymera and wants to live her own life her own way. She was a stronger heroine for Ward – I enjoyed her a lot. Their relationship is spicy and hot.

I also love the trainees – Peyton, the arrogant asshole, Novo another female trainee who is cool, and the quiet dude who has issues (he will be a super sexy hero). I wish there had been more training by the brothers and less Bitty (sorry – I’m so annoyed by Bitty!)

The conflict between Elise and Axe at the end is a little meh and not sure if they were at the declaration of love yet – that felt weird for Axe to say. He is so jaded and hard-edged – him saying I love You felt odd. I believed in their romance, but maybe not in love yet? I don’t know.

I did enjoy reading this – Vishous is around. Lassiter was amazing! He not only made me laugh (especially the last scene) but he has such a sweet moment! His relationship with Bitty is more engaging that Rhage and Mary. I adore him.

It’s a fun read, I just didn’t want a third Rhage book.

Now to get my hands on  Xcor and Layla this Aprl. Oh baby I’m excited.

Grade: B-

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