BLOOD FURY is the third book in J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Legacy series. With most books in this series I usually recommend reading the series in order, but even though doing so will give you more context, I think BLOOD FURY works as a standalone story. J.R. Ward writes breathtaking "unrequited love" stories and BLOOD FURY is a prime example. The four major characters in this book are Saxton, Ruhn, Peyton, and Novo. Peyton and Novo are warriors-in- training, and Saxton and Ruhn are simply civilians, but the thing that connects them all is the Black Dagger Brotherhood. In BLOOD FURY, J.R. Ward shows that while you can't always get what you want, getting what you need is infinitely better.

Saxton's happily-ever-after has been a long time coming. Saxton's lover, Blay, passed him over for Blay's one true love Quinn. This has never sat right with me because I was always Team Saxton. Saxton is the classic sweet and sexy lawyer hero character with a vampire twist. Ruhn is a new addition to Ward's vampire world and practically perfect for Saxton. J.R. Ward does a good job of describing the erotic awareness from both perspectives and building the sexual tension. The romance between Saxton and Ruhn is my favorite kind -- both characters are loving and treat each other with respect, and they work on a problem to defeat a villain together. This is a couple who lift each other up and complement each other beautifully.

Peyton and Novo are both in the Black Dagger Brotherhood's training program. Vampire aristocrat Peyton has been infatuated with fellow trainee Paradise. Unfortunately for Peyton, Paradise had no clue of his regard, never reciprocated his feelings, and is now stuck like glue to her man Craeg. Over the course of BLOOD FURY, Peyton changes his perspective on his feelings for Paradise. He soon realizes that his attraction was more about Paradise being there to listen to him at a time when he desperately needed a good friend. Novo has had the hots for Peyton for forever but, much like Ruhn and his feelings for Saxton, never really thought Peyton was attainable in the way that she wanted him. She soon discovers how wrong she was. Peyton finds Novo's strength and attitude wildly alluring. J.R. Ward reveals Peyton's hidden depths to Novo and readers and shows that he has his own troubles and is much more than the spoiled rich boy some think him to be. In addition to super steamy scenes, the moments when they both let go and have fun or reveal their vulnerabilities to each other are exceptional.

BLOOD FURY is an out-of-this- world tale of unrequited love done right and two sizzling vampire romances. I love how J.R. Ward makes these two stories intersect and have a wonderful symmetry. I look forward to J.R. Ward's next installment in her world of the Black Dagger Legacy series.