This post is dedicated to the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Below are my reviews for book one through eleven. There are thirteen books in the series.
ENJOY!
~ DARK LOVER #1
4 Yummmyyy black dagger brotherhood Stars
Reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood is like getting an al la cart meal, you get a little bit of everything, there’s romance, action and fantasy.
What kind of World?
This is the world of Vampires. They can’t go out in daylight and don’t need blood from humans. Vampires feed off of the opposite sex, usually with their mate (like husband and wife). Full humans do not turn into vampires (half-humans can), vampires are born and fully “transition” around the age twenty-five. There are evil people called the Lesser who hunt down Vampires and kill them. There is a society of black dagger brotherhood, a group of warriors trained and skilled to fight Lessers and protect their kind.
The series is about the brothers in the Black Dagger Brotherhood.
Summary
Wrath is King, but doesn’t act like it. He’s a warrior and trains and fights with his men. One of his brothers admits to Wrath that he had a child and she will be turning twenty-five soon, meaning she will transition. The father wants Wrath’s help in helping her turn because Wrath’s blood is almost pure vampire. Wrath declines at first, but eventually accepts.
Beth doesn’t know what’s going on, but she knows Wrath can help.
What worked for me
I really liked the story line. I really liked Wrath. I liked the chemistry between Wrath and Beth. Yes, there was insta-lust, but come on, it fits the world.
I’m a sucker for damsel in distress stories! The black dagger brotherhood books are completely these. Beth doesn’t know anything about the Vampire world because she grew up with the humans. When she’s immersed in Wrath’s world, it was really interesting seeing her interaction with other people, especially with the other strong warriors.
There was major character development, not only with the main characters but the side characters.
What didn’t work for me
There was a lot of POV’s going on. A lot of POV’s I didn’t care for. I get that there need to be character development, but sometimes I don’t really care that much what’s going on with the bad guys. Just get to the good stuff!
Beth did frustrate me at times, I think it’s because she was suppose to create tension, which I usually love, but at times, I just wanted to shake the girl.
Overall
There’s a lot of hype with this series and I am glad, I finally took the plunge. It was a bit slow for me at times and I did skim the POV’s I didn’t care for and since the read is so long, I felt like I didn’t really miss that much. I really liked the Wrath and Beth interaction and wished there was more of it.
The thing I love about these kinds of reads of that anything can happen and also there’s a lot to learn about the rules of the world. I was satisfied.
AMAZON~ LOVER ETERNAL #2
4.25 Cursed Stars
I enjoyed Lover Eternal a lot, I think it’s because it was so different from book 1, Dark Lover Sometimes when you start a vampire series, some things start to blur together and it feels like you are reading the same book, but not in this case.
Summary
Rhage is one of the brothers in the black dagger brotherhood. He’s strong, has courage, but is cursed. He only has 99 more years before his sentence is over. Mary is human and isn’t strong, but somehow she is thrown in the Vampire world and even though Rhage isn’t the safest person to be around, she keeps on running into him.
Review
I liked Lover Eternal a little more than Dark Lover because of the way Lover Eternal was written. This time, there were less alternate POV’s and to me, the other POV’s felt shorter. Yes the beginning was a bit slow, but once you get into the plot, it starts to pick up.
Mary lives by herself and her friend, Bella, is a vampire. Mary befriends a young man who seems a little lost. Bella notices something different about the young man and knows he needs to meet with one of the black dagger brothers, but the young man is mute and needs a translator. Mary can translate for him.
When Mary and Rhage first meet, it was, like Ward fashion, very intense and very interesting. I wouldn’t say there is insta-lust, but there’s insta-attraction. Rhage is confused by his feelings for Mary because she is human and because he’s cursed. His cursed has prevented him from getting close to anyone and he doesn’t intend to do so now, even when all he can think about is Mary.
Even though Mary is human, I wouldn’t call her weak, she’s been through A LOT and you do feel for her. She just wants to live life and be happy. The tug and pull between Rhage and Mary is crazy. There is such attraction, but that crazy curse!
Of course there’s plenty of side character development and we get a glimpse of Z and how crazy he is. I kind of like mixing the next book into the current book because it kind of gives you a glimpse of what to expect.
I was apprehensive with this series at first, but I can honestly say now, I’m a fan.
AMAZON 
AMAZON
~ LOVER AWAKENED #3
4.25 Darken Stars
It’s Zsadist story! YAY!!!!! I always found Z fascinating and don’t get me started on my love of damaged Heroes.
Summary
Z is one messed up fellow. We know he was held as a slave and suffered through terrible humiliation and other stuff. He’s scared and has a HUGE chip on his shoulder. It also doesn’t help that his twin brother is perfect looking. With all of this baggage, Z is one mean you know what.
Bella is Mary’s friend and both Z and Bella have had a mini-run in, in book 2 so there’s some chemistry there. Bella gets kidnapped and Z is doing everything he can to find her.
Review
I was really surprised on how dark this one was, it wasn’t like the previous two books and I’m a major fan of dark reads. Z has a lot of issues and all of his issues explain his not so nice behavior. He does a lot pushing away and you feel for him.
I also love the damsel in distress storyline and you know I love my kidnappings. Does Z go kind of crazy and protective? Yes and do I love it? Yes!
There are other POV’s of course and this one it wasn’t so bad for me. We get to know a little more of John’s story and I find his character endearing and adorable. Of course there’s the crazy villain that kidnaps Bella, which keeps you on your toes because he is crazy.
There’s a lot of tug and war between Bella and Z. You just want them to work out, but Z issues are major and there are little flashbacks where you get a glimpse of what he went through. It’s very sad.
As always I am very surprised on how each book reads, the series is never a flat note and I love how unique each story is.
AMAZON AMAZON 
AMAZON
~ LOVER REVEALED #4
Sexy Butch, (Its okay you are human) Lovin’ Stars
Butch was one of my least favorite character, but after reading Lover Revealed, I LOVED HIM!!!!
Oh my goodness, what a read. So Butch is human, but is thrown into this vampire world. In the previous reads, there is some minor Marissa and Butch interaction.
Small recap:
Butch and Marissa meet = INSTA-Attraction
Kiss, make-out, break chair
Then book drama, Butch goes to see Marissa, but Marissa doesn’t want to see Butch
Marissa asks Butch to court her, but Butch declines
And we are where Lover Revealed is starting…..
Being human sucks since Butch is weaker and can’t do a lot of things. He can feed Marissa when she is hungry because his blood is too weak. He can’t protect Marissa physically because Marissa is stronger than him. He can vanish into air, like other vampires. It’s just a sad situation.
Awwww….. you want to say, cheer up buddy, you are still sexy!
Stuff happens to Butch that kind of tests his nature as a man and oh boy if you ever want to lift a dog beaten down…
Then Butch’s crazy attraction towards Marissa and not only do they have to deal with Butch’s physically state, but Marissa’s V-card.
I really liked Marissa even though I kind of wanted to punch her a few times, but she’s like this sweet, adorable, “innocent” thing and she just wants to be loved.
To be a virgin for over three hundred years, you want to give the poor girl a hug and a dick!
Lover Revealed was crazy good and there were plenty of twist and turns. As, Butch is trying to find himself and Marissa and Butch have crazy steamy scenes, it was all a treat!
AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON 
AMAZON
~ LOVER UNBOUND #5
4 Vishous Lovin’ Stars
V’s issues are
-He has a messed up hand, he can touch people and heal, but if he touches people, he kills them
-He has a crush on his best-friend Butch
-He admires and is jealous of his best-friend’s relationship with Bella
-He was much abused when he was younger
-He sees the future sometimes and the future isn’t always good
Beginning Drama
V has a lot of issues huh, well that means there is a lot of things V needs to overcome. V is severely attacked by the lessers one night and the humans call an ambulance and V is rushed to the hospital. Jade is the doctor on call and takes care of V, but she soon realizes, V isn’t like a normal human. As V’s brothers come rescue V from the hospital, V wants Jane to come with them back to the brotherhood. Jane is kidnapped in order to monitor V’s health.
Overall
I really liked the beginning drama. Like I said, I’m all kidnappings. Jane isn’t the typical human. She’s strong-minded, smart and isn’t girly. She wants to go home, but she has this pull towards V and because she is a doctor, she does her best to make sure he heals properly. There’s an insta-attraction from V’s point and I love it!
I’m all about the possessive male and when V shows this crazy side of himself, I’m like right on!
Lover Unbound was an enjoyable read and like always, it was different from the previous books. Yes, there has been a human woman before, but do not be deter, Ward makes this story very different. Also when you read about V’s past, it’s very sad and very dark, again, I love dark pasts and damaged Heroes.
V also likes different kind of sex, so you know there’s going to be mild BDSM. Also his attraction towards Butch kind of makes the story a little more interesting.
Do you think you can handle it?
AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON 
AMAZON
~ LOVER ENSHRINED #6
3.5 Not liking Phury too much Stars
Phury and Cormia story is frustrating, but not even in angst kind of way, it was just long, sad and a little boring.
Phury’s issues:
-Has major guilt for his twin brother taken as a baby
-Major drug problem
-In love with his twin’s brother shellan
-Forced to have sex with 40 chosen females
Overall
Phury’s issues to me weren’t so bad. I guess I should put it out there and say I am not a huge fan of addictions as an issue. I wanted to slap Phury so many times and just say, you know what, get with the program. Either you leave or suck it up or act like a man.
I loved Phury in the previous books. I thought he was so selfless, endearing and his love for Z’s shellan was just heartbreaking. I never expected him to treat Cormia the way he did.
How Phury treated Cormia
-P finds C beautiful, but knows he’s a useless wreck, so he pushes her away
-P can’t stand it and starts to get close to C
-C is happy that P is getting close
-P goes crazy and pushes C away
-P wants to get to C again and tries
-C is happy that is P is getting close
-P goes crazy and pushes C away
…..Rinse and repeat …. The whole book.
Side characters
We get to know John’s story more and I really liked reading about him and his bond with his two best friends. Of course Z is there and he’s in pain because he doesn’t know what to do with Phury. We also get introduced to a side story with the lessers, oh my, what a plot!
Just disappointing feelings
I wanted to enjoy Lover Enshirned as much as I enjoyed the other books and considering I loved P originally, I had high expectations. I am not sure what happened. I am not sure why he was so hard to get through and I am not sure where my crazy possessive alpha male went. Anyhow, I’m ready to move on to the next.
AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON 
AMAZON
~ LOVER AVENGED #7
3 … It’s Rehvenge’s Story!!! Stars
Sigh…. Lover Avenged was not a hit for me. I think it’s because there was a lack of romance and a lot of book to read.
Rehvenge wasn’t my favorite character, but I did find him very interesting. Also in Lover Avenged you get into the deep and gritty of who he is and I was very entertained by finding out.
Rehvenge’s issues
- He has half syhmpath and half vampire
- He has to take drugs to keep his syhmpath side in check
- Because he takes drugs, he’s impotent
- He’s being blackmailed
Summary
This is the story of Rehvenge and Elhena. We all know Rehv’s issues. Elhena is a nurse and she treats Rehv one day. Rehv is only at the clinic because he needs his drugs. Rehv doesn’t take care of his body because he has so many issues and he’s so upset with the world and he kind of gives up. Elhena sees something in Rehv and wants to help.
My feelings…
Lover Avenged was too long for me. That is probably not an issue for a lot of people, but when you have a long book with little romance, I get kind of testy. When I was reading the parts between Rehv and Elhena, I was really into it and I didn’t skim.
When I got to the other parts, I kind of skimmed. So in this book we get a little bit more on John Mathews (YAY) and another villain (YAY). Sprinkled in was some Beth and Wrath too.
I haven’t given up on the series, but Lover’s Avenged was a major disappointment. I’m going into the next one with no expectations.
AMAZONAMAZONAMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON
AMAZON
~ LOVER MINE #8
4.10 I LOVE JOHN MATTHEW STARS!
Finally, the groove is back. After the disappointing two previous books, I was excited for this one. John Matthew’s story was sprinkled in within the previous books, so we got a lot of character build-up, which I love.
JM Hang Ups
- JM is mute
- He was abused in his past
- He likes a girl who doesn’t give him the time of day
- His Dad is going through some issues, therefore, indirectly hurting JM feelings
Review
I wouldn’t call JM’s past terribly tragic, but because there is so much character build up with him, you are really invested into his story. Even though Lover Mine is a very long story (I think the longest so far), I didn’t mind it and I didn’t even mind the side character stories either.
From here, there will be spoilers from the previous books (only what’s related to JM story)
JM has a lot of issues. He has this on and off again relationship with Xhex. His dad is back, but is not all that there. He also is dealing with Xhex’s kidnapping. Again, we all know I love a kidnapping!
One of the reasons why I enjoyed Lover Mine so much was just the raw and gritty story of JM and Xhex. Lash kidnaps Xhex, but Lash isn’t your standard evil villain, he puts the evil in evil villain and it’s juicy to read. You feel for Xhex and Ward doesn’t really get too graphic, but you will feel emotional when you read Xhex’s scenes. I am not a fan of super Heroines but I appreciate how different Xhex’s character is compared to the previous Heroines in the series. Xhex is strong, independent and is really level headed.
Then there’s the sexy, alpha, go-crazy-male, JM is and it’s what I love in a read. He’s distraught and he’s doing everything he can to save Xhex, but it’s been so long since she was taken, he feels like she is dead. I really like seeing the Hero like this. We have watched him grow from a scrawny little boy to a super man and oh boy is he yummy.
Some side stories we get to know a little more is the Quinn and Blay’s dynamic (which I’m super excited to read about), Payne and her mommy issues and even Lash. Once in a while I do like reading from the villain’s POV and this one did not disappoint.
Overall, I’m a happy girl and JM story was wonderful.
AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON 
AMAZON
~ LOVER UNLEASHED #9
4 Payne and Manuel Stars
There will be spoilers from the previous books, but only reference to Payne’s storyline.
Payne’s issues
-She can’t walk
-Her mother kept her trapped and she has issues with that
-She finally realizes that her twin brother is alive
-She’s a virgin (not sure if that is an issue, but putting it out there)
Review
Payne and Manuel aren’t my favorite characters, but I did like the writing style in Lover Unleashed. I felt like it was more focused on the couple’s story and issues than anything else. As listed above, Payne has some issues, but her main one is her mommy issues. Because she hasn’t lived in the Vampire world, she speaks differently and see things different, I kind of like it. It breaks away from the typical dynamic.
As for Manuel, he was okay. There wasn’t anything I dislike about him. He just didn’t scream alpha male and I guess that would make sense since he is human. Because Manuel is human I wonder how the whole “issue” would be resolved, since the previous humans were resolved in such a unique way. You will just have to see.
There is some damsel in distress story line, in the sense Payne can’t walk and Manuel is there to help her. I liked these moments, they were sweet and nice.
The side stories are Payne’s brother, V and Quinn. V’s story is dark and I was really surprised on dark it went. V is still working off his emotions from his brother and having his sister near him doesn’t help the situation. He wants to protect and care for Payne, but he’s also messed up in the head. You will see Butch and V’s relationship taken to another level and oh boy those were awesome scenes to read.
I love Quinn’s story so much. It’s just so messed up and he’s so set in his ways. Quinn is just confused and although it’s very sad to read, it’s juicy as well.
Lover Unleased wasn’t overly steamy, but there’s plenty of character development. I felt like I got in the grit of Payne’s and Manuel’s character. I didn’t feel like their story was too dark or too dramatic, just different. It was a nice break from the crazy side stories and stories from the previous books.
AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON 
AMAZON
~ LOVER REBORN #10
4 Tohrment lovin’ Stars
There will be spoilers from previous books, only regarding Tohrment’s story.
Tohrment story is just so sad, it grips your heart and makes you ache, but it was such a great read!
I was a little shocked and sad when Tohrment’s shellen died. I knew his story would be a heart breaking one and oh my goodness, he loved his shellen VERY VERY VERY MUCH.
Tohrment’s issues
His shellen and unborn baby died.
Review
He doesn’t have that many issues does he, but it’s a major one. This is Tohrment and No’one’s story. Remember Thor and No’One have a little history. No’one is in a lot of pain because of her kidnapping and rape and because of this she hides herself under her cloak and makes herself busy by cleaning and continuing acting like servant.
Tohrment notices No’one, nothing sexual, just someone he notices and has brief conversations with. Lassiter is Thor’s angel and he tries to help Thor and No’one both get over past issues.
What I loved about his story so much is just the love Thor had for his shellen. It’s painful to read because you want No’one and Thor to work out issues and find love between each other, but then again, you don’t want it to be easy for Thor to get over his dead shellen because he wouldn’t be who he is if he didn’t love her.
It’s a long and gripping book and it wasn’t a hard read, it was just all around sad. There’s a lot of issues both have to work out and I found myself more on No’one’s side. Thor had a very difficult time in working out his pain and it’s a long drawn out process, so towards the end, yes I got a little frustrated, but really, the story is beautiful.
AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON 
AMAZON
~ LOVER AT LAST #11
4 Qhuinn and Blay stars!
It’s Qhuinn and Blay’s story, I feel like I have been waiting forever for this one. This one is bittersweet for me because it’s kind of (not really) a love triangle. So we know Saxton knows Blay loves Qhuinn and we know Qhuinn is messed up in the head.
This whole read is about Qhuinn figuring stuff out.
Qhuinn’s issues
-He has an abusive father who abandons him.
-He messed up and is know he guards John Matthew
-He isn’t a brother, nor does he have family
-He has feelings for Blay but doesn’t want to because that means he is gay
-He’s got Layla pregnant
Review
I really liked the beginning and ending, I was left a little bored and frustrated around the middle parts. I feel like there was tons of side story and not enough Qhuinn, Blay and Saxton dynamics. I understand the author was introducing us to future stories, but I didn’t care for Assail, Trez, or iAm story lines too much. I don’t have any feelings for the side characters and I think it’s because there hasn’t been any back-story on them.
What I did like was how wonderful Saxton and Layla are. I really love them as characters and I hope they have their own story soon. Saxton is just so sweet. We get a little more story on Layla and her ever growing feelings towards the man she gave blood to.
There are plenty of steamy scenes and oh boy those were very different. I’m glad there’s M/M in this series because it makes the stories even juicer. It was just hot. There’s also plenty of drama and angst between Qhuinn and Blay as there should be because of the crazy issues.
I enjoyed it, but wished there was more Qhuinn and Blay in the middle parts.
AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZON AMAZONAMAZON AMAZON 
AMAZON
~ The KING #12
Long live the King...
After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle—with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything—and everyone—at risk.
Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response—or the distance it creates between them.
The question is, will true love win out... or tortured legacy take over?
~ The SHADOWS #13
Two brothers bound by more than blood fight to change a brutal destiny in the heart-wrenching new novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood by #1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward.
Trez “Latimer” doesn’t really exist. And not just because the identity was created so that a Shadow could function in the underbelly of the human world. Sold by his parents to the Queen of the S’Hsibe as a child, Trez escaped the Territory and has been a pimp and an enforcer in Caldwell, NY for years- all the while on the run from a destiny of sexual servitude. He’s never had anyone he could totally rely on... except for his brother, iAm.
iAm’s sole goal has always been to keep his brother from self-destructing- and he knows he’s failed. It’s not until the Chosen Serena enters Trez’s life that the male begins to turn things around... but by then it’s too late. The pledge to mate the Queen’s daughter comes due and there is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no negotiating.
Trapped between his heart and a fate he never volunteered for, Trez must decide whether to endanger himself and others- or forever leave behind the female he’s in love with. But then an unimaginable tragedy strikes and changes everything. Staring out over an emotional abyss, Trez must find a reason to go on or risk losing himself and his soul forever. And iAm, in the name of brotherly love, is faced with making the ultimate sacrifice...
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.
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