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Black Dagger Brotherhood #23
Lover Forbidden
The aristocracy is making a run for the throne in this latest thrilling, star-crossed paranormal romance entry in J.R. Ward’s #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series.
When Lyric goes out for the night, she’s not ready for a brush with death—and she’s really not ready for the male who comes out of nowhere and saves her. Her family, especially her father, Qhuinn, are so relieved she’s okay, but all she can think about is her mysterious savior.
Without telling anybody, she seeks out Devlin, and they are immediately drawn to one another. Her near-death experience has given her a fresh appreciation for life and the desire to live it to its fullest, but she has no idea that he’s hiding a secret—or that he could be the key to ending the war between the Black Dagger Brotherhood and the lessers forever.
When Lyric goes out for the night, she’s not ready for a brush with death—and she’s really not ready for the male who comes out of nowhere and saves her. Her family, especially her father, Qhuinn, are so relieved she’s okay, but all she can think about is her mysterious savior.
Without telling anybody, she seeks out Devlin, and they are immediately drawn to one another. Her near-death experience has given her a fresh appreciation for life and the desire to live it to its fullest, but she has no idea that he’s hiding a secret—or that he could be the key to ending the war between the Black Dagger Brotherhood and the lessers forever.
414 pages, Hardcover
First published September 9, 2025
755 people are currently reading
15039 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Ward
166 books52.7k followersJ.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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 465 reviews
January 20, 2026
2.75 stars
I actually liked this couple better than the last book but their potential was wasted. This series is no longer what it once was and in my humble opinion needs to end. To see it slowly circle down the drain book by book is very painful to see. I think J.R. Ward needs to wrap things up because at this point the only one who is amused by what she is writing is herself and her team. I still stand by the opinion I had 2 books ago: This 30 year time jump was a mistake.
And I will die on that hill. 🤷🏻♀️ I would love to be proven wrong but nothing given so far post-time jump is inspiring confidence. The romance? Barely existent. This series used to run on high steam and sensual slow burn and sexy times that would make you blush and romantic arcs that sometimes played out through multiple books. What happened to the steam? Now it's literally blink and you'll miss it. Instead we now get chapters worth of drawn out fighting scenes that feel very redundant. The fighting scenes padded the book way too much and just aren’t exciting anymore and feels more like the author amusing herself rather than it adding anything to the story. Same could be said with the overall vernacular/language/lingo/slang. I’m sorry but heroines like Lyric and Layla (cause this overall shift started to happen with her book) and even Nalla shouldn’t be talking/thinking like Ward or one of the boys. All the excessive “Annnnnnnnnnd" and "PS" and "No shit" is just annoying and not cute anymore. Just because this isn’t narrated in first person doesn’t excuse it. Lyric's internal thoughts should not be reading like Qhuinn or Shuli or LW. IT MAKES NO SENSE. I don’t understand how Ward doesn’t see the distinction at this point? Am I the only one struggling with this jarring shift? It wasn't like this before. Just because it's how you talk in real life doesn't mean ALL your characters have to talk and think the same as you. I mean what the heck is her editor even doing at this point? Her writing style is very much breaking the fourth wall at times for humor and it worked before but now it's just so distracting because it's so excessive now.
And the enemies? OVER IT. Because honestly 33 years into the future you have the inclination to write in *some* futuristic advancements to your world like robo cops but can't be bothered to come up with a new villain? Seriously??? Nobody finds Devina or Lash appealing or frightening at this point. Or the lessers. Thankfully, this book was absent of a lesser POV thank g-d. And why is the glymera still a thing? She just undoes everything she wrote to drag this series out. Like who is this supposed to fool? If you want to start a new era in your world fine, at least be original and COME UP WITH NEW STUFF, new threats, new villains, etc. Not the same thing over and over again. The one thing I was hoping would happen in the end of this didn't happen because again: Ward doesn't want to write anything new. The hamster wheeling and forestalling the brotherhood so the villains constantly gain the upper hand is not fun. A lot of weird choices were made in the end here all in the name of "love" when really it was contrived foot dragging by the author's pen to keep this stupid redundant war going.
For what it's worth, Lyric made for a likable capable heroine. She has the kindness and sweetness that was missing from the last handful of books which felt like an ongoing conveyor belt of Jaded Janet clones Ward kept plopping out. And now I'm worried Bitty will get the same writing treatment if that scene with LW was anything to go by. :( Can I just be wrong for once?! Ugh.
The mysterious hero Devlin was a little too mysterious for far too long in this that my interest waned. We don't know anything about him or his origins until the 70% mark. I know it was kept for a surprise reveal, but it hurt the romance in the process. Because here I'm supposed to believe that the daughter of Brothers and a Chosen is falling for a guy she knows nothing about and with zero fallout in the end? 😶 ARE YOU KIDDING ME? They shared 3-4 scenes at most before the big reveal of his identity and ILYs in the end, so yes it very much hurt the romance for me. The chemistry is there but when you barely build on that how is a reader supposed to buy into a forever kind of love? Which is not how this series used to function. The romance now is a complete afterthought or "add on" when it should be front and center. And Devlin not facing Lyric's fathers, Wrath and the Brotherhood ON THE PAGE is another example of why this romance fell flat. It just undercuts the whole supposed "forbidden" aspect if readers don't even get to see any of the fallout. What's the point then? We deserved that face off in the end. Instead Ward just wants to skip over all that to get to a Happy Meal ending. It's not cute and tastes really stale.
Also, Blay's mother is sick but do we get his POV in this? No. WTF Ward? It's all about Qhuinn and his suffering. 🙄 Let's talk about Senior Lyric making Qhuinn's favorite meal, not Blay's right? The sheer favoritism is insane and deeply disrespectful. Does she even realize how this comes across? I swear I don't know why this author has such a strong dislike for her redheads in this series. Blay getting the Phury treatment is so sad and disappointing.
Anyways, this was not a bad book but it was uninspiring and very put-downable. Lyric and Devlin were cute but would have been memorable if they got more development as a couple. I bought the chemistry but love? I'm not sure because they barely spent time together. The story they were given was mediocre at best when it should have been explosive. The stakes should have been much higher given the hero's parentage. Like hello....??! Lyric and Devlin had chemistry, something which was completely absent between Nate & Nalla in the previous book. Lyric wasn't written like a temperamental bitter shrew like Nalla, so yay..... I guess? The fact that she wasn't happy with her life and the only thing Ward could come with for her in the end was to learn to fight "just in case" was another underwhelming negative. Come up with something new for godsakes. She's the heroine of the book but Ward had no clue what to do with her which made no sense. It just begs the question why Ward wanted to write Lyric's book next cause the material felt very slap dash and pulling from thin air. The story just felt disjointed, meandering and not very well thought out. This very much felt like like she wasn't prepared and winging it.
I'm only hanging on for Bitty/LW but I'm not even sure if I will stick around for that if the latest development here was anything to go by. Ward is not good with conflict for her couples. The slow burn is great when she *chooses* to build up a pairing over time but the payoff is crap. She always fucks it up in some capacity. She did it with Qhuinn/Blay, Xcor/Layla and Lassiter/Rahvyne so I've been burned badly one too many times. I love angst and I was holding my breath for something to keep Bitty and LW apart and there wasn't anything shocking here, LW pushing Bitty away was expected. Heartbreaking but expected. Her reaction however is what has me really nervous and has my alarm bells already going off. I can't sit through another bitchy bitter heroine who is all palms out and freezing out the hero. I can't do it. Please don't do that to sweet Bitty. She can be hurt but don't give her a 180° personality shift where she's suddenly leery, mean, disillusioned and closed off. It's fucking tiring and I'm over it. I've sat through that merry go round more than enough times in this series and it's not enjoyable.
The one new character I did find interesting is Allhan, the abandoned pre-trans that Vishous and Jane have taken under their wing. I'm no longer a V fan but his connection with this young male felt believable. I'm curious to know who he will end up with but I'm not getting my hopes up given how this author has the attention span and follow-through of a gnat. I just hope his sweetness stays and he doesn't start talking like one of the brothers. Also, can we please stop it with all the unrequited love triangles? You not only have this poor guy crushing on Lyric from the sidelines but also have Shuli in love and pining over Lyric as well. WHY? Nothing comes of it so why do that? Ward did the same thing with poor Nate and it was a waste of time.
I actually liked this couple better than the last book but their potential was wasted. This series is no longer what it once was and in my humble opinion needs to end. To see it slowly circle down the drain book by book is very painful to see. I think J.R. Ward needs to wrap things up because at this point the only one who is amused by what she is writing is herself and her team. I still stand by the opinion I had 2 books ago: This 30 year time jump was a mistake.
And I will die on that hill. 🤷🏻♀️ I would love to be proven wrong but nothing given so far post-time jump is inspiring confidence. The romance? Barely existent. This series used to run on high steam and sensual slow burn and sexy times that would make you blush and romantic arcs that sometimes played out through multiple books. What happened to the steam? Now it's literally blink and you'll miss it. Instead we now get chapters worth of drawn out fighting scenes that feel very redundant. The fighting scenes padded the book way too much and just aren’t exciting anymore and feels more like the author amusing herself rather than it adding anything to the story. Same could be said with the overall vernacular/language/lingo/slang. I’m sorry but heroines like Lyric and Layla (cause this overall shift started to happen with her book) and even Nalla shouldn’t be talking/thinking like Ward or one of the boys. All the excessive “Annnnnnnnnnd" and "PS" and "No shit" is just annoying and not cute anymore. Just because this isn’t narrated in first person doesn’t excuse it. Lyric's internal thoughts should not be reading like Qhuinn or Shuli or LW. IT MAKES NO SENSE. I don’t understand how Ward doesn’t see the distinction at this point? Am I the only one struggling with this jarring shift? It wasn't like this before. Just because it's how you talk in real life doesn't mean ALL your characters have to talk and think the same as you. I mean what the heck is her editor even doing at this point? Her writing style is very much breaking the fourth wall at times for humor and it worked before but now it's just so distracting because it's so excessive now.
And the enemies? OVER IT. Because honestly 33 years into the future you have the inclination to write in *some* futuristic advancements to your world like robo cops but can't be bothered to come up with a new villain? Seriously??? Nobody finds Devina or Lash appealing or frightening at this point. Or the lessers. Thankfully, this book was absent of a lesser POV thank g-d. And why is the glymera still a thing? She just undoes everything she wrote to drag this series out. Like who is this supposed to fool? If you want to start a new era in your world fine, at least be original and COME UP WITH NEW STUFF, new threats, new villains, etc. Not the same thing over and over again. The one thing I was hoping would happen in the end of this didn't happen because again: Ward doesn't want to write anything new. The hamster wheeling and forestalling the brotherhood so the villains constantly gain the upper hand is not fun. A lot of weird choices were made in the end here all in the name of "love" when really it was contrived foot dragging by the author's pen to keep this stupid redundant war going.
For what it's worth, Lyric made for a likable capable heroine. She has the kindness and sweetness that was missing from the last handful of books which felt like an ongoing conveyor belt of Jaded Janet clones Ward kept plopping out. And now I'm worried Bitty will get the same writing treatment if that scene with LW was anything to go by. :( Can I just be wrong for once?! Ugh.
The mysterious hero Devlin was a little too mysterious for far too long in this that my interest waned. We don't know anything about him or his origins until the 70% mark. I know it was kept for a surprise reveal, but it hurt the romance in the process. Because here I'm supposed to believe that the daughter of Brothers and a Chosen is falling for a guy she knows nothing about and with zero fallout in the end? 😶 ARE YOU KIDDING ME? They shared 3-4 scenes at most before the big reveal of his identity and ILYs in the end, so yes it very much hurt the romance for me. The chemistry is there but when you barely build on that how is a reader supposed to buy into a forever kind of love? Which is not how this series used to function. The romance now is a complete afterthought or "add on" when it should be front and center. And Devlin not facing Lyric's fathers, Wrath and the Brotherhood ON THE PAGE is another example of why this romance fell flat. It just undercuts the whole supposed "forbidden" aspect if readers don't even get to see any of the fallout. What's the point then? We deserved that face off in the end. Instead Ward just wants to skip over all that to get to a Happy Meal ending. It's not cute and tastes really stale.
Also, Blay's mother is sick but do we get his POV in this? No. WTF Ward? It's all about Qhuinn and his suffering. 🙄 Let's talk about Senior Lyric making Qhuinn's favorite meal, not Blay's right? The sheer favoritism is insane and deeply disrespectful. Does she even realize how this comes across? I swear I don't know why this author has such a strong dislike for her redheads in this series. Blay getting the Phury treatment is so sad and disappointing.
Anyways, this was not a bad book but it was uninspiring and very put-downable. Lyric and Devlin were cute but would have been memorable if they got more development as a couple. I bought the chemistry but love? I'm not sure because they barely spent time together. The story they were given was mediocre at best when it should have been explosive. The stakes should have been much higher given the hero's parentage. Like hello....??! Lyric and Devlin had chemistry, something which was completely absent between Nate & Nalla in the previous book. Lyric wasn't written like a temperamental bitter shrew like Nalla, so yay..... I guess? The fact that she wasn't happy with her life and the only thing Ward could come with for her in the end was to learn to fight "just in case" was another underwhelming negative. Come up with something new for godsakes. She's the heroine of the book but Ward had no clue what to do with her which made no sense. It just begs the question why Ward wanted to write Lyric's book next cause the material felt very slap dash and pulling from thin air. The story just felt disjointed, meandering and not very well thought out. This very much felt like like she wasn't prepared and winging it.
I'm only hanging on for Bitty/LW but I'm not even sure if I will stick around for that if the latest development here was anything to go by. Ward is not good with conflict for her couples. The slow burn is great when she *chooses* to build up a pairing over time but the payoff is crap. She always fucks it up in some capacity. She did it with Qhuinn/Blay, Xcor/Layla and Lassiter/Rahvyne so I've been burned badly one too many times. I love angst and I was holding my breath for something to keep Bitty and LW apart and there wasn't anything shocking here, LW pushing Bitty away was expected. Heartbreaking but expected. Her reaction however is what has me really nervous and has my alarm bells already going off. I can't sit through another bitchy bitter heroine who is all palms out and freezing out the hero. I can't do it. Please don't do that to sweet Bitty. She can be hurt but don't give her a 180° personality shift where she's suddenly leery, mean, disillusioned and closed off. It's fucking tiring and I'm over it. I've sat through that merry go round more than enough times in this series and it's not enjoyable.
The one new character I did find interesting is Allhan, the abandoned pre-trans that Vishous and Jane have taken under their wing. I'm no longer a V fan but his connection with this young male felt believable. I'm curious to know who he will end up with but I'm not getting my hopes up given how this author has the attention span and follow-through of a gnat. I just hope his sweetness stays and he doesn't start talking like one of the brothers. Also, can we please stop it with all the unrequited love triangles? You not only have this poor guy crushing on Lyric from the sidelines but also have Shuli in love and pining over Lyric as well. WHY? Nothing comes of it so why do that? Ward did the same thing with poor Nate and it was a waste of time.
December 3, 2025
No. Just no.
This book is the final nail in the coffin of the BDB for me. Honestly, I should’ve seen it coming after the last few disasters. But I held on, hoping maybe, just maybe, JRW would show an ounce of respect for the fans who’ve stuck around for two decades. Joke’s on me.
I’ve read every single book in this series, many of them multiple times. I’ve defended it to friends. I’ve invested time and way too much emotional energy. And for what? To end up slogging through this incoherent, self-indulgent mess. The “writing style” (if we can even call it that anymore) has become a jumble of random scenes strung together (often cutting off in the middle of one scene to jump to something completely unrelated). The storylines are impossible to follow, and the characters don’t matter anymore because none of them stay on “screen” long enough for anyone to care.
The worldbuilding has gone completely off the rails – nothing follows the rules anymore, and don’t even get me started on the villains (what is with this author's creepy obsession with the sex lives of her villains?? I mean, they are serial killers and torturers for fuck’s sake!!).
All of the characters have flattened into tired cliches. JRW can’t even keep their original personalities or physical traits straight, and she gets details wrong constantly.
And then there was the so-called “big reveal”? Please. It wasn’t shocking, it wasn’t clever, it was completely obvious from the start. I mean seriously, she literally named him “Devlin”?!?! Real masterclass there.
This isn’t just a stumble; it’s a total collapse. JRW doesn’t respect the world she built, the characters she created, or the readers who kept her career alive. That’s the real betrayal here. After all these years, it sucks to walk away, but enough is enough. I’m done. Permanently.
This book is the final nail in the coffin of the BDB for me. Honestly, I should’ve seen it coming after the last few disasters. But I held on, hoping maybe, just maybe, JRW would show an ounce of respect for the fans who’ve stuck around for two decades. Joke’s on me.
I’ve read every single book in this series, many of them multiple times. I’ve defended it to friends. I’ve invested time and way too much emotional energy. And for what? To end up slogging through this incoherent, self-indulgent mess. The “writing style” (if we can even call it that anymore) has become a jumble of random scenes strung together (often cutting off in the middle of one scene to jump to something completely unrelated). The storylines are impossible to follow, and the characters don’t matter anymore because none of them stay on “screen” long enough for anyone to care.
The worldbuilding has gone completely off the rails – nothing follows the rules anymore, and don’t even get me started on the villains (what is with this author's creepy obsession with the sex lives of her villains?? I mean, they are serial killers and torturers for fuck’s sake!!).
All of the characters have flattened into tired cliches. JRW can’t even keep their original personalities or physical traits straight, and she gets details wrong constantly.
And then there was the so-called “big reveal”? Please. It wasn’t shocking, it wasn’t clever, it was completely obvious from the start. I mean seriously, she literally named him “Devlin”?!?! Real masterclass there.
This isn’t just a stumble; it’s a total collapse. JRW doesn’t respect the world she built, the characters she created, or the readers who kept her career alive. That’s the real betrayal here. After all these years, it sucks to walk away, but enough is enough. I’m done. Permanently.
September 16, 2025
What the fuck? <— that is apparently how any review of a new Ward book is gonna go from now on. Cause…what the fuck?
This shit is actually insulting. I thought maybe with the new generation we’d get back on track. I don’t know why I thought that, if I’m being honest. It’s misplaced hope, I guess from a fan who started reading this series when Dark Lover came out. A fan who held these as holy grail for years. And stuck with her for almost 2 decades now. I just can’t anymore.
I can’t even go into how much shit there is in this mess but Blay’s mom dying of old age? Blay is like 60 at most, so did she have him at 700 years old?
And when Devina saved them by promising Lash a blow job I almost threw my kindle at the wall.
The ending was ridiculous. Epilogue: They’re all just happy family, no questions asked the next day cause he’s magically not immortal, a demon, or part omega anymore but is part vampire? Sure.
At this point, I can’t even remember the last book I didn’t finish furious and disappointed. I can’t anymore.
This shit is actually insulting. I thought maybe with the new generation we’d get back on track. I don’t know why I thought that, if I’m being honest. It’s misplaced hope, I guess from a fan who started reading this series when Dark Lover came out. A fan who held these as holy grail for years. And stuck with her for almost 2 decades now. I just can’t anymore.
I can’t even go into how much shit there is in this mess but Blay’s mom dying of old age? Blay is like 60 at most, so did she have him at 700 years old?
And when Devina saved them by promising Lash a blow job I almost threw my kindle at the wall.
The ending was ridiculous. Epilogue: They’re all just happy family, no questions asked the next day cause he’s magically not immortal, a demon, or part omega anymore but is part vampire? Sure.
At this point, I can’t even remember the last book I didn’t finish furious and disappointed. I can’t anymore.
September 9, 2025
I have never known an author to destroy their own work this badly and then get praised for it. What a joke. Should have ended around The Chosen/The Thief.
Want to read
January 13, 2025The only thing I pray is, don't let Lyric fall for LAsh and Davina's kid, because something tells me this is the intention of Ward and it would kill the new books for me.
September 10, 2025
Okay, where do I begin with this book review?
I managed to read it in a couple of hours. Did I love it? No, I enjoyed the beloved a bit more than this book. I struggled to be captivated by the couple. Lyric didn’t feel like a full fleshed character and Dev felt forgettable but at the end of the book for the big reveal or shocking plot twist, I was like oh that’s disappointing.
I struggled with all the vernacular that JR uses because even I as a millennial do not use, or know any Gen Z that uses these phrases. I had no clue what Lyric did for work until a couple chapters in.
There was a huge shift between the new set of characters(Shuli, LW, Rhamp, Lyric, Bitty, etc). They went from partying it up at Bathe to now everyone is in the field (except the girlies) and LW and Shuli are tied at the hip because they keep saving each other - that’s not a bad thing, their bickering is fun but it doesn’t last.
LW has such anger issues that are understandable- he knew his father wasn’t dead, he’s going blind, he thinks he’s bad news for his love interest Bitty, amongst other angst royalty feelings. Bitty and LW went on a date (how dare we not get to read it) and they almost kissed but apparently they didn’t, who knows why? Now Bitty, is close to her needing and who has visions (like lovely Vishous) and now she’s all like fuck you LW. Because of LW’s behavior, he thinks he’s not good enough and he doesn’t wanna do what his father did to his mother. This is understandable but Jesus talk to your parents so you can avoid this kind of drama.
As for the main couple of the story- if there is one- lyric and Dev, I felt no tug at my heart strings for their story. It felt very rush and no spice that satisfied my reader’s heart. They had like a couple of conversations between the other subplot points. The forbidden being that he’s the son of the two baddies (lash and Devina). I just felt meh. Lyric kinda grew on me when she finally figured out what she wanted to do with her life thanks to her dying grandmother/dead grandmother. As for Dev, he was just a lampshade to be honest. You could have substituted him with any object and the story could have worked.
Another thing that really annoyed me was that Lyric had two of main male characters after her; Shuli and Allhan. Shuli reminded me of the other male character from the legacy series that was pining after one of the female characters. And Allhan’s crush was kinda out of the blue. It didn’t make sense, but at least he survived because of Lyric feeding him through his change so hopefully he won’t be too heartbroken when he realizes that she fed him out of saving him and not because she loved him back. God, it’s messy.
Had JR’s writing change? Yes. Do I think she has a ghost writer? I don’t think so but I think she really should consider wrapping up the series soon because it’s losing the heart of the series. I was happy with the beloved because it felt familiar but now I’m back to being frustrated.
Even more frustrated because of how cringy the passion series is, but I’ll stay on topic. Read the book but wait for a sale on it.
I managed to read it in a couple of hours. Did I love it? No, I enjoyed the beloved a bit more than this book. I struggled to be captivated by the couple. Lyric didn’t feel like a full fleshed character and Dev felt forgettable but at the end of the book for the big reveal or shocking plot twist, I was like oh that’s disappointing.
I struggled with all the vernacular that JR uses because even I as a millennial do not use, or know any Gen Z that uses these phrases. I had no clue what Lyric did for work until a couple chapters in.
There was a huge shift between the new set of characters(Shuli, LW, Rhamp, Lyric, Bitty, etc). They went from partying it up at Bathe to now everyone is in the field (except the girlies) and LW and Shuli are tied at the hip because they keep saving each other - that’s not a bad thing, their bickering is fun but it doesn’t last.
LW has such anger issues that are understandable- he knew his father wasn’t dead, he’s going blind, he thinks he’s bad news for his love interest Bitty, amongst other angst royalty feelings. Bitty and LW went on a date (how dare we not get to read it) and they almost kissed but apparently they didn’t, who knows why? Now Bitty, is close to her needing and who has visions (like lovely Vishous) and now she’s all like fuck you LW. Because of LW’s behavior, he thinks he’s not good enough and he doesn’t wanna do what his father did to his mother. This is understandable but Jesus talk to your parents so you can avoid this kind of drama.
As for the main couple of the story- if there is one- lyric and Dev, I felt no tug at my heart strings for their story. It felt very rush and no spice that satisfied my reader’s heart. They had like a couple of conversations between the other subplot points. The forbidden being that he’s the son of the two baddies (lash and Devina). I just felt meh. Lyric kinda grew on me when she finally figured out what she wanted to do with her life thanks to her dying grandmother/dead grandmother. As for Dev, he was just a lampshade to be honest. You could have substituted him with any object and the story could have worked.
Another thing that really annoyed me was that Lyric had two of main male characters after her; Shuli and Allhan. Shuli reminded me of the other male character from the legacy series that was pining after one of the female characters. And Allhan’s crush was kinda out of the blue. It didn’t make sense, but at least he survived because of Lyric feeding him through his change so hopefully he won’t be too heartbroken when he realizes that she fed him out of saving him and not because she loved him back. God, it’s messy.
Had JR’s writing change? Yes. Do I think she has a ghost writer? I don’t think so but I think she really should consider wrapping up the series soon because it’s losing the heart of the series. I was happy with the beloved because it felt familiar but now I’m back to being frustrated.
Even more frustrated because of how cringy the passion series is, but I’ll stay on topic. Read the book but wait for a sale on it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2025
God it's heartbreaking how disappointing this book was. As a faithful BDB reader for years, I need to say that I'm ready for the series to wrap up. Which I genuinely hope will happen with LW's book which should be a perfect opportunity to do a full circle on the whole and shut it down. With the whole BDB-verse being a total of 40-odd book strong, we've seen it all now. It's time to let go and move on to something new. With love.
October 4, 2025
Sigh...
You know that feeling of disappointment you get after you order takeout and the cost & fees wasn't worth the meal? That's the feeling I got with this book right now.
Did Ward phone it in? Absolutely. It was soulless, checking off the boxes that I was able to guess scene by scene what was going on.
I should have DNF'd when LW was an asshole to Bitty because fuck that dude, his "I'm being an asshole to save you from me" is such bullshit.
V's "I'm a dom, I don't know how to parent" quip annoyed me as much as it did in his book, the whole "I'm into bdsm because I'm damaged" was old then and is still hella old now.
Oh and the couple? So very milquetoast, I was so irritated that they paired Lyric with the son of Lash, and that Dev was all "OMG, I'm so not like my parents." Please, everything between them was a pale imitation of BDB couples past.
I think its time I close the book on the BDB books. I read to chill, not to be irritated.
You know that feeling of disappointment you get after you order takeout and the cost & fees wasn't worth the meal? That's the feeling I got with this book right now.
Did Ward phone it in? Absolutely. It was soulless, checking off the boxes that I was able to guess scene by scene what was going on.
I should have DNF'd when LW was an asshole to Bitty because fuck that dude, his "I'm being an asshole to save you from me" is such bullshit.
V's "I'm a dom, I don't know how to parent" quip annoyed me as much as it did in his book, the whole "I'm into bdsm because I'm damaged" was old then and is still hella old now.
Oh and the couple? So very milquetoast, I was so irritated that they paired Lyric with the son of Lash, and that Dev was all "OMG, I'm so not like my parents." Please, everything between them was a pale imitation of BDB couples past.
I think its time I close the book on the BDB books. I read to chill, not to be irritated.
October 21, 2025
I NEVER GET TIRED OF THESE BOOKS...
September 24, 2025
Story 4.5 stars. Narration 5 stars
Just finished this and as usual I really enjoyed it. It was a long listen and I managed to do it in one day. It was filled with new characters(new to me anyway)mixed in with a lot of the old characters. I could have done with more of the old brothers personally-that’s just due to my love of so many of them. This is posted as paranormal romance,but I think it’s just as much urban fantasy. There’s a war still ongoing and here again, I personally wish that particular war was over.
This is about a large city in upstate New York that is full of vampires. These vampires have their own culture and a king that rules them. Humans do not know what lives in their midst. To make things even more interesting there’s a large group of Lessers. Lessers are humans that have been changed into horrible beings. The Black Dagger Brotherhood have been fighting them for at least decades. Each book tells of one couple that ultimately get together. I like that the couples pop up in other books along the way. Main characters are Devlin and Lyric. Lyric is a vampire and Devlin isn’t. Both have major secrets. It’s a given that they will fall for each other but not what happens when the secrets all come out. As usual there’s other smaller plot threads involved. This was full of action, violence, demons and romance. Not going to lie, it also has its share of spicy times-very spicy at times even.
It was a good listen with wonderful narration by Jim Frangione. As far as I am concerned, he is the voice of all of these books. Simply stellar. The book is also full of Ward’s signature product name dropping. She has an affinity with modern culture and all the ways people use products within the world around us. I hope that makes sense. If you read her books I am sure you understand what I’m referring to. Highly recommended.
Just finished this and as usual I really enjoyed it. It was a long listen and I managed to do it in one day. It was filled with new characters(new to me anyway)mixed in with a lot of the old characters. I could have done with more of the old brothers personally-that’s just due to my love of so many of them. This is posted as paranormal romance,but I think it’s just as much urban fantasy. There’s a war still ongoing and here again, I personally wish that particular war was over.
This is about a large city in upstate New York that is full of vampires. These vampires have their own culture and a king that rules them. Humans do not know what lives in their midst. To make things even more interesting there’s a large group of Lessers. Lessers are humans that have been changed into horrible beings. The Black Dagger Brotherhood have been fighting them for at least decades. Each book tells of one couple that ultimately get together. I like that the couples pop up in other books along the way. Main characters are Devlin and Lyric. Lyric is a vampire and Devlin isn’t. Both have major secrets. It’s a given that they will fall for each other but not what happens when the secrets all come out. As usual there’s other smaller plot threads involved. This was full of action, violence, demons and romance. Not going to lie, it also has its share of spicy times-very spicy at times even.
It was a good listen with wonderful narration by Jim Frangione. As far as I am concerned, he is the voice of all of these books. Simply stellar. The book is also full of Ward’s signature product name dropping. She has an affinity with modern culture and all the ways people use products within the world around us. I hope that makes sense. If you read her books I am sure you understand what I’m referring to. Highly recommended.
October 20, 2025
**𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘** 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒚 𝑱. 𝑹. 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒅 (𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑫𝒂𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝑩𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅 #23)
Release Date: September 9, 2025
4.5⭐️4🌶
Of course, I'm completed and utterly sucked back into the Black Dagger Brotherhood World again! Why are you surprised? With all the dark broody overly-protective vampire males...I'm just a girl.
Lyric, daughter of Quinn, Blaylock, and Xcor, has been modeling/influencing and is drop dead gorgeous. Of course, more than one young male has had their eye on her for more than a few years. Including, but not limited to, Allhan, V's adopted son, and Shuli, best friend to her twin brother Rhamp.
However, despite nearly all of the unmated vampire males lusting after her, Lyric has been bewitched by a human male, Devlin, with over-the-top strength and work ethic, who hopped off his construction worker job to save her life from a billboard that had been cut loose in the wind.
L. W. aka Little Wrath, aka son of Wrath Senior, has been having an extremely difficult time since the "return" of his father. He hasn't had a father for over 33 years, and now, all of the sudden, he's expected to stop grieving and just let him back in like nothing ever happened? Nah, he's not having it. He's just as balls-to-the-wall stubborn as his father, and Wrath senior is fumbling to find a way to get through to him and reconnect with his son.
Needless to say, I'm still completely hooked to this series, and I dearly dearly hope that the next book is L.W.'s book. But if it's Shuli's book, I won't complain.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Vampires/Humans/Zombies
🍁Forbidden Love
🍁Fated mates
🍁Ancient battle between vampires and lessers
🍁Holding a candle for someone
🍁Overly protective males
🍁Dark and broody males
TW:
✨Language
✨Violence
✨Dismemberment
✨Sexual Content
✨Previous Child Abuse
Release Date: September 9, 2025
4.5⭐️4🌶
Of course, I'm completed and utterly sucked back into the Black Dagger Brotherhood World again! Why are you surprised? With all the dark broody overly-protective vampire males...I'm just a girl.
Lyric, daughter of Quinn, Blaylock, and Xcor, has been modeling/influencing and is drop dead gorgeous. Of course, more than one young male has had their eye on her for more than a few years. Including, but not limited to, Allhan, V's adopted son, and Shuli, best friend to her twin brother Rhamp.
However, despite nearly all of the unmated vampire males lusting after her, Lyric has been bewitched by a human male, Devlin, with over-the-top strength and work ethic, who hopped off his construction worker job to save her life from a billboard that had been cut loose in the wind.
L. W. aka Little Wrath, aka son of Wrath Senior, has been having an extremely difficult time since the "return" of his father. He hasn't had a father for over 33 years, and now, all of the sudden, he's expected to stop grieving and just let him back in like nothing ever happened? Nah, he's not having it. He's just as balls-to-the-wall stubborn as his father, and Wrath senior is fumbling to find a way to get through to him and reconnect with his son.
Needless to say, I'm still completely hooked to this series, and I dearly dearly hope that the next book is L.W.'s book. But if it's Shuli's book, I won't complain.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Vampires/Humans/Zombies
🍁Forbidden Love
🍁Fated mates
🍁Ancient battle between vampires and lessers
🍁Holding a candle for someone
🍁Overly protective males
🍁Dark and broody males
TW:
✨Language
✨Violence
✨Dismemberment
✨Sexual Content
✨Previous Child Abuse
September 5, 2025
This story was action packed from start to finish, and I loved how many different creatures we got to meet along the way. It’s written in third person( my favorite) because it lets you really dive into the minds of the characters and understand them on a deeper level. By the end, I wasn’t ready to leave this world behind, so I’ll be going back to the very beginning to start from book one. I definitely need more of this world!
September 11, 2025
I don’t know I torture myself but yeah. It was kinda like Mary and Rhage’s story but slower. WAAAAAAY SLOWER. People predicted the couple since the blurb went out and it was right. Quite boring since Lyric spends 70% of the book wanting to do something with her life but doesn’t take a little time to figure it out. And to show how forgetful those books are becoming…
I don’t remember when Devina got pregnant. I really don’t. But yeah. In the end he’s… something because I didn’t got if he was a vampire or human. And bet LW is going to get a dog for himself too for the future. I just want bitty’s book because I’m attached. JR needs to stop trying to be Nora Roberts because there’s a abismal difference between Dallas’s book and BDB and not everyone survives making 50 books of a series if you don’t know how to plan ahead.
I don’t remember when Devina got pregnant. I really don’t. But yeah. In the end he’s… something because I didn’t got if he was a vampire or human. And bet LW is going to get a dog for himself too for the future. I just want bitty’s book because I’m attached. JR needs to stop trying to be Nora Roberts because there’s a abismal difference between Dallas’s book and BDB and not everyone survives making 50 books of a series if you don’t know how to plan ahead.
September 20, 2025
Real funny Ward, so when are you going to publish the finished book and not your rough draft outline?
Seriously though, I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed the devolution of a writing style like this. Usually when I read a well written book I see the images in my head as I read, I haven’t had that consistently in a BDB universe book since I don’t even know when.
The magic just isn’t there anymore, and the world building is just right out the window. Characters don’t even seem like themselves-when describing Xcor she describes him as having “Old Country manners” sorry WHAT? Xcor? The male who The Bloodletter claimed as his son? Xcor? The male who raped and pillaged for centuries is now suddenly a total gentlemale? It’s only been 30 years which is like a blink for a vampire so why are they acting like they’ve aged 30 years in a humans life span?
Quinn still reads like a teenager, which kind of makes sense seeing as he’s like only in his 60’s? But then WHY are we killing off Blay’s mom of “old age”? No way she is that old without mentioning before. We just forget to mention that they had Blay *that* late in life?
Honestly this book had the potential to be great, but maybe someone influential told Ward that her books were “too long” or something so she has quit adding all the details that made them so great back in the beginning.
I’m just disappointed and frankly pretty sad.
Seriously though, I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed the devolution of a writing style like this. Usually when I read a well written book I see the images in my head as I read, I haven’t had that consistently in a BDB universe book since I don’t even know when.
The magic just isn’t there anymore, and the world building is just right out the window. Characters don’t even seem like themselves-when describing Xcor she describes him as having “Old Country manners” sorry WHAT? Xcor? The male who The Bloodletter claimed as his son? Xcor? The male who raped and pillaged for centuries is now suddenly a total gentlemale? It’s only been 30 years which is like a blink for a vampire so why are they acting like they’ve aged 30 years in a humans life span?
Quinn still reads like a teenager, which kind of makes sense seeing as he’s like only in his 60’s? But then WHY are we killing off Blay’s mom of “old age”? No way she is that old without mentioning before. We just forget to mention that they had Blay *that* late in life?
Honestly this book had the potential to be great, but maybe someone influential told Ward that her books were “too long” or something so she has quit adding all the details that made them so great back in the beginning.
I’m just disappointed and frankly pretty sad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2025
This could have been amazing if she actually tried. The books are half the length they used to be and it shows. Why set up juicy drama just to skip it and have everything be fine with a snap of your fingers? Snore.
September 12, 2025
It's book 23. If you don't know what you're gonna get from the alcoholic sex vampire soap opera by now, I don't think I can help. I'm pretty sure it isn't supposed to make sense at this point, and I don't much care. I stay to see how messy the couple in the next book is going to be.
October 23, 2025
note to self: you are done with this series
September 26, 2025
This book has none of spark or even familiar nostalgia of the bdb series. Usually even when I’m not too taken with the main couple, I can still enjoy whatever romantic subplot the author chooses to explore with already established characters. Not here.
Lyric and Dev were the romantic equivalent of rewarmed ramen noodles. The subplot with L.W. and Shuli delivered on nothing besides a reveal I’m struggling to even qualify as such. Considering L.W. has been such a front-and-centre character since the time jump, I’d hoped we would get more Wrath as well, but nope. Hardly any real substantive father son development, and Beth is on page four a couple pages max. I’d also been hopeful we’d get to see more Qhuinn and Blay, but the latter barely has any lines.
I should also not even count this, because when you open a Ward book you know you’re in for a Grey’s Anatomy mandatory subplot, but it never ceases to amaze me how pervasive sickness and injuries are in her novels. It’s starting to appear like a crutch.
I’m also not counting the plot twist as a reason for the low star rating. Everyone and their moms had guessed the twist from the synopsis. And all the secrecy did was making Dev’s povs even duller due to how vague everything had to be to keep the secret until the climax.
I will continue to read this series because Ward has reemerged from the ashes a couple times before for me, and I’ve come to accept that not every book of hers will be a hit for me. It’s just unfortunate that this one has fallen into the same F-tier that so far had only been reserved for the Shadow and the Chosen.
October 3, 2025
So. I loved the last book. I enjoyed the time jump and reading about the kids of the BDB. This book was a crushing disappointment.
Why did Blay's mom die "of old age?" Blay transitioned in 2006, so even with a time jump, that puts him around 55 years old. His mom and dad then would maybe be, at most, 200? Assuming they maybe tried to have young before Blay and were unsuccessful. How did she die of old age? Unless his parents are 800 years old. More likely, JRW totally forgot her own rules about her own characters.
Now then....about Lyric and Dev. First of all- calling him Dev did not lead to some big reveal about who he was lol. Anyone who's read the entire series knows who Devina is. Obviously, a character named Devlin is going to be her son. That whole storyline was stupid. She's a hideous demon, and Lash is a huge POS! Why are we writing these 2 together?! Granted, Dev may not be a bad guy. He can't help who his parents are. But Lash killed Qhuinn's parents and tortured his brother. He's caused chaos and destruction and having him now linked to the daughter of 2 brothers???? Absolutely not.
I kind of can't believe this book has gotten such high reviews. Obviously JRW is setting it up so the next book is about Bitty & LW, but among the many, many narratives throughout this book, Bitty's wasn't one of them. The baseline plot of this book was Blay's mom dying, but we don't get his POV. Once again what should be a Blay-heavy story, doesn't even focus on him. Instead we get POVs from the aristocrats, Lash, Devina, Devlin, Qhuinn, LW, Shuli, Lyric. STOP! 7 POVs is too many! The whole book is about how LW wants to enact his revenge and kill Lash. She drops a bomb on us that LW is losing his eyesight. Doesn't revisit that at all, and he doesn't kill Lash. This book was so all over the place. I'm really sad. I was so looking forward to it. I love jumping back into this world, but she's pretty much lost me at this point.
Why did Blay's mom die "of old age?" Blay transitioned in 2006, so even with a time jump, that puts him around 55 years old. His mom and dad then would maybe be, at most, 200? Assuming they maybe tried to have young before Blay and were unsuccessful. How did she die of old age? Unless his parents are 800 years old. More likely, JRW totally forgot her own rules about her own characters.
Now then....about Lyric and Dev. First of all- calling him Dev did not lead to some big reveal about who he was lol. Anyone who's read the entire series knows who Devina is. Obviously, a character named Devlin is going to be her son. That whole storyline was stupid. She's a hideous demon, and Lash is a huge POS! Why are we writing these 2 together?! Granted, Dev may not be a bad guy. He can't help who his parents are. But Lash killed Qhuinn's parents and tortured his brother. He's caused chaos and destruction and having him now linked to the daughter of 2 brothers???? Absolutely not.
I kind of can't believe this book has gotten such high reviews. Obviously JRW is setting it up so the next book is about Bitty & LW, but among the many, many narratives throughout this book, Bitty's wasn't one of them. The baseline plot of this book was Blay's mom dying, but we don't get his POV. Once again what should be a Blay-heavy story, doesn't even focus on him. Instead we get POVs from the aristocrats, Lash, Devina, Devlin, Qhuinn, LW, Shuli, Lyric. STOP! 7 POVs is too many! The whole book is about how LW wants to enact his revenge and kill Lash. She drops a bomb on us that LW is losing his eyesight. Doesn't revisit that at all, and he doesn't kill Lash. This book was so all over the place. I'm really sad. I was so looking forward to it. I love jumping back into this world, but she's pretty much lost me at this point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2025
Leider kann auch Nostalgie der Anfänge gegenüber da nicht mehr viel machen...
September 1, 2025
I was so lucky to receive an ARC of Lover Forbidden from Gallery books ,and holy Lassiter, WHAT👏A👏RIDE!👏
Nostalgia was a feeling that filled my heart often while reading this masterpiece. I was "home" again. With many of the people I've known for what’s soon to be two decades,making their appearance. Only, this time, not just as warriors, but as parents. Even though the scenery had changed, that lingering feeling of familiarity from the first books was present throughout this fangtastic story.
Each chapter had me at the very edge of my seat! I finished this fangtastic story in one sitting and have done a reread since.😍 #imnotobsessedimdedicated
Lyrics story , a rollercoaster of a ride , is one I think every BDB fan will appreciate. The nostalgic sentiments ,the scenes with her family, as well as her journey to finding her place in the world will have you invested right from the start. She's definitely her father's daughter, in every way🥹
Devlin sweeps Lyric off her feet from the very first moment they meet. His POV delivers a captivating story. You're going to be rooting for this male,true?
As with the main plot, the side stories give us a insight on what's to come for some of the BDB youngsters.
Remember how Lassiters book changed the entire BDB world as we knew it? Lover Forbidden falls on that same level of importance.
Ward absolutely knocked it out of the park with the way she perfectly transcribed each characters point of view. I felt every emotion, I saw the story play out crystal clear in my head. It has Wards distinctive story structure that we all fell in love with over 20 years ago.
And as always, where one path ended ,Ward offered us a new one to explore.
Whatever happens next in the BDB world, It`s gonna be of epic proportions,true?
Nostalgia was a feeling that filled my heart often while reading this masterpiece. I was "home" again. With many of the people I've known for what’s soon to be two decades,making their appearance. Only, this time, not just as warriors, but as parents. Even though the scenery had changed, that lingering feeling of familiarity from the first books was present throughout this fangtastic story.
Each chapter had me at the very edge of my seat! I finished this fangtastic story in one sitting and have done a reread since.😍 #imnotobsessedimdedicated
Lyrics story , a rollercoaster of a ride , is one I think every BDB fan will appreciate. The nostalgic sentiments ,the scenes with her family, as well as her journey to finding her place in the world will have you invested right from the start. She's definitely her father's daughter, in every way🥹
Devlin sweeps Lyric off her feet from the very first moment they meet. His POV delivers a captivating story. You're going to be rooting for this male,true?
As with the main plot, the side stories give us a insight on what's to come for some of the BDB youngsters.
Remember how Lassiters book changed the entire BDB world as we knew it? Lover Forbidden falls on that same level of importance.
Ward absolutely knocked it out of the park with the way she perfectly transcribed each characters point of view. I felt every emotion, I saw the story play out crystal clear in my head. It has Wards distinctive story structure that we all fell in love with over 20 years ago.
And as always, where one path ended ,Ward offered us a new one to explore.
Whatever happens next in the BDB world, It`s gonna be of epic proportions,true?
August 22, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed The Beloved, the book right before this, but this one I found to be painfully mid. The pacing felt super off, the ending rushed, the characters one-dimensional. There’s definitely an appeal to emotions but I didn’t feel connected to them at all. I wish we had gotten the reveal way sooner because then there would’ve been way more development between Dev and Lyric, however they almost felt like secondary characters to LW and Bitty to be honest. This was ok. I wish it was better.
I really enjoyed The Beloved, the book right before this, but this one I found to be painfully mid. The pacing felt super off, the ending rushed, the characters one-dimensional. There’s definitely an appeal to emotions but I didn’t feel connected to them at all. I wish we had gotten the reveal way sooner because then there would’ve been way more development between Dev and Lyric, however they almost felt like secondary characters to LW and Bitty to be honest. This was ok. I wish it was better.
October 2, 2025
Lover Forbidden I found to be just ok. I hope L.W. and Bitty's book will be the last because the idea fairy has run its course. This book had moments of excitement, but it also dragged in spots that had me wanting to speed read. I was shocked by why Lyrics and Devs' love was forbidden. I must say I definitely didn't see that Dev twist coming but it did leave me with more questions, which I'm sure won't get answered. Ward also had a lot of side storylines going which I found distracting. This one was definitely not one of her better works, but it had its moments.
October 10, 2025
I almost never leave a bad review but this author has disappointed and disgusted me. It’s very hard to stomach what this author charges for her books, an e book! I used to read her books when she first started, but since Passionflix picked up her books, prices are double and triple. This book is TWENTY BUCKS PLUS TAX for an ebook! No kindle unlimited, no box sets to make it a bit easier for loyal readers - nope, she just sticks us with the most expensive e-books and by far, the most expensive series with tax in $262 - who can afford that - it’s loyal readers that read your books in the first place, without us, where would you be? makes me sick - someone thinks too much of herself and not enough of loyal readers!
September 2, 2025
pre-read >
see what landed in my kindle!!! thanks for the ARC to galley books and the queen herself JR Ward: an icon.
Feeling blessed to be part of the JR Ward Influencer program ;)
4 stars and review to come ✨🫶
see what landed in my kindle!!! thanks for the ARC to galley books and the queen herself JR Ward: an icon.
Feeling blessed to be part of the JR Ward Influencer program ;)
4 stars and review to come ✨🫶
September 24, 2025
⚔️🖤 4.5 Stars! 🖤⚔️
When Lyric goes out for the night, she’s not ready for a brush with death—and she’s really not ready for the male who comes out of nowhere and saves her. Her family, especially her father, Qhuinn, are so relieved she’s okay, but all she can think about is her mysterious savior.
This is Lyric’s book and I gotta say, there are quite a few surprises in this one. Lyric is a popular life & style social media influencer but it’s been really unfulfilling lately. Being a social media influencer isn’t what she hoped it would be, she’s thinking she needs a change. Of course she’s comparing her fluff life to that of her brother, and many of her friends & family after all their protectors of their species. She feels like she needs to do something good and be more helpful. But what that means for her exactly she isn’t sure. Unfortunately, her family going through a difficult time and then she faces her own brush of death which is what leads her to reevaluate her life choices.
Lyric’s very distracted by the man who literally saved her life. There is something about Dev that she just can’t ignore. She knows it’s not a good idea, after all there is no future with him because he (appears) to be human, but she just can’t help herself! Dev has a LOT of secrets, he's been doing his best to blend in, avoid ties, and more importantly never draw attention to himself. But, after saving Lyric’s life his loner existence changes forever. Dev knows he should avoid Lyric, but he just can’t.
We get more of:
* Bitty & LW, there’s something there between them, LW is fighting it. He’s got secrets!
* LW & and his ahstrux nohtrum Shuli….what a pair!
* V and (and Jane’s) “adopted son” Allhan’s story is developing.
* And we get plenty of Lyric’s overprotective twin Ramp.
I gotta say both Ramp & LW are chips off the old blocks!! Thing’s are definitely getting interesting for this 2nd generation, I can’t wait to see what’s coming!
When Lyric goes out for the night, she’s not ready for a brush with death—and she’s really not ready for the male who comes out of nowhere and saves her. Her family, especially her father, Qhuinn, are so relieved she’s okay, but all she can think about is her mysterious savior.
This is Lyric’s book and I gotta say, there are quite a few surprises in this one. Lyric is a popular life & style social media influencer but it’s been really unfulfilling lately. Being a social media influencer isn’t what she hoped it would be, she’s thinking she needs a change. Of course she’s comparing her fluff life to that of her brother, and many of her friends & family after all their protectors of their species. She feels like she needs to do something good and be more helpful. But what that means for her exactly she isn’t sure. Unfortunately, her family going through a difficult time and then she faces her own brush of death which is what leads her to reevaluate her life choices.
Lyric’s very distracted by the man who literally saved her life. There is something about Dev that she just can’t ignore. She knows it’s not a good idea, after all there is no future with him because he (appears) to be human, but she just can’t help herself! Dev has a LOT of secrets, he's been doing his best to blend in, avoid ties, and more importantly never draw attention to himself. But, after saving Lyric’s life his loner existence changes forever. Dev knows he should avoid Lyric, but he just can’t.
We get more of:
* Bitty & LW, there’s something there between them, LW is fighting it. He’s got secrets!
* LW & and his ahstrux nohtrum Shuli….what a pair!
* V and (and Jane’s) “adopted son” Allhan’s story is developing.
* And we get plenty of Lyric’s overprotective twin Ramp.
I gotta say both Ramp & LW are chips off the old blocks!! Thing’s are definitely getting interesting for this 2nd generation, I can’t wait to see what’s coming!
May 3, 2025
Back in the BDB world and it’s such a fun place to be! It’s Lyric’s turn for a story and I gotta say, there were definitely a lot of surprises in this one. Lyric has been feeling off lately. She needs a change from her current life. Being a social media influencer isn’t what she hoped it would be. And compared to what her brother and her family does protecting their species? It just feels like she needs to do more good and be more helpful. But what that means for her exactly she isn’t sure. But with her family going through something and then she faces her own brush of death, she wants to figure it out soon. But in the meantime, there is one thing that has her distracted. The man who saved her. There is something about Dev that calls her to him. She knows it’s not a good idea and there is no future, but she can’t help but be pulled to him. Dev has a lot of secrets and has been doing his best to blend in and never draw attention to himself. But after saving Lyric? Nothing is the same. He knows he should steer clear of her. But she draws him in with just one look. But nothing is as it seems. And that’s just those two! Lot of drama in the BDB as the war continues. LW is having his own issues and eventually drags in his new protector, Shuli, to it. Things are definitely getting interesting in this world and I can’t wait to see what else is coming!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2025
I really hate to say it but this might be my least favorite BDB book. I hope the next one is LW and Bitty, I would keep on reading this series for them.
I feel like the series has lost something after the time jump and ever since Devina tainted my BDB series (really wish she would have stayed in the Fallen Angel series where she belonged, I can't stand her). I really hate to say it but maybe it's time the series wraps up? I love JR Ward so much but this book was just not it for me.
I feel like the series has lost something after the time jump and ever since Devina tainted my BDB series (really wish she would have stayed in the Fallen Angel series where she belonged, I can't stand her). I really hate to say it but maybe it's time the series wraps up? I love JR Ward so much but this book was just not it for me.
September 14, 2025
3.75 Stars 🌟
I want to first say that I have been reading this series for many years. And when I say MANY, I mean at least a decade, possibly more. Truthfully, the last several books (including the ones in the spin-off series') have been hit or miss for me. I was NOT happy with Wrath's storyline in the recent book and even more upset with the way the 30 year time jump was handled and how an EXTREMELY important event was just treated as an "oops".
But I am still a fan of this world and truly love to be able to drop back in when new books are dropped, both to learn and follow along with whatever the new storyline is, and even more importantly, to be able to get another glimpse of so many of the older characters that we have come to know and love.
One unfortunate thing for me is that I read quite a bit (in the thousands) and read a LOT of books in between book releases, so it is sometimes hard for me to remember what happened in the last book. Certain things like who belongs to whom now is getting harder to keep track of between books- because we are now into the second generations on the Brotherhood. A family tree at the front of each new book would be extremely helpful (I listened to this on audio so if there was one, I wasn't able to see it.) But usually when there are maps or glossaries in the print version, Audible will send the relevant PDF's with the purchase. But I digress.
In this storyline we meet Lyric and her twin Rhampage. Apparently, they are the kids of Blay and Qhuinn - and if I remember correctly, the children were the blooded born children from the Chosen Layla and Blay - so the twins have 4 parents- Blay and Qhuinn and Layla and Xcor. Lyric is going through an identity crisis and in the middle of an event (she is an influencer) she is saved by a stranger, one who gets her immediate interest. Too bad the problem is that he is human and she is a vampire.
At the same time there is a storyline with LW and the massive anger issues that he is dealing with. With this thread, I tried to understand his rage at everyone, specifically his father, but to me he is coming across as an entitled brat. Sorry, he just is. Trust me, if Wrath had had a choice, you'd better believe he would have found a way to get back to his family if it had been possible.
THEN, there is the storyline with Lash and the Vampire traitor Westmorlan (I listened to this on audio so forgive if the spellings of the names are wrong). That also dovetails with the threat on the life of the King.
And last but not least, there is what should be the front and center storyline - the relationship developing between Devlin and Lyric.
Are you starting to get the picture that there are way too many storylines to follow? I mean, of course we can follow, but with so many threads, there is not enough room to fully flesh out these storylines in the manner that they deserve.
With the Devlin thing. Without going into spoilers, I honestly could not remember his learning about his parents. Was this information that we were already supposed to know? Because I didn't. I was able to surmise who he was not too far into the book, but then I kept thinking, what else am I missing? Granted, there are long times between books and there are MANY books that I have read in between the new and older books, but I am getting more and more confused now that there are so many characters.
I like the storyline regarding Lyric on premise, but there were so many things that just threw me out of the story.
*The basic "insta-love" - specifically on Devlin's end.
*The whole Ahllan (sp?) thread.
*The entire storyline with the elder Lyric and why Blay had virtually NO speaking lines in the book when it was HIS Mahmen that was dying.
*Why LW would put his mother through so much fear for him, KNOWING what she had to go through for 30 years (and why he felt the need to keep his secret a secret)
*The absolute 180 degree change in Devina. Since when has she ever done anything selfless? Like, seriously???
*Well, when we are on that note, what was that whole scene at the end in the house by the lake? Is Lash even able to be killed - because it did not seem like it?
And there are more, but now I am just rambling.
So, this was not the best book in the series for me, but it was definitely better than some in the recent years. I will say that there was the requisite set up for the next book, maybe even the next couple -so there is that. And truly, when you are already over 40 books into a series (with all of the spinoffs and novellas), that tells you something. You ARE invested.
So, I will continue to faithfully continue on with this series. At least up to a point......
I want to first say that I have been reading this series for many years. And when I say MANY, I mean at least a decade, possibly more. Truthfully, the last several books (including the ones in the spin-off series') have been hit or miss for me. I was NOT happy with Wrath's storyline in the recent book and even more upset with the way the 30 year time jump was handled and how an EXTREMELY important event was just treated as an "oops".
But I am still a fan of this world and truly love to be able to drop back in when new books are dropped, both to learn and follow along with whatever the new storyline is, and even more importantly, to be able to get another glimpse of so many of the older characters that we have come to know and love.
One unfortunate thing for me is that I read quite a bit (in the thousands) and read a LOT of books in between book releases, so it is sometimes hard for me to remember what happened in the last book. Certain things like who belongs to whom now is getting harder to keep track of between books- because we are now into the second generations on the Brotherhood. A family tree at the front of each new book would be extremely helpful (I listened to this on audio so if there was one, I wasn't able to see it.) But usually when there are maps or glossaries in the print version, Audible will send the relevant PDF's with the purchase. But I digress.
In this storyline we meet Lyric and her twin Rhampage. Apparently, they are the kids of Blay and Qhuinn - and if I remember correctly, the children were the blooded born children from the Chosen Layla and Blay - so the twins have 4 parents- Blay and Qhuinn and Layla and Xcor. Lyric is going through an identity crisis and in the middle of an event (she is an influencer) she is saved by a stranger, one who gets her immediate interest. Too bad the problem is that he is human and she is a vampire.
At the same time there is a storyline with LW and the massive anger issues that he is dealing with. With this thread, I tried to understand his rage at everyone, specifically his father, but to me he is coming across as an entitled brat. Sorry, he just is. Trust me, if Wrath had had a choice, you'd better believe he would have found a way to get back to his family if it had been possible.
THEN, there is the storyline with Lash and the Vampire traitor Westmorlan (I listened to this on audio so forgive if the spellings of the names are wrong). That also dovetails with the threat on the life of the King.
And last but not least, there is what should be the front and center storyline - the relationship developing between Devlin and Lyric.
Are you starting to get the picture that there are way too many storylines to follow? I mean, of course we can follow, but with so many threads, there is not enough room to fully flesh out these storylines in the manner that they deserve.
With the Devlin thing. Without going into spoilers, I honestly could not remember his learning about his parents. Was this information that we were already supposed to know? Because I didn't. I was able to surmise who he was not too far into the book, but then I kept thinking, what else am I missing? Granted, there are long times between books and there are MANY books that I have read in between the new and older books, but I am getting more and more confused now that there are so many characters.
I like the storyline regarding Lyric on premise, but there were so many things that just threw me out of the story.
*The basic "insta-love" - specifically on Devlin's end.
*The whole Ahllan (sp?) thread.
*The entire storyline with the elder Lyric and why Blay had virtually NO speaking lines in the book when it was HIS Mahmen that was dying.
*Why LW would put his mother through so much fear for him, KNOWING what she had to go through for 30 years (and why he felt the need to keep his secret a secret)
*The absolute 180 degree change in Devina. Since when has she ever done anything selfless? Like, seriously???
*Well, when we are on that note, what was that whole scene at the end in the house by the lake? Is Lash even able to be killed - because it did not seem like it?
And there are more, but now I am just rambling.
So, this was not the best book in the series for me, but it was definitely better than some in the recent years. I will say that there was the requisite set up for the next book, maybe even the next couple -so there is that. And truly, when you are already over 40 books into a series (with all of the spinoffs and novellas), that tells you something. You ARE invested.
So, I will continue to faithfully continue on with this series. At least up to a point......
September 29, 2025
Lover Forbidden was a fantastic story! It was exciting from beginning to end. I loved learning about Devlin and Lyric and watching them come together. I loved the different stories unfolding, and all the POVs, and couldn't wait to find out who I'd hear from next. There was drama and fighting, emotion and sweetness, and just the right amount of heat. I loved it all!
I adored Devlin and Lyric. I loved learning about Devlin and the small, cryptic hints about him that left me wanting more. I couldn’t wait for everything to be revealed. I loved Lyric and where she was in life. I enjoyed watching her grow over the course of the story. Lyric and Devlin had an instant connection, and I loved watching their chemistry build. I really liked their push and pull and how they fought their feelings. When they finally got to their moment, it was perfection.
Along with the multiple POVs, several stories were happening, and I couldn’t wait for them all to connect. When each chapter ended, I was excited to get back to that part of the story, but also looking forward to who I would hear from next. There’s an awesome dynamic between Shuli, L.W., and Rhamp that I enjoyed. Shuli and L.W. had great verbal sparring happening, which was fun. There were some seriously awesome fight scenes with all of them, and I loved the drama. There were so many great moments and seeds planted for what’s to come. I loved seeing Quinn and Blay and the family that they formed, and hurt for them with all they were going through. From V to Lassiter and so many others in between, I thought they all helped to create a full story.
It was the overall entertainment value that had me on the edge of my seat. I felt pulled in and excited while reading. I laughed, I got teary-eyed, and held my breath. There were twists and turns, and holy wow with the ending, it was explosive! Of course, there is more to come. While Lyric and Devlin got their HEA, the war rages on. I was thrilled to head back to the BDB world and was not disappointed!
I adored Devlin and Lyric. I loved learning about Devlin and the small, cryptic hints about him that left me wanting more. I couldn’t wait for everything to be revealed. I loved Lyric and where she was in life. I enjoyed watching her grow over the course of the story. Lyric and Devlin had an instant connection, and I loved watching their chemistry build. I really liked their push and pull and how they fought their feelings. When they finally got to their moment, it was perfection.
Along with the multiple POVs, several stories were happening, and I couldn’t wait for them all to connect. When each chapter ended, I was excited to get back to that part of the story, but also looking forward to who I would hear from next. There’s an awesome dynamic between Shuli, L.W., and Rhamp that I enjoyed. Shuli and L.W. had great verbal sparring happening, which was fun. There were some seriously awesome fight scenes with all of them, and I loved the drama. There were so many great moments and seeds planted for what’s to come. I loved seeing Quinn and Blay and the family that they formed, and hurt for them with all they were going through. From V to Lassiter and so many others in between, I thought they all helped to create a full story.
It was the overall entertainment value that had me on the edge of my seat. I felt pulled in and excited while reading. I laughed, I got teary-eyed, and held my breath. There were twists and turns, and holy wow with the ending, it was explosive! Of course, there is more to come. While Lyric and Devlin got their HEA, the war rages on. I was thrilled to head back to the BDB world and was not disappointed!
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