The Black Dagger Brotherhood: 20th Anniversary Insider's Guide

Black Dagger Brotherhood

by J.R. Ward

Vampire warriors in black leather and tattoos.
Passionate love stories that pierce the heart.
Dark nights filled with drama, chaos, and epic battles in the shadows of Caldwell, NY…
And then there are the unicorn pajamas. And the Tootsie Pops.

Welcome back to the world of the iconic, #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series. With millions of devoted readers across the globe, these unforgettable books have redefined paranormal romance. Now, to celebrate two decades of the Brothers, author J.R. Ward opens the door to their world once more.

Inside this all-new 20th Anniversary Insider’s Guide, Ward reflects on the journey—sharing behind-the-scenes moments, heartfelt memories, candid writing advice, and insight into the challenges and triumphs of her long and legendary career. She also brings back the original Brothers in a mix of classic content and never-before-seen material,

• A brand-new novella, Happy Anniversary – Revisit Wrath and Beth as they reclaim the time lost between them. Tender, erotic, and emotional, this story returns to the couple who started it all—and proves that happily ever after doesn’t always come easy.
• Brotherhood updates, as J.R. interviews the Brothers to reveal where they are now.
• Fan-favorite features like Ask a Brother, Vishous’s Agony Aunt Column, Kitchen Corner with Fritz, and Bella’s Books.
• Playlists, monthly horoscopes, and more.

This keepsake collection is more than just an insider’s look—it’s a love letter to the fans, the world, and the unforgettable characters that have made the Black Dagger Brotherhood a genre-defining phenomenon. Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or are just now feeling the pull… this book is for you.

Reviews for The Black Dagger 20th Anniversary Insider's

“The Black Dagger Brotherhood 20th Anniversary Insider’s Guide By J.R. Ward is a must-have for all true fans!” ~ Alice K., Netgalley Reviewer

“Such a great book explaining some events that took place throughout the years that were not included in the original titles. Loved catching up with original characters!” ~ Amelia, Librarian

“Welcome back to stories from the lives of The Black Dagger Brotherhood, including a new novella and my absolute favorite, Ask a Brother. You do not want to miss this.” ~ KD RBCK, Netgalley Reviewer

“What a wonderful way to celebrate 20 years of Black Dagger Brotherhood! In this newest insider guides, we have it all. Fun interviews with the Brothers and all the fun kind of things you may find in a newspaper. From advice columns, to playlists, horoscopes, recipes, and book recs, we have it all. But the best part? The new novella surrounding Beth and Wrath called Happy Anniversary.” ~ Sabrina D., Netgalley Reviewer

“The 20th Anniversary Insider’s Guide is an absolute treat. It feels like J.R. Ward opened the door to the mansion in Caldwell and said, “Come on in—let’s catch up.” - IG ~ the_unexpected_reader, 5 STARS

“This book is exactly what an anniversary celebration should be. A tribute. A reminder. A love letter. And a promise that this world still has more stories to tell.” ~ bookscoffeebrews.

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Audiobook, Contemporary

531 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2025

About the author

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

Reviews

[Gina Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you to @1001darknights_blueboxpress, @netgalley, and of course @jrwardauthor for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll admit upfront, I may be a little biased. J.R. Ward is one of my all time favorite authors. I once stumbled across a short video of her at ApollyCon last year, and while I’ve never met her (nor do I know her personally… I promise I’m not a stalker), her personality alone was enough to pull me headfirst into the Black Dagger Brotherhood world.
This 20th Anniversary Edition truly feels like a gift to longtime fans. It offers what I can only describe as a look behind the Warden’s curtain, a deeper peek into the creation of the world, the characters, and the legacy that has kept readers invested for two decades. I’ll confess, I skipped ahead to read this book, even though I’m still making my way through the series. No regrets.
This edition is currently available for purchase, and if you have someone in your life who loves the BDB universe, this would make an absolutely perfect gift, whether for them or for yourself. It’s officially on my Santa list!
And as if that weren’t enough, we’re also treated to a novella, which is just the icing on the cake.
A must have for fans of the Brotherhood.
#BlackDaggerBrotherhood #JRWard #BDB #BookReview #ARCReview #NetGalley #BlueBoxPress #RomanceBooks #ParanormalRomance #Bookstagram #BookLovers #FantasyRomance #AnniversaryEdition #MustRead

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you been craving all the inside scoop on all things Black Dagger Brotherhood? If the answer is yes, then you won’t want to miss out on The Black Dagger Brotherhood: 20th Anniversary Insider's Guide.

I loved exploring each facet of this book! It’s interactive, humorous, and filled with delightful insight on this beloved and enduring series.

From a bonus novella to cast interviews, playlists, and more, this collection is so much fun and is a must for fans old and new to the series!

Huge thanks to the author and @1001darknights_blueboxpress for the review copy opportunity! This is my honest and voluntary review

[Radka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe we're celebrating two decades with the Brothers.
"The Black Dagger Brotherhood: 20th Anniversary Insider's Guide" really it’s a love letter to all BDB fans. This book was emotional and funny.
All the Brothers and their Shellans, so hot and so sweet.
And "Ask a Brother, Vishous’s Agony Aunt Column" 🤭🤭 that was hilarious.
We can't forget Fritz and his kitchen corner. I'm going to make some of those for sure.
Thank you so much to Blue Box Press for this ARC via NetGalley

[Paige Wuerdemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to say a massive thank you to NetGalley, Blue Box Press and J.R. Ward for the ARC of The Black Dagger Brotherhood: 20th Anniversary Insider's Guide.

I started on my journey in the BDB world earlier this year and I have not been disappointed with what I've read. I absolutely loved getting a little insight from J.R. Ward into her world. I absolutely loved every second of reading this Insider's Guide.

The fact she gave us advice columns where V answered peoples problems, Lassiter giving out horoscopes and recipes. I found myself laughing hard at many parts and being fully enthralled in the BDB world once again. Everyone's personality shines through in the different aspects of this book. The novella included in this is an emotional one so prepare all the tissues!

I cannot wait to see what comes next for J.R. Ward in this world!

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Dagger Brotherhood 20th Anniversary Insider’s Guide By J.R. Ward is a must-have for all true fans!

Back then, when I found the first book about Wrath, I was absolutely intrigued and hooked right from the start. After that, I waited impatiently for the next German translation because I didn't read in English.
Through the years, I stick to my tradition to wait for the German books, although I could have read the original ones.
Anyway. What does this have to do with a review about the 20th Anniversary Insider's Guide?

Well, it felt like coming home to one of my favourite families ever!
Meeting the brothers and their Shellans was wonderful! Sooo funny, emotional, and swoon-worthy!
I loved to get to know what's going on inside the head of J.R. Ward as well. 😊

Next to updates about the brothers, there are playlists, fan-favourites features, and sooo much more! 😎💕

Thank you so much to J.R. Ward for the Black Dagger Brotherhood and this Insider's Guide! Here's to the next 20 years! 🤗
And thank you so much to Blue Box Press for this ARC via NetGalley.
This is my honest review in my own words.

[Jillsbooknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✨💫

“You are everything to me. You’re my life, my love, my bedrock, my truth north. And I will not live without you for as long as you’ll have me.”

The Black Dagger Brotherhood: 20th Anniversary Insider's Guide is a companion book to the adult paranormal romance series Black Dagger Brother. Celebrating twenty years of the brotherhood this book contains conversations with the character, an exclusive novella of Wrath and Beth, horoscopes from Lassiter, JR Ward's advice and notes to readers/writers, and Vishious/Mary advice column. This is a true love letter to readers.

Okay I had so much fun reading this on top of it hitting me hard in the feels. I cried, I laughed, I smiled, I grinned, and I hurt.

J.R Ward has this beautiful tone in her writing when she's reflecting on her work and I loved getting a peak behind the screen so to speak. I also had the greatest pleasure of being present during some of the moments which added to the fun. You can tell how much this matters for her and seeing her love and passion shine through makes you feel good as a reader.

The conversations with the Brothers were beautiful and true to self. There is a meta play within them and I loved seeing these characters aware of what has been said about them. Some are hilarious while others are more thoughtful. We're so used to seeing the Brothers in the thick of action so seeing them relaxing is a fun sight. I especially loved seeing Zsadist become one of the more stable Brothers considering where he started.

“Ah, listen, Z, if you’re going to continue to make sense like this, I’m going to have to stop hanging out with you.”

Mary and Vishous' advice column is hilarious and we all knew it from the last Insider's Guide so this does not disappoint. Vishous is blunt and has no tact but Mary acts as this beautiful counter balance. I also appreciate the emphasis that this advice does not replace counselling and therapy. Also the last advice column got me so good.

Lassiter's horoscopes were not my favourite as I don't really follow star signs but they are amusing with Lassiter's tv show and film obsessions shining through.

The shining beacon of this book is the exclusive novella, Happy Anniversary, that explores Beth and Wrath in the present as they address the thirty years in addition to flashbacks for Beth. This novella had me in tears as I felt for them so much as they try to figure out what they are and what they should be now. We also get more insight into LW that shows this man has a pretty big chip on his shoulder, which has me excited for his book with Bitty. There is some tension in this book from external forces but I wouldn't say there is an overarching Lesser drama here…but boy is one coming. Instead this is a book about relationships. Wrath is a male who will not be with Beth and he had me awing over this.

I will also add the novella has two spicy scenes that are romantically written as well as explicit. I felt it did a good job bringing out characters together after all they have been through. It reminded me why I love Beth and Wrath so much - because no matter what their connection is inevitable. Spice does get a bit feral which harkens back to book one with them - that inability to hold back. You are in for a treat!

Overall, this book is perfect for tiding us over until the next book. It allows us to see our characters outside the overarching storyline and also to connect with the author who gives her all and you see that here. I could not get enough!

Thank you so much GetRedPR and Blue Box Press for the arc of this!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of this book with JR Ward narrating her thoughts on the original brothers and kinda/sorta interviewing them was very emotional. It was emotional for the author because of her connections to them and their stories and well for me too. For me I was kinda mourning what used to be. The epic storylines, the characters themselves, the depth, and detail of what once was. And I thought to myself I’ve been on this crazy train for 20 years. While the later books are missing that magic from the earlier books and hoping each new book would give me the book high I used to feel. I realized that we all grow and move on and just be grateful for the books that did make me feel all the feels and I do want to thank JR Ward for many, many, many hours of falling into a BDB book and feeling like I’m home with my people.

The middle of the audiobook was just a rehash of all the newsletters, author advice, and recipes. What I did absolutely love was the use of different narrators for the characters. While I love Jim as the voice for the brothers I really did wish with the spin-off of the kids growing up that they would have used younger narrators and added a woman narrator as well. It’s 2025 and audiobooks have grown leaps and bounds and instead of someone reading you a story the new narrators act it. I hope one day the publisher will do right by her. There is such a big opportunity to reach younger audiences with this New adult change in the BDB. I mean these kids are in their 30’s and Jim sounds like he’s an old man. I understand loyalty but this is a business decision. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I’m hopping off my soapbox.

The short story about Wrath and Beth was beautiful. There were some hints about why Wrath had to wait 33 years but nothing concrete. I’m sure that will play out in the newer books.

I really enjoyed the audiobook and the walk down memory lane.

[TheBdaggerB · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing this book, there was this lingering emotion I can only describe as having come full circle,you know?

Getting to revisit my favorite characters , and see just how much they have grown, both emotionally and psychologically, since first meeting them in the early 2000s, was such a long awaited,but emotional ,trip down memory lane. And after having gotten to witness their journey through their HEAs and as parents for the last 2 decades, this book left me so happy and content. (Aaaand maybe a little concerned for some of them👀)

This book gives you answers to some of the questions you've been wondering about for the past 20 years! (Including those from Lover Forbidden).

The "interviews with the Brothers" section alone, had me weeping GALLONS,ok? #myfavoritepart

Ward gives us a closer,personal, look at her journey through the years of her outstanding career, and it is a VERY emotional read, so bring tissues.(lots of them)

And then there's Wrath and Beths: Happy Anniversary novella. Getting this heartbreaking look into what Beth and L.W (and the Brothers)went through during the 33 years without Wrath, gives us a greater understanding as to why Beth and L.Ws dynamic is so tense . And both Beth and L.Ws POV will have you clutching your heart,true?

Also! ALL the BDB newsletters are in here,so they'll be a real feast for those who haven't read them before!

This book really is a declaration of love from Ward, To all of us BDB readers around the world🥹

The 20th anniversary Insider’s Guide is a book every BDB fan should have a copy of!

Huge thanks to 1001 Dark Nights Blue Box Press and J.R. Ward for the FANGTASTIC ARC copies!🖤🥹

This emotional roller-coaster is out December 2nd!

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge thanks to BlueBox Press for the chance to read this book as an ARC!

I’ve been a huge fan of J.R. Ward since I was a teenager. BDB is one of my all-time favorite vampire series, and the first guide was such a blast that I had very high expectations for the 20th anniversary edition and it did not disappoint!

I loved the behind-the-scenes content, the memories, and can we please talk about the monthly horoscope? Absolutely hilarious.
The kitchen corner with Fritz was another highlight. I’m definitely going to try some of those recipes especially the crisped carrots in honey bourbon butter (dairy-free for me 😅).

Now I have the overwhelming urge to reread the first book all over again!

If you’re a nostalgic reader like me, I also recommend watching the Passionflix TV series, it’s sooo good! 🔥

🇮🇹:

Un enorme grazie a BlueBox Press per avermi dato la possibilità di leggere questo libro in anteprima!

Sono una grandissima fan di J.R. Ward fin da quando ero un’adolescente. La BDB è una delle mie serie sui vampiri preferite in assoluto, la prima guida mi era piaciuta così tanto che avevo aspettative altissime per l’edizione del 20º anniversario, e non mi ha deluso per niente!

Ho adorato i dietro le quinte, i ricordi e… possiamo parlare dell’oroscopo mensile?
Semplicemente fantastico.
La sezione in cucina con Fritz è stata un altro punto forte. Proverò sicuramente alcune ricette, soprattutto le carote croccanti al burro al miele e bourbon (versione senza lattosio per me 😅).

Ora ho una voglia matta di rileggere il primo libro!

Se sei un lettore nostalgico come me, ti consiglio di guardare la serie TV su Passionflix: è fatta davvero benissimo! 🔥

[The Book and Bubble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives you a behind the scenes peek into J.R. Ward’s world and the characters. She talks about how certain ideas came to her and gives little notes that make it easy to relate to the books. Since it’s meant to be a companion, it does give some spoilers, so new readers might want to start reading the series first. The series is 21 books. It’s all about Vampires, but if you’ve made it this far, you probably know that.

You also get pieces of her writing life like, what inspired her and what she struggled with. She recounts the moments that stuck with her. She tells you fun things like how she imagined smells of leather or that a mansion would look like the Biltmore.

There’s fun bonus stuff too!! She does a character Q&As, playlists, and a brand-new short story. I have actually read some of the series, many years ago. So, when talking about characters and locations, it made me smile.

[Michelle Brunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a reflection of a journey 20 years in the making. JR Ward put her heart and soul into a literary masterpiece! Her interviews with the brothers covered the emotional gamut filled with many happy memories and several surprises along the way. I was surprised by her reaction to some of the BDB books however it was interesting to see the books from her perspective. I also enjoyed her interactions with each of the brothers bringing tears to my eyes on many occasions. The column featuring the brother Vishous along with another beloved member of the BDB family was filled with wisdom, some compassion and lots of laughter fans of this series will appreciate. Fritz’s corner of the kitchen was filled with lots of delicious recipes everyone will love brother or not…wink wink!! Bella’s book corner surprised and delighted me the girl has great taste my to be read pile just got bigger! Lassiter’s monthly horoscopes are full of wisdom and humor only this angel can provide! The candid quick conversations with the brothers all I can say is enjoy and be ready to laugh! Ward also offers her thoughts and perspective as a writer and gives no holes barred advice to prospective writers in the way she does it best! The BDB playlist is definitely the perfect accessory for working out or while reading the BDB series of course! The novella was a celebration of the two beloved BDB family members Wrath and Beth. It is filled with many emotions and had me smiling and crying tears of joy at the end. I was honored to receive an ARC of this book! I enjoyed every second of this book despite all the range of emotions and yes even a tear or two was shed! Be ready to be put through the emotional gauntlet, have your favorite beverage and snack and have the tissues ready!!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! I picked up my first Black Dagger Brotherhood book almost 15 years ago, and that world has had a hold on me ever since. This guide was such a fun, nostalgic dive back into everything I adore about the series. The interviews were such a standout they made me fall in love with the Brotherhood all over again. If you’re a longtime fan, this one feels like coming home.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful way to celebrate 20 years of Black Dagger Brotherhood! In this newest insider guides, we have it all. Fun interviews with the Brothers and all the fun kind of things you may find in a newspaper. From advice columns, to playlists, horoscopes, recipes, and book recs, we have it all. But the best part? The new novella surrounding Beth and Wrath called Happy Anniversary. If you are caught up with the series, then you have an inkling what this is about. We jump from past to present as Beth relives the anniversaries she was grieving Wrath. Thirty years is a lot of ground to cover. And while it’s wonderful they are reunited, reality is, it isn’t exactly easy. But we know these two. And there isn’t anything they won’t do for one another and the love between them is stronger than anything. So no matter what happens, they’ll figure it out. The novella was definitely my favorite part. We needed it after everything that has happened so far in the series. We needed to see their struggles and how they reconnect after losing so much. It was really satisfying after such heartbreaking scenes in previous books. We needed this! And it only made more excited for our future books. You definitely don’t want to miss this guide if you love the series. It’s everything you would expect to come from the Brothers and their many shenanigans and of course, JR Ward herself. Loved this! And as always, can’t wait to see what is next in this world.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Brittany Kilinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[❤️ Dorsey aka Wrath Lover Reviews ❤️]

8/10/2025
Pre-0rder available on Audible 🎧
Release Date: 12/02/2025
Audible Link: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Black-...

[Anns Bibliotherapy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recall reading that this was a love story for the fans, and I, for the umpteenth time, must say thank you to J. R. Ward for giving us this glimpse into the world of the Brotherhood beyond their individual stories.

Reading this book, I had to go back and bring out the first one, and as much as I love that book I love this one even more.

Now, is it because of our new characters, maybe? Is it because of the way the brotherhood has changed? Perhaps. Is it because life in general is so different, and our favorite band of leather-clad vampire warriors, probably.

But this book is not even really a book; it's a conversation between these beloved characters and their Scribe, and it is a necessity for everyone who loves the Brotherhood, for everyone who loves these stories, and for everyone who wants just a little bit more.

The reflection, the untold stories, the thoughts from our beloved writer, all of it blends together into this retrospective that leaves you feeling yet again like these characters are people you know, a world you're a part of, and a story that will continue to evolve and enthrall you on every level possible.,

Thank you to J.R. Ward and Blue Box Press for the advance copy of this amazing e-book. Excuse me while I go back and revisit some of my favorite stories, Lassieter, Wrath, and Zadist. I'm talking to you.

[Tammy Manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and interesting read. I loved getting some insight into J.R. Ward and this world that she has created. I have been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to meet and listen to Jess talk. So while I was reading this, I was able to hear it in her voice, with her tone and inflections and the way that she talks, which just made it so much more fun for me to read.

We get so many fun things in this book from character interviews, to a year’s worth of horoscopes from Lassiter, to writers advice and a little bit of everything in between. But I have to say that my absolute favorite part was Vishous’s Agony Aunt column where he and Mary give advice to those who wrote in, and every single one had me cackling.

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 20 years since Dark Lover came out and we became immersed in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. This book is such a fun and nostalgic guide to this world and the brothers that we’ve all come to know and love as well as a glimpse into J.R. Ward’s mind.

Thank you Blue Box Press and J.R. Ward for this review copy.

[Greeneyes Belle28 · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG.... I absolutely loved the Insider Guide.

I loved all of Bella's Book Reviews. New recommendations are to be added to my never ending TBR pile....

-----------------------------------------------------
I loved all the recipes from Fritz....

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And HAPPY ANNIVERISARY.... Wow, what a rollercoaster....
So much emotional feels....True....
With Wrath being back who would have thought there will be so much heartache and pain.... But they have figured things out.... Which is such a good thing.
Wrath was willing to pass throne to L.W. in order to save his mated life.
That's how much of love his has for his Beth....

I am patiently awaiting L.W's book.... We all really need to know exactly what is going on with him... Apart from him looking his eyesight.

All Hail the King and Queen.....

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am drooling for the next Black Dagger Brotherhood book to be released.....

Thank you J.R. Ward for this spectacular Insider's Guide....

[Katie&Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

We absolutely LOVED being back inside the Warden's brain for her interviews with the Brothers. We cannot express how much we love JR Ward and how the inside of her noggin works. We can't believe we are celebrating TWNETY YEARS of the brothers, and honestly we hope she gives us 20 more! Our favorite part of the Insider's Guide was V's advice column, the thought of him sitting there reading people's problems just sent us into a fit of giggles. We love the Brothers so much!

Thank you to Blue Box, JR Ward, and Netgalley for an arc of this!

[Michelle Hinkley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Dagger Brotherhood 20th Anniversary was such a fun read! It’s packed with so many little extras that fans love.

The interviews with the brothers were especially cool — it really felt like we got to peek inside their minds and learn more about them. And the novella? The perfect way to jump right back into the world of the Brotherhood.

I’m still fairly new to the series, but this definitely fueled my excitement to keep reading. I can’t wait to dive into more books!

Huge thank you to J.R. Ward and @1001darknights_blueboxpress for the gifted eBook!

[Reads & Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Anniversary Novella 5 stars
The rest 3 stars

The bookends of this 20th anniversary Insider's Guide were just about everything I could have wanted. J.R. Ward’s interviews with the original Brothers was bittersweet, reflecting the sadness of Wrath's "death" and joy of raising their young. Ward’s reflection of her 20 years of writing this series was also quite moving. The novella gave us insight into Beth's sorrow over Wrath's absence and her pain regarding L.W.'s emotionsl distance over 33 years, compounded by his traumatic transition.

The middle of the guide, on the other hand, was wasted space for me, filled with the content of the monthly newsletter Ward wrote for a few months. I didn't enjoy it much then and didn't spend much time on it now. If it was your thing, then you'll love it, but I was disappointed in it.

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a special treat this was for me and will be for fans of JR Ward and her Black Dagger Brotherhood universe. It was as if we got all the BTS of stories, characters, and even her newsletters. Her thoughts and what was happening to her while she was writing. And we get a novella too. Definitely a nod to her fans, and I love that type of recognition and acknowledgement she gave.
Thank you to 1001 Dark Nights & Blue Box Press for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is different from the original Insider's Guide. That being said, I love the personal touches of this one. The Warden's voice is all over it and it's awesome! Reminders of things that have gone before brought back very loved memories. The new stuff is awesome and the story at the end is perfect. If you love this series, this book is a must.

[Brittany Turenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book to read if you are a fan of the BDB series. The interviews and behind the scenes are the best. I was not sure how this book was going to play out but I’m so happy I had the opportunity to read it. You must get this book!

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a delight to read. This book felt like sitting down to dinner with Ward and the Brotherhood. I loved the insights we got into Ward’s writing process and how the stories of the Brotherhood generated. There were so many great elements that came together in this insider’s guide but there were a few that stood out most to me. The advice column was a pure delight both between the advice itself and the banter. I also loved the zodiac column especially the Golden Girls segment. I also have to mention Bella’s book recommendations. As a reader, how can you not love seeing book shoutouts within a book. I can’t wait to try all the recipes from Fritz Corner. The real treat was the novella. I loved getting to see what occurred between Wrath and Beth - the raw emotion and how they found their way back to each other. If you’re a fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, this is a must read.
✨
✨
The Fade Edition courtesy of Blue Box Press

[Kathy Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good and I very much liked the Happy Anniversary story. Much needed. BDB fan for ever!

[Jambrea Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it, but the best part for me was the end story.

[Amelia Blackmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The Black Dagger Brotherhood: 20th Anniversary Insider’s Guide
Author: J.R. Ward

Such a great book explaining some events that took place throughout the years that were not included in the original titles, loved catching up with original characters!

V answering advice column questions is the absolute best part of this book, followed very closely by a year’s worth of horoscopes by our favorite fallen angel!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for the opportunity to read and review this title!

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Multiple characters

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, where do I even begin with this collection? It made me cry, it made me laugh, and it made me well and truly miss the days when the OG Brothers were the main focus of every book. And, just like with the first Insider’s Guide, there were parts that I couldn’t get enough of and other parts that I skimmed over because they didn’t apply to me. But at the end, spending this time with my favorite vampires felt like coming home.

Just like the first Insider’s Guide, this 20th anniversary edition is broken up into different sections: interviews with the Brothers, V’s (and Mary’s) Agony Aunt column, horoscopes by Lassiter, book recommendations from Bella, tried and true recipes from Fritz, writing advice from the Warden herself, and a new novella that tried very hard to make me ugly cry.

But speaking of tears, those interviews with the original group? Some of them made me grin, others made my eyes spring a leak, but they all gave me a sense of foreboding for where the series is headed. The Warden made plenty of comments within this brief section that really makes me uneasy about the fate of all these characters I’ve grown to love over the years. So, I both hated and loved this section… but I’ve also never had this many questions about Boo.

After Ward made me absolutely terrified for the future, she did bring some levity in the form of the Agony Aunt column, book recommendations, and (my personal favorite) monthly horoscopes written by Lassiter. I mean, who doesn’t need to know which Golden Girls episode to watch next based on your birthdate? These sections had a nice balance to them, jumping from V offering advice as only he could to Lassiter letting you know which Fourth of July picnic item you are. After the gut-punch that were the interviews, these sections were cute and (in the case of Fritz’s recipes) downright wholesome.

There were a few sections I did some skimming through. The BDB soundtrack was mostly music I don’t generally listen to, so while it was all completely appropriate for these leather-clad vamps, it was not my style and something I didn’t read line by line. I also skimmed through the section meant for writers. It was still interesting to read about the process from a reader’s perspective, but I’m not an author so a lot of this section felt like it wasn’t directed at me.

If the interviews at the beginning wrecked me, the novella at the end was a nice bookend to my emotional turmoil. “Happy Anniversary” followed Beth as she navigated life without Wrath and tried to pick up the pieces after he returned. Told in both flashbacks and present-day, Ward gave us missing parts from the main BDB timeline, including L.W.’s transition, the building of The Wheel, how George survived all those years, and how Beth managed to carry on as Queen for the sake of her people. But as hard as those missing years were, relearning how to be a couple had just as many challenges for Beth, and seeing her try to navigate her world after it had been tilted on its axis yet again was emotional and often heart-breaking. I haven’t been the biggest fan of the time jump in the main story line, but getting these details helps fill in some of the questions I had and makes me feel even more strongly for these characters. This novella bridges the gap during the lost years with raw emotion and more than a little heartbreak, and grounds me post-time jump in a way that I wasn’t anticipating. After twenty years and more than a few novellas in the BDB world, “Happy Anniversary” now reigns as my favorite.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black Dagger Brotherhood: 20th Anniversary Insider’s Guide by J.R. Ward.
Blue Box Press, thank you for the gifted ARC.

Settling in with this book felt like dropping onto a familiar couch, wrapped in a blanket that still smells like nostalgia, chaos, and a hint of leather. I thought I knew what I was walking into with an anniversary guide. A neat little collection. A few sweet extras. Maybe a sentimental nod to the past twenty years. Instead, J.R. Ward kicked down the door, pointed at my eyeballs, and said, You wanted feelings? Here you go. And yes, I did want feelings, but maybe not all at once like a paranormal emotional avalanche.

The guide opens with Ward reflecting on her long journey, and it is surprisingly grounding. There is an honesty to her voice, a mix of grit and gratitude that makes you remember why this series hit so hard in the first place. Her behind the scenes stories feel like she is pulling up a chair across from you and spilling the things she never got around to saying. It is warm, it is funny, and it carries that spark of sincerity that has always set the Brotherhood apart.

Then the Brothers take over, which is exactly the level of chaos you would expect. V’s advice column is a masterclass in grumpy wisdom. The male says the kind of things you wish you had the guts to say out loud, but with more profanity and sharper edges. Lassiter’s horoscopes had me laughing loud enough that my neighbor probably questioned my sanity. They are unhinged, unpredictable, and somehow still accurate in the way only Lassiter can pull off. These two alone could carry their own spin off newspaper and I would subscribe without hesitation.

The interviews and updates scattered throughout are some of my favorite pieces. There is something satisfying about seeing characters you have spent years with still evolving, still arguing, still loving loudly and living messily. Ward lets their personalities shine without smoothing them over. She leans into their flaws, their quirks, their history. It feels like catching up with family you actually like.

Then there is Fritz, sweet chaos angel of the kitchen. His section is as oddly comforting as ever. Recipes, commentary, and enough charm to make you hungry even if you just ate. The playlists are a fun touch, too. They read like the Brothers got ahold of someone’s Spotify and made choices. Some questionable. Some perfect.

But the heart of this guide, the part that stopped me in my tracks, is the new novella Happy Anniversary. Wrath and Beth have always been the emotional core of the series, and this story reminds you why. It is tender, raw, vulnerable, and painfully honest in a way that hit deeper than I expected. With the time jump in the recent storyline, there were so many questions. Ward answers them with care and weight. Watching Wrath and Beth navigate the years they lost had my chest tightening more than once. Their grief, their frustration, their fierce desire to rebuild something sacred felt real and earned.

One line that stayed with me was, “Love survives time, but it still needs tending.” That simple truth might be one of Ward’s strongest punches to date. It is a reminder that love is not just an emotion. It is work, choice, and commitment. Watching them make those choices again, even through fear and uncertainty, was beautiful.

By the time I reached the end of the guide, I felt oddly restored. Like Ward had peeled back the curtain, let me peek at twenty years of history, and then nudged me gently back into the world with a renewed love for it. It is sentimental without being cloying, funny without losing its heart, and packed with enough character moments to keep long time fans grinning.

This book is exactly what an anniversary celebration should be. A tribute. A reminder. A love letter. And a promise that this world still has more stories to tell.

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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