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Black Dagger Brotherhood #1-10
Black Dagger Series Set
This bundle of the Black Dagger Brotherhoodbundle includes the following titles:
Book 1 - DARK LOVER (Wrath & Beth)
Book 2 - LOVER ETERNAL (Rhage & Mary)
Book 3 - LOVER AWAKENED (Zsadist & Bella)
Book 4 - LOVER REVEALED (Butch O'Neal & Marissa)
Book 5 - LOVER UNBOUND (Vishous & )
Book 6 - LOVER ENSHRINED (Phury)
Book 7 - LOVER AVENGED (Rehvenge)
Book 8 - LOVER MINE (John Matthew)
Book 9 - LOVER UNLEASHED (Payne)
Book 10 - LOVER REBORN (Tohrment)
Book 1 - DARK LOVER (Wrath & Beth)
Book 2 - LOVER ETERNAL (Rhage & Mary)
Book 3 - LOVER AWAKENED (Zsadist & Bella)
Book 4 - LOVER REVEALED (Butch O'Neal & Marissa)
Book 5 - LOVER UNBOUND (Vishous & )
Book 6 - LOVER ENSHRINED (Phury)
Book 7 - LOVER AVENGED (Rehvenge)
Book 8 - LOVER MINE (John Matthew)
Book 9 - LOVER UNLEASHED (Payne)
Book 10 - LOVER REBORN (Tohrment)
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About the author
J.R. Ward
221 books52.5k 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 14, 2018
10+++ stars!!
Best Paranormal series to ever exist!!
True.
Best Paranormal series to ever exist!!
True.
March 29, 2020
Black Dagger Brotherhood
Book 1
Omg. Everyone u every talk to raves about this series. I now totally understand. Story is amazing the world the writer creates is amazing and u can't help but be sucked in the life of the characters. Their are things I struggle with like names of characters and words in old language used. I STRONGLY advise to read quick glossary first before u jump into it. I did quick read or even skip bit to do with the baddy just because he creep me out so much. Totally worth more stars. Great story and amazing HEA LOVED IT.
Book 2
When u first meet Rhage he's a slut and a brawler. He looks like brad Pitt and sleeps around like on a pornstar set. U only see glimpse of the guy under all that every now n then. After he meets Mary after bringing John into the brotherhood homes. He become infatuated with her and they begin a very complicated and a little weird relationship. Rhage story made my heart clench and break at times through book especially when Scribe Virgin got involved because she alway wants a sacrifice and its alway a soul destroying type. Loved the new side of Zsadist and his budding possible romance with Bella. Great HEA
Book 3
LOVED IT. this has to be my favourite. Ever since meeting Zsadist I liked him, he's damage with huge insecurities. When he meets Bella a lot of his past come to haunt him but with Bella and his brothers he becomes part of the man he was always suppose to be. Devastating things happen to the brothers in this book, deaths and brake ups. Great story and HEA.
Book 4
Amazing. This series just gets better and better. A lot of heartache and upset in this book with a lot of different characters. Rehv makes more of an appearance and V has major melt down. Love the ending HEA was perfect.
Book 5
I loved this book just like all the others. Loved how each character had a part in book. Especially JM Q and B all went through the changed and came out stronger and closer. Z has become a great teacher and mentor to JM. When I read the reviews for book part of me wanted to skip becos of the suggestion of a bad HEA. I'm glad I didn't becos a lot happens for other characters and a lot gets explained for SV BUT this doesn't finish how I would like. The stars are purely from the not so HEA for V and Jane. I did not like it but I'll carry on with series and see what JRW does next.
Book 6
I did love this book but the reason for the low rating was becos I got so sick of Phury and Cormia. the story was alway up and down and he messed her about so much I lost interest with it. I did love all the bits about other characters, that made up for the P&C story. A lot happens and it's a great story, liked how the slayers are in it as much as the other books. This one more about friends and family.
Book 6.5
Zsadist is one of my favourite brothers. I absolutely loved this story. It's so sweet and heartbreaking at same time. Great story that continue from the end of book 6
Book 7
I absolute loved this book but not because it was Rehv book, this book has a totally different feel to it. It more about everyone else while having Rehv fall in love. I really enjoyed having pages for each character in series rather then all about 2 character that are falling in love. I was a emotional while reading parts made me laugh, cry and brake my heart. I now some reviews said they struggle with slang used but I really like it makes it more realistic and natural. This book does sorted finish on a cliff hanger with no real ending. I'm hoping john and Xhex sort themselves out reading about the crushed me. Great HEA for Rhev tho.
Book 8
Where to start. This book is totally amazing. Theirs so much that goes on I don't even know what to write about.Their are heart braking roller coasters, romance, violence, WTF moments, it's just amazing. This book has everyone having their part old and new. JRW is one of the rare writers that can come and go between story's with completely different set of characters and still keep u grip with out the thought 'god I'm bored, when we getting back to main characters'.
Love the HEA and the cliff hanger even tho I hate them.
Book 9
When I first met Manny their was something about him I liked and was gutted when after Jane's death u didn't see him anymore. When I read blurb for this book I was sure I liked Payne and Manny together, they just seem like a really odd couple but I was completely wrong they work beautifully together. I like how their was less slayers in this book and more about relationships between BDB and the family's. Not sure if I'm a fan of the BOB but that's mostly cost they come across as bad guys. I can see a lot of potential in them. Great HEA. I LOVE THIS SERIES.
Book 10
So much goes on in this book it's mental but amazing. When I found out this was about Tohr wasn't sure I liked the idea of it but its a great book but just be prepared it will upset u, frustrate u and make want to drop F-bombs like the best of BDB. what I like most about JRW is even after a characters have had their book they are still included and have their own in it as well. I liked that the mated couples don't just have a HEA they have to work at it and sometimes it's not rosy. I love the Angel and his tv obsession hope he gets HEA but we'll see.
Book 11
I don't know what to say. I loved it, it's like a total emotional roller coaster that makes u want to vomit, cry and get on and do it all over again. I loved the HEA for Q&B they have been working towards this since u first meet them but its not been a easy or sometimes nice road. I got a say some of the side story's aren't finished in this book so I'm hoping they are resolved in next book. I feel a little lost now, I came to the BDB late and have been devouring them ever since. I'll def struggle to go cold turkey till next book. God march 2014 could not come soon enough.
Book 12
OMG. I don't know where to start. You so get the feeling this series is winding down but I hope I'm wrong. I loved the split whole way through book with wrath sr/his chosen and wrath jr/Beth. I loved how u finally got to see how they got together and live up until their deaths but also got to see older BDB members. Everything about this writer makes me wants more. Really hope next book is about Trev and Selena. Kept me gripped till last page. Great HEA
Book 1
Omg. Everyone u every talk to raves about this series. I now totally understand. Story is amazing the world the writer creates is amazing and u can't help but be sucked in the life of the characters. Their are things I struggle with like names of characters and words in old language used. I STRONGLY advise to read quick glossary first before u jump into it. I did quick read or even skip bit to do with the baddy just because he creep me out so much. Totally worth more stars. Great story and amazing HEA LOVED IT.
Book 2
When u first meet Rhage he's a slut and a brawler. He looks like brad Pitt and sleeps around like on a pornstar set. U only see glimpse of the guy under all that every now n then. After he meets Mary after bringing John into the brotherhood homes. He become infatuated with her and they begin a very complicated and a little weird relationship. Rhage story made my heart clench and break at times through book especially when Scribe Virgin got involved because she alway wants a sacrifice and its alway a soul destroying type. Loved the new side of Zsadist and his budding possible romance with Bella. Great HEA
Book 3
LOVED IT. this has to be my favourite. Ever since meeting Zsadist I liked him, he's damage with huge insecurities. When he meets Bella a lot of his past come to haunt him but with Bella and his brothers he becomes part of the man he was always suppose to be. Devastating things happen to the brothers in this book, deaths and brake ups. Great story and HEA.
Book 4
Amazing. This series just gets better and better. A lot of heartache and upset in this book with a lot of different characters. Rehv makes more of an appearance and V has major melt down. Love the ending HEA was perfect.
Book 5
I loved this book just like all the others. Loved how each character had a part in book. Especially JM Q and B all went through the changed and came out stronger and closer. Z has become a great teacher and mentor to JM. When I read the reviews for book part of me wanted to skip becos of the suggestion of a bad HEA. I'm glad I didn't becos a lot happens for other characters and a lot gets explained for SV BUT this doesn't finish how I would like. The stars are purely from the not so HEA for V and Jane. I did not like it but I'll carry on with series and see what JRW does next.
Book 6
I did love this book but the reason for the low rating was becos I got so sick of Phury and Cormia. the story was alway up and down and he messed her about so much I lost interest with it. I did love all the bits about other characters, that made up for the P&C story. A lot happens and it's a great story, liked how the slayers are in it as much as the other books. This one more about friends and family.
Book 6.5
Zsadist is one of my favourite brothers. I absolutely loved this story. It's so sweet and heartbreaking at same time. Great story that continue from the end of book 6
Book 7
I absolute loved this book but not because it was Rehv book, this book has a totally different feel to it. It more about everyone else while having Rehv fall in love. I really enjoyed having pages for each character in series rather then all about 2 character that are falling in love. I was a emotional while reading parts made me laugh, cry and brake my heart. I now some reviews said they struggle with slang used but I really like it makes it more realistic and natural. This book does sorted finish on a cliff hanger with no real ending. I'm hoping john and Xhex sort themselves out reading about the crushed me. Great HEA for Rhev tho.
Book 8
Where to start. This book is totally amazing. Theirs so much that goes on I don't even know what to write about.Their are heart braking roller coasters, romance, violence, WTF moments, it's just amazing. This book has everyone having their part old and new. JRW is one of the rare writers that can come and go between story's with completely different set of characters and still keep u grip with out the thought 'god I'm bored, when we getting back to main characters'.
Love the HEA and the cliff hanger even tho I hate them.
Book 9
When I first met Manny their was something about him I liked and was gutted when after Jane's death u didn't see him anymore. When I read blurb for this book I was sure I liked Payne and Manny together, they just seem like a really odd couple but I was completely wrong they work beautifully together. I like how their was less slayers in this book and more about relationships between BDB and the family's. Not sure if I'm a fan of the BOB but that's mostly cost they come across as bad guys. I can see a lot of potential in them. Great HEA. I LOVE THIS SERIES.
Book 10
So much goes on in this book it's mental but amazing. When I found out this was about Tohr wasn't sure I liked the idea of it but its a great book but just be prepared it will upset u, frustrate u and make want to drop F-bombs like the best of BDB. what I like most about JRW is even after a characters have had their book they are still included and have their own in it as well. I liked that the mated couples don't just have a HEA they have to work at it and sometimes it's not rosy. I love the Angel and his tv obsession hope he gets HEA but we'll see.
Book 11
I don't know what to say. I loved it, it's like a total emotional roller coaster that makes u want to vomit, cry and get on and do it all over again. I loved the HEA for Q&B they have been working towards this since u first meet them but its not been a easy or sometimes nice road. I got a say some of the side story's aren't finished in this book so I'm hoping they are resolved in next book. I feel a little lost now, I came to the BDB late and have been devouring them ever since. I'll def struggle to go cold turkey till next book. God march 2014 could not come soon enough.
Book 12
OMG. I don't know where to start. You so get the feeling this series is winding down but I hope I'm wrong. I loved the split whole way through book with wrath sr/his chosen and wrath jr/Beth. I loved how u finally got to see how they got together and live up until their deaths but also got to see older BDB members. Everything about this writer makes me wants more. Really hope next book is about Trev and Selena. Kept me gripped till last page. Great HEA
February 21, 2017
JR Ward's novels are all fabulous! She has you from page one with paranormal romance, the black dagger brotherhood and really knows what a woman wants to read. Her novels are hard to put down and perfect to read while sitting with a cup of tea. I absolutely love everything she writes! I absolutely love the complexity of the vampires, the darkness of the shadows and the light of the fallen angels, the history, the fantasy, the characters and how despite all that they have been through they are able to bounce back and find each other. I even find the idea of the lessers amusing! The relationships in these novels are so simple, yet complex and I love them! JR Ward brings fantasy to life in these novels.
July 31, 2018
02/03/17 I just finished reading DL for the second time and it was as amazing as the first time. Although it was somewhat easier to follow seeing as I already know a lot of the story. Amazing characters and world development. Writing is awesome and the story plot is unique and intriguing. Love it! Off to read book 2 now.
02/06/17 This was my second time reading Lover Eternal and I love this book and the whole series. Rhage and Mary are an amazing pair and I can't wait to read what J. R. brings us next in the BDB world.
02/22/17 This was my second time to read this book and I still love it. Call me crazy but, I love the stories where a tortured soul finds that one person that brings them back to life and Zsadist is just that type. He's got a tortured soul and only survives day to day. He doesn't really live and the life he does lead is mostly empty until he sets eyes on Bella. She awakens things in him that scare him only because they are so foreign to him. He's never felt any of the emotions that being around her causes. However, Bella is a loving woman with a pure soul and she sees what is buried so deeply in him that even he doesn't know it's there. She sees his fear, his self-loathing, his disgust with him self. After the torture she receives at the hands of her kidnapper she knows that Zsadist is the only male who will ever understand her but, that's not what draws her to him. She's been drawn to him every since the first time he scared the crap out of her in the brotherhood's gym. Even though he scared her so deeply, she felt something even deeper, attraction. Even with his black eyes, scarred face, his dark persona and his deadly skills she still wants him. The two together make an amazing pair. He is the strength she needs and she is the light he needs to brighten not only his life but his soul as well. I think they are my favorite couple. Well done, J. R.!
As for the Lessers, I don't really like them and as bad as this will sound I actually skipped over the bigger portion of their parts the second time around.
03/12/17 Love this story. Butch and Marissa are an awesome couple. Their story made me cry, laugh, scream, and at times it made me feel the urge to through my ipad across the room. This is my second time reading this book and it got to me even more than the first time. I'll definitely be reading this one again in the future.
03/13/17 Love. It's the first word that comes to mind when I think of this story. J.R. brings to life a story of love and sacrifice, sorrow and joy, light and dark, life and death that's so emotional you get the feeling of being on a rollercoaster that never stops. Vishous and Jane are an amazing couple and I truly hope I get to hear more of their story. I love how throughout each story you don't just get the main couple but mainly other subplots within each book. In this one you hear about John Matthew, Butch and Marissa, Z and Bella, as well as V and Jane. You also learn more about The chosen and the Scribe Virgin. The past of the Scribe Virgin that is brought to light in this story was really unexpected as was the surprise she reveals at the end. I'm glad that V is willing to repay the sacrifice that was made for him and I hope that the Scribe Virgin really does find some peace in the future. Well done, J.R.!
03/15/18 (Lover Enshrined - First Read)
Holy Crap!!!! What a tremendous story. Admittedly, it's long and took a while for me to read the whole thing, and I might have skimmed over the parts that dealt with the Lessers (mainly because I can't stand those ghost faced freaks), but I couldn't get enough. This is an amazing addition to the BDB series.
Phury, twin brother of Zhadist, is a truly tortured soul. His sadness and low self-worth have led him down a path, straight into the arms of drug addiction. He has spent his life worrying about others to the detriment of his own health and well being. He is at his lowest point in this book. He worries for the Brotherhood, His Brother, Bella (his brother's pregnant shellan), their unborn child, the duties resting on his shoulders as the Primale, and the fate of the entire race as a whole. Understably, he has a lot on his plate and feels the weight of it all. A weight he tries to dull with drugs and liquor. Throughout his stupor he meets and falls in love with the Chosen, Cormia. Although, it takes him a very long time to realize how much.
Cormia, a Chosen Female of the Scribe Virgin, has spent the last five months at the mansion with the brotherhood. Sleeping in a room next to the Primale, Phury. A room that seperates by only a single wall. Her desires and wants are awakened and she has to deal with the guilt that as a Chosen she is one of many and is not supposed to feel or want the things she does. Like the fact that she does not want to share Phury with her Sister, as tradition requires. Through her journey of self-discovery, she realizes that as she has fallen in love with him she can never bring herself to share him, even if the fate of her whole race depends on it. Cormia made a few friends in the mansion. Like Bella and John Matthew.
John Matthew is the second child and son of the fallen brother , Darius. He is the younger brother of the Queen, Beth. He's recently gone through his transition and feels lost and incomplete, as he is still dealing with the scars of the attack he suffered at a younger age. He is also feeling lost without his adopted father, Tohrment, who disappeared after his Shellen(mate) Wellsie was murdered by the Lessening Society. He has many trials that he too has to face throughout the story, but luckily for him, he has his two buddies, Qhuinn and Blaylock, by his side.
Qhuinn, is the second son and a Glymera family, a family of the aristocracy. A family that believes that deficiency or differences mean you are cursed. Being the second son he is already cursed with a stigmatism. Being colored bling and having two different colored has means he has been shunned and shut out of the family his whole life. Forced to hide from the world because he family didn't want him or his 'deficiencies' to tarnish their family name. He is hot-headed, and spend way to much time with the ladies and consuming booze. He usually always with John Matthew and Blay.
Blaylock is also a son of the aristocracy. However, his family is not stuck like Qhuinn's family. Instead they welcome and love Qhuinn with open arms and whole hearts. He's a great friend to both John and Q. He's also in love with his best friend, Qhuinn.
All three boys are members of the trainee class for the Brotherhood.
Also, in this book you get to hear more about Z and Bella. Love Zhadist. He's my favorite brother.
03/21/18 (Lover Avenged - First Read)
What a great addition to the BDB series. I was so emotional confused with this one. There are always so many stories going on in each book that my feelings take me on a roller coaster ride. In this story we get to see Rehvenge find his Shellan, Ehlena. They make a really great couple and I like that she brings out his best side. The same way that Bella brings out Z's best side. In this one you learn a lot more about Rehv and his past. Why he is acts the way he does, why he does the things he does, and why he lives his life in the manner he does. You also hear a lot about Ehlena and how she came to be where she is. You hear a bit more about Wrath and Beth, as well as Tohr and Lassiter. I have to say I'm so glad Tohr is back. Him leaving broke my heart. He's still struggling but, he is back. YAY!!!!! There is also a lot more about Xhex and John Matthew. The ending of this book is one I did not see coming. I'm looking forward to reading the next book, which happens to be JM and Xhex's book, which I plan to start either today or tomorrow.
03/24/18 (Lover Mine - First Read)
This is probably my favorite story of the series, right behind Zsadist and Bella’s of course. No one will ever beat Zsadist as my favorite but John Matthew does a pretty good job of it.
In this book JM is feeling abandoned by everyone he loves, everyone he opens his heart to. He is reeling from Xhex’s disappearance. In her honor he gets an awesome tattoo, thinking he will never see her again. My heart truly breaks for him and all he’s had to go through. He’s was abandoned at birth, grew up in a human orphanage, assaulted as a young pretrans, raven by Wellsie and Tohr only for her to be killed and him to disappear. Then, he meets Xhex and just when he thinks they have a connection she pushes him away. So sad!
Xhex’s is a tragic story. She’s had to endure more in her life than any woman should have too, or any person for that matter. After being kidnapped, held and repeatedly assaulted by Lash, she finally gets free. However, her freedom is only physical as her mental and emotional state leaves feeling as though she is still being held against her will. Her life has been one tragedy after the other and it breaks my heart and sets fire to my. Look just thinking about it all.
Lash is just a psychotic dick, and that’s enough said about him. I will say that in the end Karma is a true bitch and he gets his and then some.
Blay, JM’s BF, is still in love with Qhuinn. I feel for him as he has to sit back and endure all the hook ups that Qhuinn has, seeing them all first hand. He’s taken to smoking as a coping mechanism for his feelings for Qhuinn. When has to witness the convo and subsequent actions between Qhuinn and Layla, it killed me. However, he does find someone who peeks his interest, Saxton, Qhuinn’s cousin. Due to Saxton’s returned interested in Blay, Qhuinn shows a bit of jealousy. Though I think it’s too little too late. Blay decides to start dating Saxton and the two become an intimate couple.
Qhuinn, what can I say. I had a lot of thoughts of punching in the family jewels. I mean he spends months throwing his trysts in Blay’s face. He even so far as to look at Blay through a flimsy curtain during one said tryst only to get upset when Blay starts to show interest in someone else. He even went so far as to kiss Blay when he discovers Blay is going on a date with his cousin, Saxton. He’s admitted to thinking of Blay in a romantic way but refuses to let it go beyond fantasy because he’s determined to be with a female so he can be ‘normal’. After he discovers Blay and Saxton together, he finally decides to let Blay go. Very sad and frustrating because they are so meant to be together. I really hope they both pull their out of their asses and see the truth of what’s right in front of them.
Layla is a pain in my ass. She’s a chosen who’s been trained as a ehros, a woman trained in the arts of sex. She feels unused, and unfulfilled, so she asks Qhuinn to use her and she does it right in front of Blay. However, even though she and Qhuinn have spent time together, it’s later revealed that they haven’t actually had sex. Yay!!!!!!
Lassiter, the angel, is still around and showing. Serious addiction to Oprah, Maury and other shows similar to these. Crazy and funny.
Payne plays a much bigger role this time around and it’s really interesting what ends up happening with her. Some her past is revealed in this book. Like that fact that she is being held captive on the far side by her mother, the Scribe Virgin. It’s also revealed she killed her father.
In this volume you learn a lot more and Tohrment and Darius. How they became friends and about their first mission together. I really loved this look into the past. While it may not be immediately obvious how these scenes are important is revealed towards the end of the book and wow what a curve ball.
Another side story involves a guy named, Gregg Winn. He’s a producer for a paranormal investigators show. He’s in South Carolina doing a story about the ghost of Eliahu Rathboone. He has an assistant named Holly who is in love with him. Now while this part of the story, for the most part, seems out of place, it is revealed later how the two stories intersect.
There’s also a new character, a chosen, who is introduced. Her name is No’One. She is a neat addition to the story. Her why of being a part of the series turn out to be quit the head spinner.
I loved this addition because besides being able to catch up with past characters, you also get a look into the past of several characters. Past that you other wise would understand or know about.
This was a great book and I can’t wait for the next addition of this series.
04/21/18 (Lover Unleashed - First Read)
I didn't give this one 5*s because it took a long while into the book for it to really grab me. Which, I can't say it ever really did. Having said that, there are a lot many Wow moments in this book. So many that it was almost hard to keep track of them all.
First, there's the fact that we learn a lot more about the history of Vishous and Payne. How they were kept apart for so many years. Vishous never knowing about her. Her feeling helpless to help him until she finally escaped to seek revenge for her brother against their sire.
Vishous feeling utterly helpless and like a failure because of what's happened and still happening to those around him.
The difficulties that Jane and Vishous face in their relationship due to the amount of stress he holds inside. Plus, the fact that he doesn't really know how to express his emotion to anyone.
The moment Butch has to step in and 'help' Vishous, and the way he chose to do that.... Holy Crap!
Also, The connection between Butch and Manny. What a mind blower that was. Though, I did see something coming to light about Manny being more than he appeared for multiple reasons which I can't go into because it would give too much. Wrath, enough said.
Then, of course, there's the obvious connection between Manny and Payne. How they react to each other and how the seem to 'heal' one another. Total mind F***!!!!
Last, but certainly not least, the connection between Payne, Vishous and Xcor. Which did turn out to be something other than what I thought but, wow. I'm glad that the whole kidnapping worked out the way it did and not the way I thought it was originally going to.
All of the above made this quite an amazing book.
However, I will say this, I don't like the love triangle, or love box rather, still going on between Layla, Saxton, Qhuinn and Blaylock. It's just a big pile of Bull****. I understand that Blaylock felt the need to move on, believing that Qhuinn would never choose to be with him. However, the fact that this love whatever it is has persisted for so long is irritating. It's just too much. Qhuinn and Blaylock are in love, but Qhuinn won't man up enough to just tell the truth to the one person who deserves to hear it. He can say it to Saxton and Layla, but not to Blay, which is horse pucky.
Plus, the fact that Layla and Saxton are both aware that these Qhuinn and Blay are in love with one another and doing nothing to help them along, nothing to see the truth in the other, istead choosing to be selfish and try to keep them for themselves. I don't like the character of Saxton too much. I mean I don't hate him, but I don't particularly like him either. As for Layla, I'm not sure I like her now as much as I did when she was first introduced in Rhage and Mary's book.
The whole situation brought down the story for me. I know they have their own story but, I am upset that I have to read a whole other book before they get theirs. Why did J.R. have to drag the situation out as long as she did? She didn't seem to do that with any of the others.
Anywho, off to read another book now.
07/02/18 (Lover Reborn - First Read)
Holy Toledo! What an amazing addition to the BDB series. It has taken the top slot in my lineup of favorite BDB stories. The tears and laughs were well placed and balanced. Tohr and No'One (Autumn) had one heck of a tremulous journey to take with one another and on their own. Add in the trials faced by John Matthew, Xhex, Qhuinn, and Blay and you have one seriously emotional ride. Plus, you get the action and suspense of the plot twist of the BOB, Xcor, Throe, Zypher and the cousins. All together it makes up the whole of the story and I loved it. Well done, JR!
02/06/17 This was my second time reading Lover Eternal and I love this book and the whole series. Rhage and Mary are an amazing pair and I can't wait to read what J. R. brings us next in the BDB world.
02/22/17 This was my second time to read this book and I still love it. Call me crazy but, I love the stories where a tortured soul finds that one person that brings them back to life and Zsadist is just that type. He's got a tortured soul and only survives day to day. He doesn't really live and the life he does lead is mostly empty until he sets eyes on Bella. She awakens things in him that scare him only because they are so foreign to him. He's never felt any of the emotions that being around her causes. However, Bella is a loving woman with a pure soul and she sees what is buried so deeply in him that even he doesn't know it's there. She sees his fear, his self-loathing, his disgust with him self. After the torture she receives at the hands of her kidnapper she knows that Zsadist is the only male who will ever understand her but, that's not what draws her to him. She's been drawn to him every since the first time he scared the crap out of her in the brotherhood's gym. Even though he scared her so deeply, she felt something even deeper, attraction. Even with his black eyes, scarred face, his dark persona and his deadly skills she still wants him. The two together make an amazing pair. He is the strength she needs and she is the light he needs to brighten not only his life but his soul as well. I think they are my favorite couple. Well done, J. R.!
As for the Lessers, I don't really like them and as bad as this will sound I actually skipped over the bigger portion of their parts the second time around.
03/12/17 Love this story. Butch and Marissa are an awesome couple. Their story made me cry, laugh, scream, and at times it made me feel the urge to through my ipad across the room. This is my second time reading this book and it got to me even more than the first time. I'll definitely be reading this one again in the future.
03/13/17 Love. It's the first word that comes to mind when I think of this story. J.R. brings to life a story of love and sacrifice, sorrow and joy, light and dark, life and death that's so emotional you get the feeling of being on a rollercoaster that never stops. Vishous and Jane are an amazing couple and I truly hope I get to hear more of their story. I love how throughout each story you don't just get the main couple but mainly other subplots within each book. In this one you hear about John Matthew, Butch and Marissa, Z and Bella, as well as V and Jane. You also learn more about The chosen and the Scribe Virgin. The past of the Scribe Virgin that is brought to light in this story was really unexpected as was the surprise she reveals at the end. I'm glad that V is willing to repay the sacrifice that was made for him and I hope that the Scribe Virgin really does find some peace in the future. Well done, J.R.!
03/15/18 (Lover Enshrined - First Read)
Holy Crap!!!! What a tremendous story. Admittedly, it's long and took a while for me to read the whole thing, and I might have skimmed over the parts that dealt with the Lessers (mainly because I can't stand those ghost faced freaks), but I couldn't get enough. This is an amazing addition to the BDB series.
Phury, twin brother of Zhadist, is a truly tortured soul. His sadness and low self-worth have led him down a path, straight into the arms of drug addiction. He has spent his life worrying about others to the detriment of his own health and well being. He is at his lowest point in this book. He worries for the Brotherhood, His Brother, Bella (his brother's pregnant shellan), their unborn child, the duties resting on his shoulders as the Primale, and the fate of the entire race as a whole. Understably, he has a lot on his plate and feels the weight of it all. A weight he tries to dull with drugs and liquor. Throughout his stupor he meets and falls in love with the Chosen, Cormia. Although, it takes him a very long time to realize how much.
Cormia, a Chosen Female of the Scribe Virgin, has spent the last five months at the mansion with the brotherhood. Sleeping in a room next to the Primale, Phury. A room that seperates by only a single wall. Her desires and wants are awakened and she has to deal with the guilt that as a Chosen she is one of many and is not supposed to feel or want the things she does. Like the fact that she does not want to share Phury with her Sister, as tradition requires. Through her journey of self-discovery, she realizes that as she has fallen in love with him she can never bring herself to share him, even if the fate of her whole race depends on it. Cormia made a few friends in the mansion. Like Bella and John Matthew.
John Matthew is the second child and son of the fallen brother , Darius. He is the younger brother of the Queen, Beth. He's recently gone through his transition and feels lost and incomplete, as he is still dealing with the scars of the attack he suffered at a younger age. He is also feeling lost without his adopted father, Tohrment, who disappeared after his Shellen(mate) Wellsie was murdered by the Lessening Society. He has many trials that he too has to face throughout the story, but luckily for him, he has his two buddies, Qhuinn and Blaylock, by his side.
Qhuinn, is the second son and a Glymera family, a family of the aristocracy. A family that believes that deficiency or differences mean you are cursed. Being the second son he is already cursed with a stigmatism. Being colored bling and having two different colored has means he has been shunned and shut out of the family his whole life. Forced to hide from the world because he family didn't want him or his 'deficiencies' to tarnish their family name. He is hot-headed, and spend way to much time with the ladies and consuming booze. He usually always with John Matthew and Blay.
Blaylock is also a son of the aristocracy. However, his family is not stuck like Qhuinn's family. Instead they welcome and love Qhuinn with open arms and whole hearts. He's a great friend to both John and Q. He's also in love with his best friend, Qhuinn.
All three boys are members of the trainee class for the Brotherhood.
Also, in this book you get to hear more about Z and Bella. Love Zhadist. He's my favorite brother.
03/21/18 (Lover Avenged - First Read)
What a great addition to the BDB series. I was so emotional confused with this one. There are always so many stories going on in each book that my feelings take me on a roller coaster ride. In this story we get to see Rehvenge find his Shellan, Ehlena. They make a really great couple and I like that she brings out his best side. The same way that Bella brings out Z's best side. In this one you learn a lot more about Rehv and his past. Why he is acts the way he does, why he does the things he does, and why he lives his life in the manner he does. You also hear a lot about Ehlena and how she came to be where she is. You hear a bit more about Wrath and Beth, as well as Tohr and Lassiter. I have to say I'm so glad Tohr is back. Him leaving broke my heart. He's still struggling but, he is back. YAY!!!!! There is also a lot more about Xhex and John Matthew. The ending of this book is one I did not see coming. I'm looking forward to reading the next book, which happens to be JM and Xhex's book, which I plan to start either today or tomorrow.
03/24/18 (Lover Mine - First Read)
This is probably my favorite story of the series, right behind Zsadist and Bella’s of course. No one will ever beat Zsadist as my favorite but John Matthew does a pretty good job of it.
In this book JM is feeling abandoned by everyone he loves, everyone he opens his heart to. He is reeling from Xhex’s disappearance. In her honor he gets an awesome tattoo, thinking he will never see her again. My heart truly breaks for him and all he’s had to go through. He’s was abandoned at birth, grew up in a human orphanage, assaulted as a young pretrans, raven by Wellsie and Tohr only for her to be killed and him to disappear. Then, he meets Xhex and just when he thinks they have a connection she pushes him away. So sad!
Xhex’s is a tragic story. She’s had to endure more in her life than any woman should have too, or any person for that matter. After being kidnapped, held and repeatedly assaulted by Lash, she finally gets free. However, her freedom is only physical as her mental and emotional state leaves feeling as though she is still being held against her will. Her life has been one tragedy after the other and it breaks my heart and sets fire to my. Look just thinking about it all.
Lash is just a psychotic dick, and that’s enough said about him. I will say that in the end Karma is a true bitch and he gets his and then some.
Blay, JM’s BF, is still in love with Qhuinn. I feel for him as he has to sit back and endure all the hook ups that Qhuinn has, seeing them all first hand. He’s taken to smoking as a coping mechanism for his feelings for Qhuinn. When has to witness the convo and subsequent actions between Qhuinn and Layla, it killed me. However, he does find someone who peeks his interest, Saxton, Qhuinn’s cousin. Due to Saxton’s returned interested in Blay, Qhuinn shows a bit of jealousy. Though I think it’s too little too late. Blay decides to start dating Saxton and the two become an intimate couple.
Qhuinn, what can I say. I had a lot of thoughts of punching in the family jewels. I mean he spends months throwing his trysts in Blay’s face. He even so far as to look at Blay through a flimsy curtain during one said tryst only to get upset when Blay starts to show interest in someone else. He even went so far as to kiss Blay when he discovers Blay is going on a date with his cousin, Saxton. He’s admitted to thinking of Blay in a romantic way but refuses to let it go beyond fantasy because he’s determined to be with a female so he can be ‘normal’. After he discovers Blay and Saxton together, he finally decides to let Blay go. Very sad and frustrating because they are so meant to be together. I really hope they both pull their out of their asses and see the truth of what’s right in front of them.
Layla is a pain in my ass. She’s a chosen who’s been trained as a ehros, a woman trained in the arts of sex. She feels unused, and unfulfilled, so she asks Qhuinn to use her and she does it right in front of Blay. However, even though she and Qhuinn have spent time together, it’s later revealed that they haven’t actually had sex. Yay!!!!!!
Lassiter, the angel, is still around and showing. Serious addiction to Oprah, Maury and other shows similar to these. Crazy and funny.
Payne plays a much bigger role this time around and it’s really interesting what ends up happening with her. Some her past is revealed in this book. Like that fact that she is being held captive on the far side by her mother, the Scribe Virgin. It’s also revealed she killed her father.
In this volume you learn a lot more and Tohrment and Darius. How they became friends and about their first mission together. I really loved this look into the past. While it may not be immediately obvious how these scenes are important is revealed towards the end of the book and wow what a curve ball.
Another side story involves a guy named, Gregg Winn. He’s a producer for a paranormal investigators show. He’s in South Carolina doing a story about the ghost of Eliahu Rathboone. He has an assistant named Holly who is in love with him. Now while this part of the story, for the most part, seems out of place, it is revealed later how the two stories intersect.
There’s also a new character, a chosen, who is introduced. Her name is No’One. She is a neat addition to the story. Her why of being a part of the series turn out to be quit the head spinner.
I loved this addition because besides being able to catch up with past characters, you also get a look into the past of several characters. Past that you other wise would understand or know about.
This was a great book and I can’t wait for the next addition of this series.
04/21/18 (Lover Unleashed - First Read)
I didn't give this one 5*s because it took a long while into the book for it to really grab me. Which, I can't say it ever really did. Having said that, there are a lot many Wow moments in this book. So many that it was almost hard to keep track of them all.
First, there's the fact that we learn a lot more about the history of Vishous and Payne. How they were kept apart for so many years. Vishous never knowing about her. Her feeling helpless to help him until she finally escaped to seek revenge for her brother against their sire.
Vishous feeling utterly helpless and like a failure because of what's happened and still happening to those around him.
The difficulties that Jane and Vishous face in their relationship due to the amount of stress he holds inside. Plus, the fact that he doesn't really know how to express his emotion to anyone.
The moment Butch has to step in and 'help' Vishous, and the way he chose to do that.... Holy Crap!
Also, The connection between Butch and Manny. What a mind blower that was. Though, I did see something coming to light about Manny being more than he appeared for multiple reasons which I can't go into because it would give too much. Wrath, enough said.
Then, of course, there's the obvious connection between Manny and Payne. How they react to each other and how the seem to 'heal' one another. Total mind F***!!!!
Last, but certainly not least, the connection between Payne, Vishous and Xcor. Which did turn out to be something other than what I thought but, wow. I'm glad that the whole kidnapping worked out the way it did and not the way I thought it was originally going to.
All of the above made this quite an amazing book.
However, I will say this, I don't like the love triangle, or love box rather, still going on between Layla, Saxton, Qhuinn and Blaylock. It's just a big pile of Bull****. I understand that Blaylock felt the need to move on, believing that Qhuinn would never choose to be with him. However, the fact that this love whatever it is has persisted for so long is irritating. It's just too much. Qhuinn and Blaylock are in love, but Qhuinn won't man up enough to just tell the truth to the one person who deserves to hear it. He can say it to Saxton and Layla, but not to Blay, which is horse pucky.
Plus, the fact that Layla and Saxton are both aware that these Qhuinn and Blay are in love with one another and doing nothing to help them along, nothing to see the truth in the other, istead choosing to be selfish and try to keep them for themselves. I don't like the character of Saxton too much. I mean I don't hate him, but I don't particularly like him either. As for Layla, I'm not sure I like her now as much as I did when she was first introduced in Rhage and Mary's book.
The whole situation brought down the story for me. I know they have their own story but, I am upset that I have to read a whole other book before they get theirs. Why did J.R. have to drag the situation out as long as she did? She didn't seem to do that with any of the others.
Anywho, off to read another book now.
07/02/18 (Lover Reborn - First Read)
Holy Toledo! What an amazing addition to the BDB series. It has taken the top slot in my lineup of favorite BDB stories. The tears and laughs were well placed and balanced. Tohr and No'One (Autumn) had one heck of a tremulous journey to take with one another and on their own. Add in the trials faced by John Matthew, Xhex, Qhuinn, and Blay and you have one seriously emotional ride. Plus, you get the action and suspense of the plot twist of the BOB, Xcor, Throe, Zypher and the cousins. All together it makes up the whole of the story and I loved it. Well done, JR!
December 6, 2025
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
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How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book.
October 27, 2019
These books are incredible. They encapsulate you from the moment you start. Every time I finish one I immediately look for the next for my fix. This author has something that many do not, you crave to know what is happening next and once finished, you feel completely wiped out but with a massive smile on your face!!! This series and Lords of the Underworld are by far right up there at the top of my favourite books. Each book never fails to deliver. Thank you J R WARD!!!!
Read
January 28, 2022These are the sexiest vampires that come to life on paper. The character names are absolutely spectacular: Wrath, Rhage, Zsadist, Dhestroyer, Vishous, Phury, and Rehvenge . They are forceful and definitively masculine. Each book in the series gets better. My favorite was “Lover at Last,” which I find difficult to discuss without spoiling the ending. Instead, I’ll try and control myself and bite my tongue for now.
April 15, 2023
I won't rate the books one by one because I read them a long time ago and I don't remember everything so much to rate but overall, I really liked this series. I still remember bits and pieces I know how much I enjoyed.
January 8, 2018
Loved this series!!! Highly recommend if you want to read some page turners!!!
June 6, 2019
Love love love the Black Dagger Brotherhood!
August 20, 2019
Simplemente mi saga favorita
November 24, 2020
One of my favourite writers and story tellers. The BDB world is my escape world. Thank you Mrs Ward for the phenomenal world you gave us
September 8, 2022
Lu
Version anglaise
Version anglaise
June 23, 2025
Entertaining but not as spicey as some people ranked.
November 16, 2025
Loved them all. I have them all in papper back , what them in hardcover
Read
November 3, 2018The first thing that hooked my about this series was the spin on the old vampire tale. What, they eat food? What, they have babies? What, the only drink blood after their transition? Who knew that a tired, stale piece of Dracula folklore could be rejuvenated into something new and fresh? I've read all the way through book 15, The Chosen and cannot wait to carve out some time to continue reading.
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