Review: Dark Lover - J.R. Ward

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers.  There exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race.  Yet none of them relishes killing their enemies more than Wrath, the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood...

The only purebred vampire left on the planet, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago.  But when one of his most trusted fighters is killed - orphaning a half-breed daughter unaware of her heritage or her fate - Wrath must usher the beautiful female into the world of undead...

Racked by a restlessness in her body that wasn't there before, Beth Randall is helpless against the dangerously sexy man who comes to her at night with shadows in his eyes.  His tales of brotherhood and blood frighten her.  But his touch ignites a dawning hunger that threatens to consume them both...

The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series:
Dark Lover
Lover Eternal
Lover Awakened
Lover Revealed
Lover Unbound
Lover Enshrined
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide
Lover Avenged
Lover Mine
Lover Unleashed (2011)

Visit J.R. Ward's website for more information

Review:
Wrath is the last purebred vampire and the reluctant king of his people, as the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood he fights alongside his brothers against the lessers (vampire slayers who are determined to wipe out the vampire race).  When Darius, one of his brothers, asks Wrath to help his daughter through her transition (something that all vampires must go through when they are 25 to become an adult) he is reluctant to accept.  The transition is a dangerous time that not all vampires survive and with Wrath as the last purebred vampire his blood would offer Beth the highest chance of survival.  It is only when Darius is killed that Wrath decides to help Beth as a way of honoring his brother.

Beth is a half-breed who has grown up in the human world and has no knowledge of her father or the vampire race.  When Wrath first approaches her she doesn't know what to think - she finds it hard to believe him when he talks of vampires and the brotherhood.  She is unable to fight the attraction between them though and is soon drawn into his world.

I first discovered the Black Dagger Brotherhood series last year and quickly fell in love with the group of warrior brothers.  I'm currently re-reading the series before I read the newest release Lover Mine and I enjoyed Wrath & Beth's story as much as I did the first time.  I love the fact that Beth is is a strong heroine who is willing to fight for what she wants and won't put up with being treated badly.  Wrath is a strong and fearless warrior who is reluctant to lead his people as he doesn't feel like a worthy king.  I liked the fact that when he falls for Beth he doesn't care who knows it - he may be an alpha male but Beth is able to wrap him around her little finger.  The romance between them is very passionate but it is also quite sweet in places.

I loved the introduction we get to the other brothers and the fact that they are so close and will do anything to protect each other.  There is a lot of camaraderie between them and some of their conversations had me laughing out loud.  J.R. Ward has built a very realistic world with a complete mythology that is easy to follow and leaves you wanting more.  I like the fact that you are told the story from several different perspectives although I have to say I don't enjoy the scenes narrated by the lessers as much and would prefer it if we saw a little less of them.  Overall I think this is a great start to the series and I'm looking forward to continuing my journey with the brotherhood.  If you like paranormal romance and have yet to try this series then I'd definitely recommend you give it a try.

Source: Purchased

Other reviews of this book:
Story Wings
All Booked Up
Literary Escapism
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