I am on a wild ride called the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Filled up with junk food, strapped myself in, no desire to get off until the journey ends but I thought I better let you know my thoughts before I go back inside my latest addiction. If you don’t like vampires or romance then don’t worry these kick-ass, tough talking and really funny wild men might still have some appeal. Oh, and if you like good storytelling; the kind of stuff that reveals and doesn’t tell, then you’ll probably love it too. And if you want strong females who don’t take shit from their men and who survive menstrual cycles that will kill or at least bring entire households of men to their knees, then this is probably the series for you. If you want sparkly-skinned stalkers you will be sadly disappointed – although even when they stalk they realize that this is a bad thing and keep it on the low down. Oh, and there is a lot of leather, hard-drinking, weaponry, fighting, seedy drug and club culture, sex and boys club shit going on too. Downside, is just when you are enjoying the good old bad boys, she will rip your heart out and make you cry. Just saying….read on….
Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author had me at ‘hello’. Wrath is great as a reluctant leader who realizes that his people need him more than he needs to hold on to the past. Beth is stunning as a hard-assed journalist who discovers her own heritage just in time. Together they bring their little band of warriors into line so beautifully that it is breathtaking. From the outset you get the feeling that you are going to love each and every one of these guys immensely, deeply and without reservation. And the world that they live in is really well planned and described. You could really believe that they are walking amongst us.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rhage or Hollywood as he is known is one good looking dude. He should have the world at his feet and lord knows enough women seem to be hanging around there. So when he develops an attraction to mousey, damaged and fragile Mary, no one is more surprised than she. Both of them are dealing with a ‘medical’ condition that takes over their lives. For Rhage it is the beast and Mary is dying. Their relationship is difficult and doomed and so naturally there are going to be times in this story where you are just sobbing your heart out but probably not for the reasons you think. That is the magic of JR Ward. Mary is destined to soothe the savage beast and Rhage will learn about personal sacrifice. Sounds great – bring on the kleenex, you’re going to need it.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am now thoroughly addicted to this series. The storytelling is good, the humor has you laughing out loud, the men are all so wonderfully alpha, the women takes no prisoners. And just when you think you are invested enough your heart gets ripped out and squeezed. Zsadist was always going to come from a world of hurt and I expected that. The bond with he and Phury is gut wrenching in its complexity. Bella is the only woman who is likely to reach him. You know this going into the story but then Ward adds in those subtle nuances that get your heart palpitating and your juices flowing. The ‘need’ is amazingly well thought out. The minor characters grip you as much as the majors and the moments where the depth of the connections come shining through just take it to a whole new realm. I love this author and this series. Mostly I love all of these characters.
Related articles
- Thoughts on JR Ward’s Lover at Last (amandajohobson.wordpress.com)
- Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by J.R. Ward (mastermindtta.wordpress.com)
- Book Report: Lover at Last by J.R. Ward (saytaina.com)
Sasha Cameron - Writer 