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 more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.

The only purebred vampire left on earth, 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-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.

Info:

Publisher: Signet Eclipse (Penguin Group USA)
Publication Date: September 2005
Intended Audience: Adult (18 A)
Next Book: Lover Eternal by JR Ward

I have to gather my thoughts on this one “bookaholics” because – WOW! JR Ward has delivered a paranormal romance for the ages! I have to be honest with you, I was looking for something a little different than the usual Young Adult sexual tension, but I definitely did not want a “Fifty Shades of Grey” type of erotica. SO I asked the blogger world what I should read, and basically got screamed JR WARD! I felt like it was blasphemy that I haven’t heard or read these books yet. AND here I am! Three books into the series and I think there is heroin or something in the pages of these books because I for one cannot put them down! Every single character (or brother as I have adopted calling them) has such a complex, intricate make up that makes me swoon with each of their names. Wrath is todays choice of drug to kick off the The Black Dagger Brotherhood & romance month!

JR Ward jump starts the series with a book about Wrath, the Blind King of the vampire community but also one of the brothers of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. At first I wasn’t sure how I was going to react to the main male lead being “blind” but it definitely heightened those steamy scenes a notch or two. He has the superiority complex that goes along with all those rippling muscles, and leather these caps relish in wearing but also a tender, caring side for his true shellan, Beth. We get to see two sides to Wrath throughout the entire novel, the first being a warrior – duty first type of attitude; protect the innocent, and gain revenge for the slayers (or lessers as they’re called) who murdered his family centuries ago. BUT we also get to see the brother side of Wrath – a tender, and devoted individual to his brothers, who kept his oath to Darius (Beth’s father) to protect her, and help her. It threw me off for a while because I just couldn’t get a firm grasp on both these personalities for such a strong brooding character, but once fully engaged in their world I couldn’t help but swoon (just a bit).

As for Beth, the female counter part, I’ll have to be honest: I was not a fan at first. She was very “whiny” I suppose would be the appropriate word, but also very easily persuaded by Wrath as to what was happening to her. I for one would not follow a complete and total stranger, wearing leather, who may or may not have watched me sleeping one time or another to his place of residence. BUT! nonetheless she started to grow on me, and by the end I couldn’t think of a better individual who paired so nicely with Wrath’s personality, and love.

Overall Dark Lover was a HIT on my shelves and I’ll be suggesting this to ANYONE who wants a wonderful PNR (paranormal romance) series to first start off with. The romance is tasteful, and tender between Wrath and Beth, but also quite the smouldering bedroom scenes. I think I purposely read faster just so I could read more of those scenes than the character development! Also the creativity with the other characters names, Phury, Vischous, Zsadist, and Rhage – FAAANTASTIC! JR Ward has re-created the vampire scene for me, and I honestly don’t think I could pick up another vampire orientated novel and not compare it to hers.

Dark Lover is brimming with anticipation for the next books in the series, while also leaving the reader satisfied, and weak in the knees for the current characters at hand. This book has just enough paranormal mixed with romance to soothe any bookaholic jonesing for that perfect mix!

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