Dark Lover: The First Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood

by J.R. Ward

Book Overview

Experience the start of J.R. Ward's phenomenal #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series.

As the world's only purebred vampire and the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who killed his parents centuries ago. But when his most trusted fighter is killed--orphaning a half-breed daughter unaware of her heritage or her fate--Wrath must put down his dagger and usher...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451468104
• ISBN13: 9780451468109
• Release Date: February 2014
• Publisher: Berkley Books
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 4.2" x 6.7"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Great book - not so great shipping

Was very excited to get another copy of this book in Trade Paperback format for an author event but received a mass market. Hoping that the next one ordered is correct. This is a great series, I highly recommend it for paranormal romance fans

Definitely addictive read!

I have read some of this series before. I decided to read all of them in order...... OMG I have become addicted. The characters are so fascinating with a fantastic world to go with it. Can't put them down! I read Dark Lover a few times cause I loved Wrath and Beth story. I have recommended to a few a my friends too.

Great start to an epic series.

I was suggested this series and when I got this book I couldn’t put it down! Took me less than a week to finish and I was so antsy I had to buy the second one right away. Great storyline, good characters, and great visuals.

Missing book

Still have not received it or email confirmation. Since july 31.

Black dagger brotherhood my fav.

I love them I think you will too. The story line will catch you right from the start j.r. Ward is amazing . I have read almost all of the black dagger brotherhood series and am so in love with all their stories love and passion. Strength and courage. Strong women and stronger men. I can't wait to read more. And have all on my book shelves. Read them I promise it will be worth every penny ❤️

Engaging! Surprising!

First time ever reading J. R. Ward and I am hooked! From the very first chapter I was thrown into this new world and have not wanted to leave ever since. Can't wait for the next one! Love it!

Wonderful paranormal romance series!

Wow! I've read a lot of paranormal romance series, and this is hands down the best of the lot! If you're looking for a book that's well written, has interesting, flawed characters you want to root for, heroes and heroines that have amazing chemistry, compelling relationships, and great love scenes, AND a plot that keeps you turning the pages, this is the book (and series) for you! I could not put this book down, and as soon as I finished it I ran out and bought the rest of the avaliable books in this series. They were all excellent! And I can't wait for the next one to be published. The books in this series strike a nice balance between romance and plot, and each stands alone as a complete story...although you should definitely read them in order, as there are compelling plot threads that tie the books together. This book is definitely grittier then some paranormal romances - there is some gory violence and R-rated language. But it totally works in this novel and I found it completely appropriate.

A New Vampire Series That Entertains!!!

Wrath is a vampire who prefers to be alone, and work alone. When his good friend Darius asks for Wrath's help with his daughter he is turned down by Wrath. Knowing going into the request it would probably be a negative answer he still attempts to reach Wrath's softer side. Darius's daughter is half human and she is getting ready to change over but will need the help of a strong vampire male. Wrath thinks he has been able to walk away from that commitment and responsibility but then Darius is killed. Now he must look over his friend's daughter. Too bad the human, Beth speaks to the long buried part of him he thought dead. Will he be able to walk away from her after her transition? Beth has been noticing changes in her body but has been largely ignoring them as she goes about her business as writer for a local newspaper. But one night she thinks she dreams about a dark, large man who has fangs and it scares her. When she realizes it was not a dream but reality she at first wants to freak out...but then she also can't get over how sexy he is. When she finds out the truth about herself and Wrath will Beth be willing to accept what fate has in store or will the Lessers get to her first? Ms. Ward's new vampire world is a delicious addition to the sub-genre of vampire fiction. Her story is a little dark, and little erotic, and a whole lot entertaining. She has taken the vampire legend and has made it her own. With an eclectic group of secondary characters, her own creatively drawn bad guys the reader will not roll their eyes with boredom. I highly look forward to the next in the series.

More Violent than Sherrilyn Kenyon but with a WONDERFUL Romance

What an excellent writer this is! Dark Lover will easily make the best seller lists and win awards. I love paranormal romances (as well as all other kinds of romances - having read hundreds of them) and this is top quality. At first, I was dismayed by the level of violence and cussing in this book, it being even grittier than Kenyon's and Feehan's works. Still, I think Sherrilyn Kenyon fans will love this. The romance was superb - not overboard on the sex but plenty of detailed sensuality - just perfect! We get to meet several lovable(ha!) characters which will make up future books in this series and I will read them all, even if I am flinching a bit at all the blood, gore and language. The romantic line is worth it.

Sweet Kate: A voracious reader

I read at least 3-4 novels a week and many of these are in the paranormal romance genre. I have to say that I am excited about this new series and am looking forward to the next installment from this author. These hot new bad boys sparked my interest as the author has drawn them so clearly and made them so endearing. This new alternate reality is fast paced and action packed. Ms. Ward has painted such a delightful new world and I a looking forward to a deeper understanding of these new characters. I found the vivid characterizations and the action scenes reminiscent of Laurel K. Hamilton, Kim Harrison and Sherrilyn Kenyon. Fans of these paranormal authors should really enjoy this new series.

Shades of the Undead? No.

This beginning novel has a lot of potential and plenty to build on. The alterniverse within the book is very unique and interesting although I was a little miffed about the homicidal maniacs that posed as our badguys smelling like baby-powder. But ok. The story is listed as romance although it is one of the grittier ones considering the horror element, but it earned the genre heading by the end of the book. I could see several glaring similarities between this work and Mrs. Kenyon's Dark-hunter characterizations though the storylines are totally different. But then I initially saw similarities between dead witch walking and anita blake too... After grimacing at the similarities I was able to settle nicely into the story and felt quite comfortable. I look forward to revisiting this series when the second book is published.