Dark Lover

Dark Lover
JR Ward / Paranormal Romance

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going 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 the undead. Racked by a restlessness in her body that wasn't there, Beth Randall is helpless against the dangerously sexy man who comes 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.  (click on title for more)


If there's one thing that I don't need, it's another addiction to sexy hardened bad boy warriors. When I first read about the series, I was scared by the supposed "erotic" nature of the series and thought it would be too much for me to be comfortable with. *PHHFFT* A few times over the past year, I've picked this book up in particular, looked at it, put it in my book basket, looked at it again and put it back on the shelf. That's until yesterday when I was looking through the Kindle application on my phone. Up popped Dark Lover and without giving it a second thought I bought it. That was all it took to becoming INSANELY addicted to these incredible men. I seriously didn't stand a chance after the first chapter and now all I can say is how INCREDIBLY crazy I've been that it's taken me this long to read a Black Dagger Brotherhood book. Yep, I'm The Bookish Snob and I'm addicted to the Brotherhood. * nods in respect to all those who warned me that it wouldn't take long before I was hooked*

Nothing beats starting a new series than going for the top dog and turning his world upside down. Wrath was no where close to wanting a romantic interest in his life and was quite content on killing his way through his day. Even more, he doesn't want to get saddled with the daughter of one his most close and trusted member of the Brotherhood. He is fine with staying in the shadows and keeping people at arms distance. Surprise surprise one look at Beth and that steely resolve of his crumbles and fight as hard as he may, it never fully recovers. This was an amazing story of two people coming together, from different lifestyles, from different mindsets and falling in love. I loved being pulled into this story, of being part of some extremely beautiful scenes that really churned up my emotions. I couldn't get enough of the story and hated the fact it didn't just keep on going forever. I don't think I'd ever get sick of reading about Wrath and Beth - again a really BEAUTIFUL way to start the series.

I liked Beth alot. She refused to be bulldozed over by Wrath and was one of the first people to ever put him in his place or even tell him no. It must have been really hard to never know your heritage, to not know who your father was and to suddenly wake up to find out that not only did he love you but that unfortunately he died before you could meet him. So many things were happening with Beth, so many different twists and I really think she handled herself well because it'd have to be terrifying. I can't imagine how scary it would be to turn around to find Wrath in all his sexy bulky glory, totally dominating the space around him or to find out that your world and who you ultimately are is going to change. Beth shows an amazing amount of courage, especially in the face of fear when any other person would have run and hid forever.

Wrath. Sex on a stick Wrath *giggle* The very first opinion I had of him was that he was this cold and detached person, lacking any kind of emotion and warmth. I kind of got the impression that he was empty inside for whatever reason and it made me feel a little sad for him. There was no connecting to him as he kept himself at arms length for everyone and his sole focus was on killing and the incredible high that comes from it. What kind of life is that when that's all you think your good for? Wrath was a great warrior, revered amongst the Brotherhood and yet he felt unworthy of it. I could see a mile away how incredible he was and enjoyed watching the journey he went on. There were times I wanted to reach in the book and make out with him then hold him and then slap him because he drove me crazy with how he bounced back and forth. He had such a hide time resolving the feelings he had for Beth, craving to have her and to be had by her but also feeling that he wasn’t good for her. The constant come to me and then push away and Beth, although very confused, was able to hold on tight and ride it through. I loved watching him come alive and slowly become more human (well as human as a vampire can be) and see him soften from a hardened warrior to one who knew how to be gentle and tender. He really did take my breath away and he was more than I could ever hope for in an Alpha male character. The man curled me toes.

Talking of toe curling, there were some INCREDIBLE scenes in this book that could melt even the hardest and most cynical of hearts. I'd just finish one sigh to be lead by the author into an even bigger sigh. You really got a glimpse at a powerful set of warriors and the camaraderie they had with one another. They truly were a brotherhood and my bad boy appetite has definitely been roused. An example of a few scenes you can look forward to that I LOVED were the ones where you get a glimpse at the vulnerability of Wrath. I can't tell you how amazing it was to watch the transformation he went through. The concern he had for Beth, how he hung on every move and emotion, always seeking to please her in anyway he could. The fear he had through her conversion and  the total lack of control he had as he watched her suffer killed him. The marriage ceremony and ritual sent shivers down my spine and put tears in my eyes as my imagination worked over time trying to show me the scene as it unfolded. All I can say is a band of honorable warriors joined together to pay solemn homage, an adoring groom  whose breath is stolen as he looks at the woman he loves and bride whose emotions get the better of her was definitely a scene worth remembering because it was just that moving. And just you wait to the barn scene where Wrath is revealed in all his masculine glory. *sigh* Good good stuff!

I desperately wanted to know who Mr X was (the resident evil) and found my mind looking at all the different characters in the book, wondering if they were him. It took a while for it to dawn on me that maybe we hadn’t met Mr X yet and I’m telling you, I can’t wait for the big reveal. My gosh what a sick bastard he was (sorry seemed like the only word to describe him). The way he manipulated people and totally messed with their heads made my stomach hurt. It didn't take long before I was ready for the show to be over, for the Brotherhood to get it over and done with and kill him. But unfortunately every story needs a villain and this guy, he's a doozy.

I am really glad I bought this book, that I finally stopped being stubborn and gave it a chance. It has set itself up to be a great series filled with AMAZING warriors that are guaranteed to kill you over and over again with their seductiveness and  bad boy appeal. I highly recommend you check this book out. Don't be surprised if you find yourself just as addicted as I am. Enjoy!


Ratings:

"Whoa. Fangs. She had fangs. She leaned in, prodded them a little. Eating with those puppies was going to take some getting used to, she thought. On impulse, she brought up her hands, turned her fingers into claws. Hissed.
Cool"
 
 
"When she pressed her lips to his, he put his hand on her neck, holding her in place.
"I don't think I can live without you??
"Hopefully, you won't have to. Now tell me something. What's your word for husband?"
"Hellren, I suppose. The short version is just hell."
She laughed softly. "Go figure"
 
 
"He looked at no one but her. When he was standing before her, he whispered, "You take my breath away"
She started to cry. Wrath's face was worried as he reached out. "Leelan, what's the matter?"
Beth shook her head and felt Wellsie tuck a Kleenex into her hands.
"She's fine," the woman said. "Trust me, she's fine. Aren't you?"
Beth nodded and blotted under he eyes. "Yes"
Wrath touched her cheek. "We can stop this"
"No!" she shot back. "I love yo and we're going to ger married. Right now"