Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 1)

Alyson L./Steff Madison

Into hulking Alpha males who just happen to be Vampires? This is THE BOOK.

""...The throaty laugh as she gripped him gently was yet another marvel. Just like her constant presence in his room, her fierce protection of him, her love, her strength. She was everything to him. His whole world. He'd gone from being blasé about his death to being desperate to live. For her. For them. For their future." ~ Wrath about Beth WOW. Yep, that's exactly what I thought. WOW. Once I sat down to read it (with more than 15 minutes to do so) I could not stop reading it. Of course, this is not the first BDB book I have read(yes, I know, I have committed a faux pas reading them out of order:) so I was pretty excited to read the first book from the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Best of all, this is Wrath and Beth's book and a perfect place to start. The Good: I have said it before but I love the world that J.R. Ward has created. These are Vamps but not just Vamps...they are Vamps on mega steroids and I just love them. Seriously, when I was reading Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 1) , I just wanted to stay in Caldwell, more precisely either Darius' home or the Brotherhood's compound. I loved how you met so many of the characters: Wrath, Marissa, Beth, V, Rhage, Butch, Tohrment, Zhadist, Phury, Darius, The Scribe Virgin, etc. You see some of their back story and it makes a huge difference as the storyline plays on. I could see why they are who they are and why they do some of the things they do. For instance, I could totally understand the relationship between Beth and Wrath, Wrath and Marissa, Marissa and Butch and Butch and V by the time I finished the book. Ms. Ward writes in such a way that the people you read about seem so real, like individuals you would really know and have feelings for. The Bad: Bad? What bad? The book started off immediately, began building up speed and just kept on going. Even the slow times were intense, hold-on-to-the-edge-of-your-seat, remember- to-breathe-moments. The only bad were the 'bad' guys, the Lessers. They are mean, cruel, and downright icky. See what I mean? Even the bad guys evoke strong emotions. I just do not have anything bad to say about the literary aspect of the book. The Snuggly: Now the snuggly on the other had, there was plenty of! Hot, steamy, torturous, and intense sex, plenty of foreplay and references/inferences of provocative things to come. And the relationships are so deep, so personal. It is best read when you can enjoy every little nuance, every tasty kiss and tremble, every hot and smokin' minute, without interruption. Un-huh. Yep. (slurp and grin) Final Thoughts: This is THE book to read if you are into hulking Alpha males(with baggage) who just happen to be Vampires for the most part(Can you say right up my alley?). It is a Paranormal Action-packed romance series meant for those over 18(language, sex, violence) Start reading one and then just plan on reading the entire series. Consider yourself warned.;) ["

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October 14, 2012 Verified Purchase

mnix

5 stars are not enough!

"The Black Dagger Brotherhood is an elite group of vampires working together to defend their dwindling race and rid the world of their enemy, The Lessers. Their leader, Wrath, the only purebred vampire in existence, has a personal vendetta against The Lessening Society. They killed his parents. His sole focus for centuries has been the eradication of this deadly menace. Because of the potency of Wrath's purebred blood, Darius, a member of The Brotherhood, asks Wrath to aid his daughter through her transition. Transition occurs in vampires in their mid-twenties and blood from vampires of the opposite sex is needed. Any vampire that does not complete their transition, dies. Wrath's refusal is immediate and vehement. Darius' daughter is half human and Wrath hates humans. But when Darius is killed that same evening, Wrath feels compelled to honor his Brother's request. Beth Randall has lived her entire life as an orphan, unaware of her vampire heritage. Working as a reporter, her days are long and her personal life is non-existent. When Wrath appears in her home, Beth is overwhelmed be her attraction for him. Wrath is stunned by his response as well. With the escalating threat of The Lessening Society, Beth's rapidly approaching transition, and the past Wrath refuses to let go, will Wrath and Beth's attraction grow into love? I am crazy-mad in love with Dark Lover! I might just self-combust waiting for the second book in this series. Ms. Ward's characters are so vivid and interesting; from their names to their personalities. Larger than life, funny, strikingly handsome, strong, and deadly dangerous; the vampires of The Brotherhood have me so excited! I have a terrible crush on each of them, and refuse to be embarrassed by my hero worship! Wrath, as the leader of The Brotherhood, is the most handsome, strongest, and deadliest of them all. But Beth doesn't let that intimidate her. She is beautiful, strong, and smart and gives as good as she gets. They are perfect for each other. Steamy exciting sensual love scenes have me begging for more. I can't wait to read about Wrath's handling of Beth's "needing period"! The action in Dark Lover is intense. The plot is well constructed, but it's the characters that drive this story. They are so well drawn and three dimensional. Such phenomenal character development! If you are a fan of vampire romance, thrilling action, and to die for alpha heroes, you'll love Dark Lover. I can't rave enough about this book! I positively adored it! Thank you Ms. Ward for a magnificent read! Annabelle Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed ["

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September 28, 2005 Verified Purchase

4Nbahu

I inhaled 9 books in 10 days. Sent my emotions rolling. (18 months later I am still hooked)

"ETA August 20, 2013 I just purchased book 11 in this series. I waited because I was into the short story genres for awhile and then I was reading a lot of free books. By the time I went back to read this I was afraid that I had forgotten too much of the series or worse that it wasn't as good as I remembered. So I decided to go back to book one. I finished it in less than 24 hours. Once again I was hooked. There is no other way of describing how it feels to read this series. What makes it even better is the ability to compare it to other series. In this series we get an entire new universe yet it is still familiar. We also get that "mine" feeling, but where other authors make mating destiny, Ms Ward makes it a choice. Where others have all of the women be nice little virgins we have women who have lived life and don't apologize for it, (for the most part, there are exceptions). Where others give us autocrats we get bold real men who know that coming together means compromise. Where others give us insert tab A into Slot B, we get passion and overwhelming emotion, not to mention that tingly zingy feeling I personally adore. So now I am on to Book 2 Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 2). ORIGINAL REVIEW ORIGINAL REVIEW ORIGINAL REVIEW ORIGINAL REVIEW ORIGINAL REVIEW I was desperate for a new series. Thank Heaven for samples. From the moment I started reading "Dark Lover" I was hooked. I continued reading each book of the series as if I was a chain smoker and they were unfiltered cigarettes. I am an avid reader of almost anything but I was hankering after some good vampire books. (especially the nonsparkling type, in this series, the vampires are a separate species and humans cannot be "changed") What I love about the series is that in each book you not only have the Primary Para Romance but then you have the major arc between the Black Dagger Brotherhood and Lessers plus multiple minor arcs between the other members of the series, not just walk-ins as you find in many series but full blown participants. Due to the arcs I recommend that you read the series in order so that you get that epic story feeling. The writing made me feel all those lovely things that reading a romance should. I cried, laughed, whooped, hollered, shaked and shivered. I was also surprised. However, I feel I should mention that this is not a series for someone who just needs a bit a romance. In this series you will find explicit heterosex, mild homosex, BDSM (for a specific character), and touches upon rape. As to be expected from fighters there is a lot of violence, much of which is described in detail. Several times as I read a portion of a new mini arc, I would think "oh why is she going on this tangent" and then I would get the payoff. Sometimes I wished a mini arc would hurry up but then I'd think "oh she is saving up for this to be a doozy of a primary story". I am truly looking forward to Qhuinn's story. I wish I had been able to give this book/series a 5, however there were a couple of problems. The Kindle versions (I am assuming the hard copies had better editors and proofreaders) have a few misspelled words. They were rare but still when they occurred they caused a break in the reading. The only other thing that keeps me from giving the series a five is that within her universal concepts she allows a lot of exceptions and/or loopholes. But then coincidences, exceptions, and loopholes create a lot of happy endings. If you like a safe walk on the wild side pick up the first book and take a little trip. ETA: Given that so many arcs are being played out in each book, I have come to the conclusion that I need to treat this series like a Soap Opera. It all takes place in a city called Caldwell where Vampires, who were created by the Scribe Virgin are protected by the Brotherhood of the Black Dagger who are fighting the Lessers who are minions of the Omega who is the brother of the Scribe Virgin. Humans are unaware that anything is going on. Vampires can live for more than a thousand years. When they are born they look like undersized humans, they eat normal food and drink, do not need blood and can go out in the sunlight. However, around their 25th birthday they go through a very dangerous stage called Transition where their bodies require the blood of a vampire of the opposite sex. Within hours their body size greatly increases, they develop fangs, will burn if exposed to sunlight. Adult vampires still require normal food and drink but need to "take the vein" of a vampire of the opposite sex at least every two weeks, more if there is injury, stress, or extreme activity. Approximately, 5 years after her transition and for every 10 years after that a female will experience a "Needing" time which is when she can become pregnant. During her needing a female has extreme sexual cravings. She must be serviced by a male or drugged, if she does not wish to become pregnant. Due to the war and the fact that there is a high infant/mother mortality rate, Vampire numbers are decreasing. Vampire males are very jealous and overprotective of their bonded females and young. While bonding might be involuntary, a mating ceremony must be performed to make it official. Vampire's have a king, Wrath, who for many years avoided his kingly duties and instead lived as a member of the Brotherhood. There is also an aristocracy called the glymera, where appearances are everything. There are also other civilian vampires. There is a sub-species of Vampires called Doggen. The live less than 500 years and are capable of going out in the sunlight. They have an inherent need to serve Vampires and have very traditional codes of behavior. The Lessening Society is headed by a fore lesser, which due to The Omega's fickleness changes frequently. Lessers are created from humans, usual criminals, who once through the process no longer eat and have been rendered impotent, but will continue to live as long as nothing steel penetrates their chest. Once changed the smell like baby powder and will eventually lose all pigmentation in their hair, skin and eyes. ["

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March 1, 2012 Verified Purchase

Lissa Smith Reads' ~ A Bookaholics' Bookshelf ~

🦇 Sink Your Teeth Into Passion and Power - The Brotherhood Awaits! 🖤📚

"I chose Dark Lover by J.R. Ward because it's the opening to one of the most popular paranormal romance sagas out there. This novel is Book #1 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, which has grown into a long-running, interconnected universe. Since Dark Lover is the very first installment, there are no previous books before it, but it launches a powerful saga that continues to this day. J.R. Ward, the bestselling author of this series, is known for her dark, emotional, and action-packed storytelling that mixes urban fantasy, romance, and vampire mythology. Over the years, the Black Dagger world has expanded into spin-off series such as The Black Dagger Legacy and additional companion works like The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide. This book is firmly in the paranormal romance/urban fantasy genre, recommended for adults 18+ due to mature themes, strong language, and explicit romance scenes. Fans of dark, gritty vampire lore mixed with passionate romance and brotherhood bonds will find it unforgettable. Readers generally describe it as intense, addictive, and emotionally gripping. 📚 Chronological Reading Guide: Main Black Dagger Brotherhood Series: Dark Lover (2005) Lover Eternal (2006) Lover Awakened (2006) Lover Revealed (2007) Lover Unbound (2007) Lover Enshrined (2008) Lover Avenged (2009) Lover Mine (2010) Lover Unleashed (2011) Lover Reborn (2012) Lover At Last (2013) The King (2014) The Shadows (2015) The Beast (2016) The Chosen (2017) The Thief (2018) The Savior (2019) The Sinner (2020) Lover Unveiled (2021) Lover Arisen (2022) Lassiter (2023) Possession (2024) Spin-Offs & Connected Books: The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide (2008) - Companion Father Mine (2008) - Novella Black Dagger Legacy (spin-off series featuring new recruits + cameos from the Brothers): Blood Kiss (2015) Blood Vow (2016) Blood Fury (2018) Blood Truth (2019) Prison Camp Series (set in same world): The Jackal (2020) The Wolf (2021) The Viper (2022) 🔑 Key Features 👉 First Book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series - launches the saga. 👉 Paranormal Romance Genre - vampires, romance, and dark fantasy combined. 👉 Rich World-Building - introduces the Brotherhood and vampire society. 👉 Emotional and Gritty Storytelling - blends passion, brotherhood, and battle. 👉 J.R. Ward's Signature Style - sharp dialogue and unforgettable characters. 👉 Expansive Universe - multiple spin-offs for continued reading. ✨ Pros ✅ Addictive Storyline - draws readers in from page one. ✅ Strong Character Development - especially the Brotherhood warriors. ✅ Perfect Mix - balances romance, supernatural action, and emotion. ✅ Expansive Universe - ensures fans have plenty more to dive into. ✅ Emotional Depth - loyalty, redemption, and love at its core. ⚠️ Cons ❌ Mature Content - explicit romance not suited for younger readers. ❌ Heavy Lore - world-building can feel dense for some readers. ❌ Gritty Style - fast slang and darker tone may not appeal to all. 💡 Final Thoughts Dark Lover is a gripping start to J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood universe, offering dark passion, thrilling battles, and a deeply emotional core. While its explicit content and heavy world-building may not be for everyone, the addictive characters, layered storytelling, and interconnected spin-offs make it an essential read for fans of paranormal romance and supernatural sagas. Best suited for adult readers who love romance entwined with urban fantasy and dark, gritty storytelling. ["

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September 25, 2025 Verified Purchase

Ellen

Fun and Sexy and Very Entertaining!! Loved it!!

"4.5 Stars!! Funny and sexy and raw! Loved it. Very unique. If you haven't yet read 'Dark Lover', by all means do so! It was very entertaining! Can't wait to read the other books! The language is a little dated but that adds to the charm of the book. And for all the violence and action and darkness, there's a beautiful HEA! This book sets the stage for the whole series and introduces the whole band of brothers. And what a cast of characters! All impossibly arrogant but loyal and bound together to protect their race. "Yeah, the Black Dagger Brotherhood was a hell of a group. All that stood between the civilian vampire population and the Lessers. Crossing his arms, Wrath looked around the room, taking each one of them in, seeing their strengths but mostly their curses." Beth is half human and vampire; she will soon be transitioning soon into a vampire. Forget all the other books you've read about vampires, this one it totally different! And as someone who does not love PNR books, I still fell in love with the characters and the story. Beth falls under the protection of Wrath, who has made a promise to protect her and watch over her as she transitions. But Wrath did not count on falling for Beth, as he already had a mate for life. Beth’s neck jacked back up as she met the man’s steady, feral gaze. She couldn’t see the color of his eyes through the glasses, but his stare burned. “Kiss me,” she said. He hovered above her, a silent menace. On impulse her hands went to the lapels of his jacket, and she tried to pull him down to her mouth. He captured both her wrists in one of his hands. “Easy.” Easy? She didn’t want easy. Easy was not part of the plan. I loved the action, the humor, the ROMANCE and the whole world of the Brotherhood. 'Dark Lover' was a totally enjoyable, wild ride and I am so glad I finally started the series! J.R. Ward is hilarious! Who knew? "Welcome to the wonderful world of jealousy, he thought. For the price of admission, you get a splitting headache, a nearly irresistible urge to commit murder, and an inferiority complex. Yippee." If you've been thinking about starting this series, do it! See what all the hoopla is about. I am diving right into the next book. Enjoy! “You know something, right before I met you I was looking for an adventure.” “Were you?” “And I got more than that. I got a past and a future. A whole… life. Sometimes I don’t know how to handle the good fortune. I just don’t know what to do with it all.” ["

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December 7, 2017 Verified Purchase