Tag Archives: The Black Dagger Brotherhood

The Thief (The Black Dagger Brotherhood #16) by J. R. Ward-Review and Giveaway

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THE THIEF (Black Dagger Brotherhood #16) by J.R. Ward-Review and Giveaway

THE THIEF
The Black Dagger Brotherhood #16
by J.R. Ward
Release Date: April 10, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, vampire, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 10, 2018

New enemies rise from the shadows in the next novel of the New York Times bestselling paranormal romance series the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

Sola Morte, former cat burglar and safecracker, has given up her old life on the wrong side of the law. On the run from a drug lord’s family, she is lying low far from Caldwell, keeping her nose clean and her beloved grandmother safe. Her heart, though, is back up north, with the only man who has ever gotten through her defenses: Assail, son of Assail, who never meant to fall in love—and certainly not with a human woman. But they have no future, and not just because she doesn’t know he is a vampire, but because he is not about to stop dealing arms to the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Fate, however, has other plans for them. When Assail falls into a coma and lingers on the verge of death, his cousins seek out Sola and beg her to give him a reason to live. The last thing she wants is a return to her past, but how can she leave him to die?

As a lethal new enemy of the vampires shows its face, and the Brotherhood needs Assail back on his feet, Sola finds herself not only a target, but a mission-critical force in a war she doesn’t understand. And when Assail’s truth comes out, will she run from the horror . . . or follow her heart into the arms of the male who loves her more than life itself?

•••••••••

REVIEW: THE THIEF is the sixteenth full-length instalment in J.R. Ward’s contemporary, adult BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD paranormal, romance series focusing on an elite group of vampire warriors and their King. This is businessman, former drug dealer and vampire Assail, son of Assail, and human thief Marisol ‘Sola’ Carvalho’s story line. THE THIEF should not be read as a stand-alone; I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion, especially the last two to three instalments.

NOTE: If you have not read the last few instalments in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, there may be some spoilers in my review.

SOME BACKGROUND: One year earlier, Assail destroyed the men who attacked and brutalized the female he loved. Marisol (along with her grandmother) moved to Florida in order to escape the past, and her attraction to Assail, never knowing the extent of Assail’s addiction, his detox, his love or his deteriorating mental health.

Told from several third person points of view including Sola and Assail THE THIEF follows in the aftermath of Assail’s drug detox, and the subsequent psychosis leaving our hero a shell of his former self. Believing death was inevitable, Doc Jane and Assail’s cousins Evale and Ehric make final preparations including contacting the woman with whom Assail had fallen in love. Enter Marisol ‘Sola’ Carvalho, Assail’s mate, and the female who would jump start Assail on his road to recovery. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Assail and Sola, and the potential fall-out when Assail and Doc Jane reveal the truth about what he is, and the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

Meanwhile, a new threat has risen in Caldwell, a threat with no corporeal body but a threat more deadly than anyone could have imagined. Throe, a former warrior with the Band of Bastards, seeks revenge against the King, in the hopes of ascending to the throne, revenge that comes from secrets of the past.

The ongoing struggles in Vishous and Jane’s relationship come to a head when Jane discovers V’s path towards infidelity. A distinct lack of communication between our couple, with the added hindrance and misfortune of an overworked physician, and the Brotherhood’s battle with a new enemy find Jane and Vishous on the verge of ‘consciously uncoupling’ in a not so friendly manner. Ward’s ongoing fascination and supposed dislike for V resurfaces with his immature attitude, child-like tantrums, and treatment of the female he claims to love. Forced time off has Jane refocusing on her relationship, her work, and the future with the male she loves.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood is a character driven series but in previous instalments Ward’s need to amass and gather all of the Brothers often detracts from the story line premise(s) but in the case of The Thief the author reigns in some of the unnecessary drama that would otherwise divert attention in too many directions. THE THIEF follows a number of paths that intersect at several junctures but unlike in previous episodes the collection of side stories is limited. A sister scorned by the disappearance and death of her beloved brothers seeks revenge as Detective Jose De La Cruz begins an investigation into the series of murders linking back to the recent appearance of ‘said scorned sister’. A last minute cameo appearance by Murhder sets the stage for book seventeen THE SAVIOR, as well as a hybrid vampire’s transition that is about to go down. The individual Black Dagger Brothers have limited page time with the exception of Rhage, and of course our friendly ethereal angel Lassiter, whose new role is confirmed as Vishous is about to lose the woman he loves.

THE THIEF is a story of addiction and recovery; heartbreak, communication and love; vengeance, betrayal and supernatural powers. J. R. Ward’s THE THIEF is an engaging and intoxicating look at vampires, the females they love, and the threats meant to destroy them all. The premise is dramatic and compelling; the romance is passionate and fated; the characters are spirited, sassy, energetic and intense.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

The Reading Cafe and J.R. Ward’s publisher are offering a hard cover copy of THE THIEF to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from April 22-28, 2018

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The Beast (Black Dagger Brotherhood #14) by J.R. Ward-Review and Giveaway

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THE BEAST (Black Dagger Brotherhood #14) by J.R. Ward-Review and Giveaway

The Beast Banner

THE BEAST
The Black Dagger Brotherhood #14
By J.R. Ward
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal romance

The Beast

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 5, 2016

Nothing is as it used to be for the Black Dagger Brotherhood. After avoiding war with the Shadows, alliances have shifted and lines have been drawn. The slayers of the Lessening Society are stronger than ever, preying on human weakness to acquire more money, more weapons, more power. But as the Brotherhood readies for an all-out attack on them, one of their own fights a battle within himself…

For Rhage, the Brother with the biggest appetites, but also the biggest heart, life was supposed to be perfect—or at the very least, perfectly enjoyable. Mary, his beloved shellan, is by his side and his King and his brothers are thriving. But Rhage can’t understand—or control—the panic and insecurity that plague him…

And that terrifies him—as well as distances him from his mate. After suffering mortal injury in battle, Rhage must reassess his priorities—and the answer, when it comes to him, rocks his world…and Mary’s. But Mary is on a journey of her own, one that will either bring them closer together or cause a split that neither will recover from.

•••••••••

REVIEW: THE BEAST is the fourteenth installment in J.R.Ward’s contemporary, adult BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD paranormal series focusing on an elite group of vampire warriors and their King. THE BEAST is the continuing story of the sexy vampire Rhage, and his shellan Mary Luce. For fans of the series, we are all well aware of Rhage’s alter ego-his other-and in this Rhage’s other makes an appearance or two throughout the story.

THE BEAST focuses on relationships and family-primarily Mary and Rhage’s- and their struggle as a couple together and apart. As the Black Dagger Brotherhood family continues to grow, Rhage will come full circle facing a future that is missing ‘something’ or ‘someone’ while Mary consoles with an orphaned child now under the care of the woman’s shelter known as ‘Safe Place’. Throughout the previous story lines Mary and Rhage have struggled with their relationship-growing further apart with each successive story.

We are witness to a battle with the lessers, the slayers, and the re-appearance of the Omega. Rhage will discover that running into battle without the support of his brothers means the likelihood of facing your immortality-head on.

As per JR Ward’s writing style, there are several ongoing and developing stories:

LAYLA: The Chosen known as Layla is currently on bed rest while she carries Qhuinn’s son and daughter. But Layla suspects a prisoner has been brought into the BDB household when she discovers that the man with whom she is falling love is in danger of going into the fade. The resulting anxiety finds Layla facing a crisis of her own.

ASSAIL: Our intrepid cocaine-addicted vampire is lost without the human woman that calls to his soul. Assail finds himself working for the Black Dagger Brotherhood, infiltrating into the Glymera, and discovering that there are dark and dangerous secrets hidden behind locked doors and secret walls. Assail will prove that he is worthy of a future- with whomever it will be.

XCOR: Hoping to catch some action in the battle with the slayers, Xcor will come face to face with the Brotherhood, and the resulting aftermath finds the ‘Bastard’ imprisoned while he struggles to recover after a life-threatening attack.

THROE: Here is another member of the Band of Bastards who is trying to secure a future, with or without the aid of the others. Throe’s infiltration of one of the Glymera households starts an investigation that finds Assail at the forefront of a rescue that doesn’t end too well for some of the others.

There is another side story developing that involves several human miscreants, drug addicts and reporters. A grainy video has been uplifted to You-Tube showing a ‘monster’ on the loose, and a female investigator finds herself facing a future she never knew she had.

Most of the members of the Brotherhood , their mates (and their household guests) play secondary and supporting roles although many by way of mention only including Trez and iAm. Payne, Jane, and Manny are all called into action for their skillset of medical, surgical and healing abilities; some will be injured, while others struggle to survive-not everyone will live to see another day, and in this there is another story line developing as to the who, when and why.

THE BEAST is an emotional story line about family, loss, and the future. JR Ward blends lighthearted moments with an imaginative story line about one couple’s desires, wants and their needs while facing a future, looking for something more. The premise is intense, intoxicating and uplifting; the characters are familiar and energetic; the romance is a rebuilding of a relationship that has struggled with insecurity and differing paths on a journey meant to bring two people back together. J. R. Ward will captivate your imagination; pull you into the story line; and never let go when the passion and emotions roll away with your soul.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

giveaway

JR Ward’s publisher and The Reading Cafe are graciously offering a HARD COVER copy of THE BEAST to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please follow JR Ward on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from April 4 to 8, 2016

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Lover At Last (The Black Dagger Brotherhood #11) by J.R.Ward-a review

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LOVER AT LAST (The Black Dagger Brotherhood # 11) by J.R.Ward-a review

Lover At Last

Release Date: March 26, 2013

LOVER AT LAST is the eleventh installment in J.R.Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series and one of the most anticipated new releases for 2013 along with Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Christine Feehan’s Dark Wolf (Skyler and Dimitri 2014). Lover At Last-Qhuinn and Blay’s storyline-has been building for several years and over the course of several books. And similar to Lover Reborn, the novel has more than one story arc developing with many sub-plots. Lover at Last is a turning point in The Black Dagger Brotherhood series and does not concentrate wholly on Qhuinn and Blay but subdivides the text into four separate premises, three of which began in Lover Reborn.

For anyone who does not follow The Black Dagger Brotherhood series, a little background into Qhuinn and Blaylock. These two BDB besties have been dancing around each other for years hence the ‘At Last’. Friends since childhood, Blay has been Qhuinn’s wingman for an endless number of sexual encounters, threesomes and backroom pickups on so many levels, but there is more to their friendship than Brotherhood and BFF-Blay is gay and has wanted Qhuinn for as long as he can remember but Qhuinn has had a difficult time accepting the fact that Blay wants more than friendship. When Blay finds release in a partnership with Qhuinn’s cousin Saxton, Qhuinn will become involved with one of the Chosen during her time of needing resulting in a pregnancy that will add another level of angst, complication and heartbreak to an otherwise fragile friendship.

Lover at Last is a revelation of sorts for both Qhuinn and Blay. As both males begin to reassess what it is they want from life the pair will be brought together by a small, but determined female, who wants nothing more than to please the males, as is her duty, of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Qhuinn’s heartbreaking backstory will set the stage for an emotional outpouring of months if not years of pent up frustrations between Qhuinn and Blay. Emotions will be flayed raw, things will be said in the heat of the moment and, hearts will be bared all in the name of love and the fear of losing the other half of one’s soul. But Lover at Last is more than just a novel about Qhuinn and Blay, LAL is the starting point for a different direction in the BDB series.

Assail, the vampire introduced in Lover Reborn, has replaced the Rev (Rehvenge) as the drug overlord of Caldwell but Assail’s assent has not been easy. Rich and powerful, Assail will find himself a target when he discovers that he is being tailed by a small but powerful human woman. And to further complicate his life, missing drugs and dismembered bodies all lead to a power play in the world between the Lessening Society and the vampire hierarchy. And as per the storyline arc, Assail will become obsessed with the woman sent to hunt him down and take him out. But there are more players in the world of drug distribution and mayhap there is a traitor amongst the Brothers who is willing to sell his soul for the right price.

Xcor, the leader of the Band of Bastards, continues his search for the King of the vampires and for the Chosen who had saved his life on the battlefield. But Xcor is shocked to discover that the female who has stolen his heart is with child, which adds a wee bit of a complication in his attempts to find and claim the woman he believes is able to tame the beast as well as steal his heart. For a powerful leader, Xcor is emotionally fragile with regards to Layla and his need to find the Chosen will have him losing focus on his original goal to take down the King and claim the crown for his own.

Lover at Last will see iAm and Trez, the brothers (and Shadows) once employed and indebted to Rehvenge, begin to ascend into a storyline that will focus on Trez’s reluctant betrothal to a would-be queen. As Trez’s life begins to spiral out of control, iAm will seek refuge and aid for his brother from a most unlikely source and in this will mesh their storylines with the BDB.

Lover At Last is a novel that is disappointing on some levels as it does not focus solely on its leading couple; the buildup and anticipatory factor of Qhuinn and Blay’s relationship had reached an almost feverish pitch that will come crashing down for some readers expecting a storyline of infinite proportions and possibilities. Lover At Last is a novel that builds on several developing storylines for upcoming books in the BDB series; it is a turning point; an end to this particular arc; but a beginning to a new direction. Now that all of the original players have found their mates, Ward must find a new set of ‘Brothers’ and males who require their story to be told and in doing so, I believe, lost some of the focus on Blay and Qhuinn.

But saying that, the BDB stories will continue with Layla’s pregnancy, the potential for another ‘needing’ on the horizon and the fight for the crown. Oh, and if you think the dead remain buried and forgotten, a surprising revelation will have you wondering who else is alive and well – could Elvis be the next resurrection?

Lover at Last is a well-written storyline that will please many and disappoint some. It is a storyline that has been demanding to be front and center for a long time, but may have lost some of its glory because of the build up of anticipation. Sometimes the thrill of the chase is better than the take down; the seduction more thrilling than the climax. Lover at Last needed to be told, but there is so much more that needs to be said and hopefully J.R.Ward’s amazing ability to tell a tale, will once again, bring our much beloved couples together.

Reviewed by Sandy

NOTE:  There have been a few revelations at this week’s signing in Cincinnati

1. The next BDB storyline will be called THE KING
2. Beth and Wrath will be trying for a baby
3. Saxton will play a pivotal role in the premise of the storyline
4. Blay and Qhuinn’s story continues

 

And EACH of these scenarios is hinted at in Lover at Last

 

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