THE SINNER (Black Dagger Brotherhood #19) by JR Ward-a review

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About the book: Release Date March 24, 2020

Syn has kept his side hustle as a mercenary a secret from the Black Dagger Brotherhood. When he takes another hit job, he not only crosses the path of the vampire race’s new enemy, but also that of a half-breed in danger of dying during her transition. Jo Early has no idea what her true nature is, and when a mysterious man appears out of the darkness, she is torn between their erotic connection and the sense that something is very wrong.

Fate anointed Butch O’Neal as the Dhestroyer, the fulfiller of the prophecy that foresees the end of the Omega. As the war with the Lessening Society comes to a head, Butch gets an unexpected ally in Syn. But can he trust the male—or is the warrior with the bad past a deadly complication?

With time running out, Jo gets swept up in the fighting and must join with Syn and the Brotherhood against true evil. In the end, will love true prevail…or was the prophecy wrong all along?

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REVIEW: THE SINNER is the nineteenth instalment in JR Ward’s contemporary, adult BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD paranormal, romance series. This is Band of Bastards mercenary and vampire Syn, and journalist Jo Early’s story line. THE SINNER can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and history as THE SINNER ends this particular arc of the series.

Told from several third person perspectives including but not limited to Syn, Jo, Butch and Devina, THE SINNER follows several paths -the building relationship between Syn and Jo; Butch’s destiny as The Dhestroyer; the reappearance of Devina and the revelation of her true identiy, and the inevitable end of the war with the Omega but the beginning of another.

Journalist Jo Early has been investigating the paranormal including the possibility of dragons and vampires but our heroine never expected to come face to face with a man who may or may not have been sent to kill her. As well as investigating the supernatural, Jo begins looking into a series of brutal killings that are linked to the mob, an investigation that places Jo in the direct line of fire. Syn considers himself a mercenary for hire. Working with the Brotherhood, as well as taking side jobs in an effort to quell his need to kill, Syn finds himself facing his future when a half-breed vampire, just entering her transition, is Syn’s fated mate. What ensues is the building but heart breaking relationship between Jo and Syn, and the potential fall-out when secrets and lies are revealed.

Meanwhile, Brian ‘Butch’ O’Neal aka the Dhestroyer knows his destiny to take down the Omega is about to come to fruition. Believing he will meet his maker, Butch struggles knowing he may not survive the upcoming battle, a battle meant to end the war.

The relationship between Jo and Syn struggles in the face of preconceived notions and Syn’s battle with the demons from his past. Jo suspects Syn is one of the mythical vampires but has no idea that her fate is in the hands of the BDB.

THE SINNER is a detailed and complex story line that ends this particular arc of the series, and sets the stage for the next. As the Band of Bastards begin to find their own happily ever afters, a promise of war is on the horizon, a promise that comes with a surprising revelation. The reader learns about Jo Early’s heritage and her connections to the BDB. We are witness to the Dhestroyer’s purpose, and the end of the Omega. The premise is entertaining and edgy; the characters are broken but spirited; the romance is tense and not without some issues including secrets and lies.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy