Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #1)

by J. R. Ward

[kimbacaffeinate]

Dark Lover is a paranormal romantic suspense featuring the Black Dagger Brotherhood. They are a group of ancient, kick-ass vampires who defend their race and humans against the soul-less Lessers governed by the Omega. Wrath, Phury, Zsadist, Tohr, Rhage, Vishous and Darius make up the brotherhood. I loved these warriors they gave us humor, bonding, banter and fear. The Scribe Virgin aids them and I enjoyed their origins story and hierarchy. Wrath’s position and history was shared and we caught glimpses about the others. This is a dark bunch, who have witnessed some seriously messed up shit.

When we first meet Wrath, he is pretty much a heartless bastard. One might even go so far to say the man has a few issues. *winks* Darius his second in command and probably closest friend asks for his help. He has a half-human daughter Beth. She is nearing her transition and he wants Wrath to aid her. Ward’s vampires are not your typical garden variety. These vampires are conceived not turned and need vampire’s blood to survive. They feed infrequently and still enjoy food. Of course, Wrath refuses, but after an incident, Wrath feels the need to intervene and fulfill his friend's request.

Wrath and Beth's romance takes center stage but, Ward created a suspenseful tale as she introduced us to this world. She avoided information dumps and weaved key facts throughout the tale seamlessly. The suspenseful plot of Dark Lover involved local police, the Lessers and Wrath’s role in the brotherhood. I easily slipped into the story and enjoyed the darker vibes this story had to offer. I found the way Ward weaved in the lessers, and the local police to be clever and believable. Her world building is solid and while I want to know more I feel I have a firm understanding of their world.

Secondary characters from Z to the doctor added some freaky moments and interesting threads. The banter between the brothers and the friendship that developed between V and the cop was hilarious. I adored Darius's butler and was excited to learn he will continue to aid the brotherhood. There was a sweet secondary romance and I was delighted with their thread.

I adored the romance and while it began with lust, it quickly moved to something deeper. Seeing Wrath turn into a puppy one minute and a bloody killer the next was wonderful. I enjoyed seeing his growth throughout, and any man who can apologize for being an arse is ok in my book. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer