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Dark Lover

Black Dagger Brotherhood #1 / 24
by J. R. Ward
Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood #1) by J. R. Ward
  ★ 7.58 / 70
1★32★13★54★15★106★37★258★59★1710★

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There also exists a secret band of brothers like no other – six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Among them, none 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 before, Beth Randall is helpless against the dangerously sexy man who comes to her 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...

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Standard Shelves
Updated 04/13/2025
Category: Fantasy, Vampires, Romance, Paranormal Romance
Release date: 2005

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J. R. Ward

J. R. Ward

Some writers create worlds; J. R. Ward builds empires of shadow and desire, where immortal warriors fight for love as fiercely as they battle their enemies. Best known for her Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Ward has transformed paranormal romance into something more—a pulse-pounding blend of dark fantasy, sizzling passion, and deeply human struggles, all wrapped in her unmistakable, razor-sharp prose.

Born Jessica Rowley Pell Bird, Ward was drawn to storytelling from an early age, her imagination fueled by gothic literature, sweeping epics, and the kind of brooding, tormented heroes that now dominate her books. Though she originally pursued a career in law, the call of fiction was irresistible. It wasn’t long before she abandoned legal briefs for manuscripts, pouring her love of complex characters and high-stakes drama into every page.

Read more ...

The Black Dagger Brotherhood series, which began with Dark Lover in 2005, didn’t just find an audience—it ignited a fandom. Readers were immediately drawn to her world of powerful yet wounded vampire warriors, each haunted by their past and bound by an unbreakable brotherhood. With its blend of raw emotion, high-octane action, and scorching romance, the series redefined the genre, influencing countless authors and setting a new standard for paranormal storytelling.

Beyond vampires, Ward has explored a spectrum of dark and addictive narratives, from the gritty Bourbon Kings trilogy to her compelling spin-off, the Black Dagger Legacy. Each book crackles with her signature intensity, where love is always hard-won and danger lurks at every turn. Her work has earned a place on The New York Times bestseller list multiple times, a testament to her ability to craft stories that sink deep into readers' souls.

Ward, who writes with a near-religious discipline, often describes her creative process as an obsession. “I don’t create these stories; they take over,” she has admitted in interviews. This relentless drive is evident in the depth of her world-building and the intensity of her characters—every flaw, every scar, every whispered vow feels lived-in, as if her warriors and heroines are more than fiction; they are legend.

Despite the darkness in her books, there is always light—love that endures against impossible odds, brotherhood stronger than blood, and the promise that even the most broken can find redemption. With each novel, Ward continues to prove that romance can be just as thrilling, just as harrowing, and just as unforgettable as the greatest of epics.

For those who crave stories where passion is as dangerous as the battles fought, where loyalty is a force stronger than fate, and where love demands everything—J. R. Ward remains the undisputed queen of the genre.

Black Dagger Brotherhood

In the shadowy streets of Caldwell, New York, a brotherhood of elite vampire warriors wage a constant battle against an ancient enemy—the Lessening Society. These warriors, bound by blood and duty, stand as the last line of defense against the ruthless forces determined to wipe out their kind. The Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward immerses readers in a gritty, high-stakes world where dark desire and loyalty collide.

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At the heart of the series is the Brotherhood itself—six powerful, tortured men who each carry their own scars, both physical and emotional. Led by Wrath, the Blind King, they fight to protect their race from destruction while grappling with their deepest fears, desires, and the bonds that tie them together. Each novel delves into the life of one of these warriors, exploring their journeys through love, trauma, and redemption, all set against the backdrop of a brutal, yet seductive, supernatural world.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood isn't just about battle; it's about vulnerability and transformation. Each warrior’s story unfolds like a dark romance, steeped in themes of trust, sacrifice, and healing. Whether it’s Rhage, cursed with a monster inside him, or Zsadist, a tortured soul seeking a reason to live, every character is defined by their own personal battles. The series isn't afraid to confront deep emotional trauma, making it both gripping and heart-wrenching.

Ward’s world-building is rich and immersive, offering a layered landscape of complex mythology, from the creation of the vampires to the power struggles that define their society. The tension between love and duty is ever-present, and it’s this emotional depth that makes the Black Dagger Brotherhood resonate with readers who crave more than just action.

The series has spawned multiple spin-offs and a devoted fan base, with its mix of steamy romance, dark suspense, and emotionally charged storytelling. Each book pulls readers deeper into the world of the Brotherhood, leaving them eagerly turning pages to uncover the next twist in this ongoing saga. The series has expanded with books like Black Dagger Legacy and Lair of the Wolven, giving readers more opportunities to dive into this thrilling universe.

With unforgettable characters, an alluring mix of romance and danger, and a world brimming with secrets, Black Dagger Brotherhood offers an unparalleled reading experience for fans of paranormal fiction. Whether you're new to the series or a long-time fan, these stories promise to take you on a journey filled with passion, loyalty, and dark intrigue.


Black Dagger Brotherhood consists of twenty-two primary books, and includes seven additional books that complement the series but are not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of two more books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Related series Black Dagger Legacy
Related series Black Dagger Brotherhood: Prison Camp
Related series The Lair of the Wolven

Darius (Black Dagger Brotherhood #0.5)
  ★ 9.00 / 2
Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood #1)
  ★ 7.58 / 70
Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood #2)
  ★ 7.42 / 55
Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood #3)
  ★ 7.84 / 49
Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood #4)
  ★ 7.50 / 44
Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood #5)
  ★ 7.74 / 41
Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood #6)
  ★ 7.02 / 36
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide (Black Dagger Brotherhood #6.5)
  ★ 6.18 / 11
Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood #7)
  ★ 7.36 / 34
Lover Mine (Black Dagger Brotherhood #8)
  ★ 7.26 / 30
Lover Unleashed (Black Dagger Brotherhood #9)
  ★ 7.34 / 30
Lover Reborn (Black Dagger Brotherhood #10)
  ★ 7.18 / 28
Lover at Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11)
  ★ 7.68 / 25
The King (Black Dagger Brotherhood #12)
  ★ 7.50 / 16
The Shadows (Black Dagger Brotherhood #13)
  ★ 7.36 / 11
The Beast (Black Dagger Brotherhood #14)
  ★ 6.76 / 12
The Chosen (Black Dagger Brotherhood #15)
  ★ 7.50 / 8
Dearest Ivie (Black Dagger Brotherhood #15.5)
  ★ 7.50 / 4
The Thief (Black Dagger Brotherhood #16)
  ★ 7.14 / 7
Prisoner of Night (Black Dagger Brotherhood #16.5)
  ★ 6.26 / 4
The Savior (Black Dagger Brotherhood #17)
  ★ 7.50 / 8
Where Winter Finds You: A Caldwell Christmas (Black Dagger Brotherhood #17.5)
  ★ 7.00 / 6
The Sinner (Black Dagger Brotherhood #18)
  ★ 7.34 / 3
A Warm Heart in Winter (Black Dagger Brotherhood #18.5)
  ★ 8.00 / 2
Lover Unveiled (Black Dagger Brotherhood #19)
  ★ 8.66 / 3
Lover Arisen (Black Dagger Brotherhood #20)
  ★ 8.00 / 1
Lassiter (Black Dagger Brotherhood #21)
  ★ 9.34 / 3
The Beloved (Black Dagger Brotherhood #22)
  ★ 9.34 / 3
A Bloom in Winter (Black Dagger Brotherhood #22.5)
  ★ 10.00 / 1
Lover Forbidden (Black Dagger Brotherhood #23)
  ⧗ 9.00 / 2
Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 24 (Black Dagger Brotherhood #24)
  ⧗ 8.00 / 1

Book Reviews

08/05/2009
Xariel avatar
Xariel
746 books, 17 reviews
★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8 / 10

This review is counterbalance for Seregil of Rhiminee's review. It's not just about how the writer writes, or how beautifully the writer has made the characters or how "good quality" the book has. It's about what you're looking for. I can believe that some people don't like Dark Lover and it's sequels. But I'm sure that there are many people who like. If you have read hundreds of books and while reading you look specifically for quality, skillfully made characters and extraordinary storyboard, you probably don't think this book is very good. Or you think (like he does) that this is "definitely the worst book he've read this year". When I read, I want to enjoy. Sometimes it's very nice to have those complicated storylines and intense characters hanging around, but sometimes you want something more... light? Easy? Entertaining? All of those. And the characters are enough good to be entertaining. I'm not looking for philosophising or the ultimate questions. Dark Lover is not for young (adults) like Twilight-saga is. This is more for adults, and much more... rough. I could write reveral lines of text more about this, but I won't do so. I think my opinion is clear enough by this. I simply say that If you are looking something like this, read this. If you [b]know[/b] that you won't like it, that you don't like books like that, don't read. It's useless. If you do like romantic books, I think you'll like this. But I like books like this, and I like this. And that's enough for me. This is not c*ap. ;)

07/01/2009
Seregil of Rhiminee avatar
Seregil of Rhiminee
3707 books, 260 reviews, 15 posts
★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ 2 / 10

In my opinion J. R. Ward's Dark Lover is one of the worst vampire books I've ever read (and it's definitely the worst book I've read this year). I usually like vampire books, but I didn't like this book at all. Although this book can be called horror fantasy, it's much closer to paranormal romance than genuine horror fantasy, which is a bad thing. This kind of romantic horror fantasy may appeal to some readers, but I don't like it (if somebody wants to read good horror fantasy, I can recommend Anne Rice's first vampire books - they're excellent books). In my opinion Dark Lover is a good example of how not to write horror fantasy books. The writing was below average, the character development was horrible, the plot was almost non-existent etc... I could write several lines of text about the badness and low quality of this book, but I won't do so. I simply say that do yourself a favour and don't read this book.

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