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The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by JR Ward

Posted: 20 Sep 2013, 16:15
by kmthomas10
I've read all but the two most recent books in the series, and they're definitely on my reading list. I used to not be a fan of romance/erotic novels, but then I found this series and learned that some romance/erotic novels are much more than just sex and romance. The Black Dagger Brotherhood novels by JR Ward are full of action and fight scenes and characters that are frequently complex. (Of course there are some really awesome, hot, sex scenes too.)
These guys all have some serious baggage, and every book tells you more about a specific member of the Brotherhood. Each book pretty much has the same basic plot, a certain member of the Brotherhood has a few demons, but then he meets a woman that shows him there's more to him than who he thought he was and he is redeemable. Sometimes that plot does get a little tired, but at least in my case, you care about the characters of the Brotherhood enough to want them to get their happy ending. There is the added danger of the Lessers and the rules of the society the brothers belong to and various other bumps and blows to the story that don't always allow the brothers a happy ending.
All in all, I do recommend these stories to those who enjoy the Supernatural Romance genre.

Re: The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by JR Ward

Posted: 23 Sep 2013, 00:24
by Age777
I cannot currently recall any specific books from this series (I read so much along the paranormal romance lines) but I do know I have read most of her work and I quite enjoyed it.

However I do find it somewhat annoying that people don't know the difference between romance and erotica. Romance doesn't necessarily have any sex scenes, it can but it doesn't revolve around that. Romance can also end on a sad or dissapointing note (even if that's not ofen pulled off well). Erotica on the other hand revolves around sex. There needs only be enough story to seperate it from porn (which is no or next to no story).

I am not trying to harp but people often don't understand the difference. I enjoy writing as well so I don't mind passing on what I've learned.

Re: The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by JR Ward

Posted: 23 Sep 2013, 19:02
by Totoro
I have loved this series. I think there is a good combination of overall story elements, good plot lines, characters you cherish, and generally happy endings. I know the happy ending is not for everyone, and some of hers a little twisted, but I always think they are fun. I have tried her Fallen Angles series, but it has not pulled me in as much as the BDB.

Re: The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by JR Ward

Posted: 27 Sep 2013, 16:15
by dea0045
I love this series!!! I can't wait for the last one (The King)! I was also blown away by Lover At Last. It not my normal read but kudos to her for stepping out of the box!

Re: The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by JR Ward

Posted: 28 Sep 2013, 23:03
by Shadowed_Gates
This series is so good. I love Zsadist, Rhage, and JM. It is so incredibly sexy and I LOVE that it doesn't shy at all on the homo-erotica scale. Lover at Last could have been terrible but it worked so well into the series flow.

Re: The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by JR Ward

Posted: 01 Oct 2013, 11:04
by vegksal
I had a client recommend these books to me and I'm sad to say that probably a year went by before I picked up the book... because once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. I flew through the series in a matter of weeks. (Thank GOD for e-books!)

Touching briefly on the erotica vs. romance. Erotica is very generally literature intended to arouse sexual desire. It seems to me that the new mainstream plethora of "erotica" books are actually more of a blend of erotica / romance, which makes sense. Romance novels have the ability to arouse, too... but they're just more discrete about it in an effort to be more "tasteful." Suddenly, the public doesn't want "tasteful." We want it all! I did a paper during undergrad specifically on Erotica-- but this wasn't during the time when I could go to the local supermarket and pick up several novels in the genre. To me, erotica is short, sweet and too the point -- just like pornography, because for all intents and purposes, it IS pornography. In my opinion, it's pornography for women-- because we like attention to details, filling in the blanks, and the circumstances around the act. Men like the act. That said, I would categorize these books as more ROMANCE than erotica... but that's because I read countless pieces of erotica for my paper and the imagination on some of those authors could kill your sex drive for months! ANYWAY.... [stepping off soap box]

The Black Dagger Brotherhood is made up of several bad ass but damaged men-- and their character flaws and backgrounds are revealed very tastefully throughout the series. There are little character building details sprinkled throughout every book for every character, however each book features a different "star" character-- and that's when you really get to know the character through his background and inner thoughts. Every book in this series follows the same basic plot - badass male meets female who "saves" him in a way. It is very enjoyable and a very easy read... you really start to love ALL the characters.

I believe it was Book 6 in the series that I didn't so much care for. There were a few sprinkled in there that felt rushed-- like the writer was trying to meet a deadline and just vomiting on paper and publishing. Of course, I still read them because I didn't want to miss any crucial character development and because I was someone of a Black Dagger junkie, but I was irritated as all hell reading through typos and grammatical errors, etc. (SN: I received an "updated" Book 6 though Amazon that supposedly corrected the typos and errors-- I guess the editor got around to doing his/her job a little late... or they just knew the junkies were already hooked and would read anything.) :lol:

I definitely would recommend (and have recommended) these books to everyone! The story is great, the character development is interesting, and the sex is hot.

Re: The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by JR Ward

Posted: 08 Oct 2013, 02:26
by FMChandler
I love this series she wrote characters that are complex and that you can really connect with. I certainly have to give her kudos for stepping out of the box with Lover at Last and Lover Unbound. On that note I just have to say if I'm going to read about a Dom I will pick Vishous over Christian Grey any day, but I may be partially I was a BDB fan first. I can't wait for The King.

Re: The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by JR Ward

Posted: 12 Oct 2013, 20:50
by melissastone9711
I would highly recommend this series! Not only are the characters drool and dream worthy, they also seem so real. I love how she dosent just base the books on the relationships but also about the society. JR Ward seems to know what we want to read or catch up on from the last book. I can never get enough of these books. I buy them as gifts for my girlfriends to read. If you haven't got around to reading this series its a must have. Make sure you have a comfy spot to read because you will get so engolfed in these books you forget about everythimg else going on and your tush tends to fall asleep! Happy Reading! :lol: :D :lol:

Re: The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by JR Ward

Posted: 14 Oct 2013, 09:17
by mishy
WOW. After reading the reviews for you guys I MUST read this series! I also appreciated the differentiation between Romance and Erotica.

Re: The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by JR Ward

Posted: 14 Oct 2013, 21:30
by shirleyawilson
I have got to say after reading the reviews I just have to read these books! I just love a series of good books, can't wait.

Re: The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by JR Ward

Posted: 16 Oct 2013, 09:46
by Dani226
I also love the series! JR Ward creates a vampire world that is very different from most of those I have read. Her vampires seem more relatable, probably because there really isn't a question of their humanity. I also have to give her credit for Lover at Last, as some other reviewers did. I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it as much, even though I loved the characters, but she really made it work!

Re: The Black Dagger Brotherhood

Posted: 24 Oct 2013, 11:16
by Dani226
You will probably get more responses by posting this in the forum for Romance...however, I have read all of them. I love the series. My favorite (just one??) is probably a tie between Zsadist and Vishous.

Re: The Black Dagger Brotherhood

Posted: 24 Oct 2013, 11:19
by simplymommy0813
Thanks for the tip, I'm new and still learning the site. Love to find common fans of the series.

Re: The Black Dagger Brotherhood

Posted: 24 Oct 2013, 11:31
by Dani226
Who is your favorite BDB character?

Re: The Black Dagger Brotherhood

Posted: 24 Oct 2013, 11:38
by simplymommy0813
Tie between Vishous and John Matthew