Review of The Beast by JR Ward

Title: The Beast

Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood

Author: J.R. Ward 

Publisher: NAL

Published Date: April 5, 2016

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Page Count: 521

Blurb:

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...  

My Review:

The Beast is the next chapter in Rhage and Mary's story. They have reached a crossroads in their lives. Neither really wants to discuss it because it may hurt the other. They each want a child. Unfortunately Mary can not carry one. They accepted this. It was their fate. As the brothers find happiness and expand their families, the find they crave what the others have. I think Rhage wants it more than Mary. Their struggle is one that a lot of couples have but it is made more complicated because Rhage is a vampire. I loved the emotion of their story. Ward captures everything so well. No worries though, they do have a happy ending. Whether or not it includes having a child, you'll have to read to find out.

We also find out about Layla and her pregnancy. Layla does give birth. It's emotional because it brings back memories for Tohr and amplifies the longing for a child that Rhage and Mary have.  Layla is a character that I feel is forgotten sometimes. Her story kind of slips under the radar because everyone else has such a strong storyline. I think things will change because the author has announced that Layla and Xcor are getting the next book. 

I have to say, I wasn't a fan of the last BDB book but Ward totally redeemed it with this book. Rhage and Mary are a fan favorite couple and the author did them justice here. It's sad that we have to wait a whole year for the next book but it's worth it. 

My Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

Purchase Links:

Amazon | B&N | iTunes

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Review: The King by J.R. Ward

Title: The King (Black Dagger Brotherhood #12)

Author: J.R. Ward

Publisher: Penguin Group (April 1, 2014)

Page Count: 592

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Blurb:

J.R. Ward's # 1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood continues as a royal bloodline is compromised by a grave threat to the throne.

Long live the King…

After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle--with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything--and everyone--at risk.

Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response--or the distance it creates between them.

The question is, will true love win out... or tortured legacy take over?

 

My Review:

I am a huge fan of BDB. I have enjoyed the books since Dark Lover. Mrs Ward's books have changed and matured as each one is released. Since the beginning, you can tell that there is a difference in the writing of the books. It is necessary because the characters mature also.

In The King, we get what we have all been waiting on, closure to Wrath and Beth's story. Sure those two found love and got "married" but there was always something missing. We get that here. Beth wants a child but Wrath is dead set against it. I understand his point of view. He fears that any child may become blind and will have to deal with the additional burdens he has as King. The fear that he has is common for most people. I appreciate that the author gives us a look at his vulnerable side.

I loved this book and Mrs Ward did not disappoint. I look forward to future BDB books. I definitely recommend this book, ages 18 and older. :-)