DARK LOVER
by J.R. Ward
Published by Signet Eclipse
ISBN#0-451-21695-4
September, 2005
Book One: Wrath's Story

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…

http://www.jrward.com

OK, I am going to sound nutso but here goes.

Dark Lover=Wrath, as in hate. Yes, he has black hair and yes he is blind and he hates himself because he is in the dark about his true self.
Beth is also in the dark about her true self, 1/2 vamp. They help each other to see past the darkness into the light.

I just think all of the Brother's names mean something so I am going to be doing this.

When I first started reading this book, I thought it was boring. I had only read about 10 pages but when I mentioned this I about got laughed out of the 50+ coven at TMs. Needless to say, there is NOTHING boring about the brothers!

I tried to get a conversation started on this over on the BDB site, however, it's not very user friendly...although I love to see the images of the Brothers, I am also very much into discussing the books...therefore:

I am relatively new to the BDB series. I have revamped the books several times; revamping DL about 4 times now.

I have a # of ?'s:

1. Did Wrath really accept his position as king, once he took Beth as his Shellan?
2. Who took care of the duties of the king before Wrath accepted his position? (approving matings, validating wills, etc.)

In many ways, Wrath is the reluctant king. As a warrior he fought to avenge the loss of his father and mother. I believe what his father wanted from him was to ascend the throne and to rule.

Chickie-regarding #1

1. Did Wrath really accept his position as king, once he took Beth as his Shellan?

I don't think so, not really. I believe that Wrath is a true warrior, not a sit on the throne king. He did what was needed and in may ways expected of him, but I feel he would rather be out fighting. Wrath understands that a king is needed to bring his people together. Customs and traditions are important, but in his heart field work is his desire, not shuffling papers and pushing a pen.

Chickie, referring to Wrath as the reluctant king is perfect. He was willing to do what was necessary to preserve the customs but, as Joanne Marie said, sitting behind the desk was not his idea of a good time.

2. Who took care of the duties of the king before Wrath accepted his position? (approving matings, validating wills, etc.)
Wasn't Darius acting as king before Wrath? I can't remember for sure, it has been so long since I read them.

I don't believe that Darius was running the show; I think TwilgihtTink mentioned that perhaps the Glymera was taking care of business, which could be where they got such a big head and became so pompous!

On top of his collection of fine art, furniture and homes, (& $$), Darius did make it a point to procure historical and significant items that were related to the BDB; for instance ~ the King's throne and desk, (if I remember correctly, all the Brother's had worked on getting the 'cave' transferred from the Old World to the New World).

OK. More books on my reread list. *sigh* It's a tough job but someone has to do it.

you are right Chickie, I did mention on the other site that I think the Glymera took over those duties when Wrath was unable. I can't point to specific passages but more to how they operate as a whole and it just makes sense to me that they would step in, actually would love to take over if they could, to get that kind of power.

As for Wrath accepting his position, I am not sure he was ready to do that. He needed more time and more confidence in his ability to lead, imo. Experience gives him that.

Experience and a great Shellan! You know it is the woman behind the man.

Behind the man, in front of, under, over, next to...

Once Wrath accepts and admits his love for Beth, (and even before he verbally proclaim his love), he does shower Beth w/constant appreciation, and acknowledges that she is the driviing force of who he wants to be.

Wasn't that Z showering Mary???

I just started reading Dark Lover last night and I'm about 100 pages into it. I've just read the part where Wrath has opened up Beth's passions big time and she finds out the next day he is NOT someone the police force sent over to protect her! Very intriguing!

Aquagirl, you ain't seen nothing yet!!!