Dark Lover Audiobook By J. R. Ward cover art

Dark Lover

The Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 1

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Dark Lover

By: J. R. Ward
Narrated by: Jim Frangione
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The first novel of J. R. Ward's New York Times best-selling Black Dagger Brotherhood series features a unique take on vampire lore and heavy doses of sensuality.

The vampire Darius fears for the life of his half-breed daughter, who is unaware of her unusual destiny. To oversee her transformation, Darius seeks help from Wrath, a dangerous loner and the world's only purebred vampire.

©2005 J.R. Ward (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Accolades & Awards

Romance Essentials
Series Essentials
Paranormal Romance Romance Essentials Series Essentials Paranormal & Urban Vampires Fantasy Romance Paranormal Fiction Horror Scary

Featured Article: The Audible Essentials—The Top 100 Romance Listens of All Time


With thousands of romance titles releasing every year across a huge swath of subgenres, it’s a tall order to choose the best among the bunch. So our romance editors listened, debated, and listened some more to bring you this list of the 100 must-hear romances on Audible. From Regency to contemporary, love at first sight to second-chance romance and every trope in between, there’s a story here for every romance fan.

Featured Article The Audible Essentials The Top 100 Romance Listens of All Time
Unique Vampire Mythology • Compelling Character Development • Rich Baritone Voice • Engaging World-building • Soothing Tone

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I love this series and have read / listened to them all several times each! Can’t say I always agree with things that J R Ward let’s happen and there are several main characters that I never been able to bring myself to like but J R Ward is an insta buy for me every time no matter what series she’s writing. She has the singular distinction of being the only writer that I ever buy in hardcover format and as to authors who write paranormal romance she’s at the top of the heap by far!

What can I say about the BDB...

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I read a lot of positive reviews for this book and purchased it because of them and I'm happy to say that I wasn't disappointed.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between the two main characters, but also between the female character and the rest of the Brotherhood. It was heartwarming to "see" their devotion to her both on her own merits and because of her obvious feelings for their leader.

I'm intrigued enough by the story line and happy enough with the writing and the narration that I've added all the rest of the series to my wish list and will add these to my rotation of series' that I'm working my way through. I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy vampires, romance and passionate relationships.

Another note is that JR Ward's vampires aren't the stereotypical vamps in many ways and I liked her take on their race.

Very impressive writing & narration

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I don't usually do the Vampire thing, but once I started listening to this book, I couldn't walk away from it. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Loved all of characters!

Excellent Book

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I was in love with the BDB series well before I started getting into audio books, and for the most part that hasn't waivered, so if you're looking for a great para-romance, you've found it.

What I had to review about was that I think Jim Frangione is the BEST narrator out there. I wish that there were more like him. He doesn't overdo the accents (and Marissa's could EASILY be overdone), he has a lovely voice, and I really wish some of the other para-romance authors out there (Suz Brockmann?!?!) would pick him up to read their work.

I wish all narrators were this good

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I was hesitant to buy the first in the series after reading one of the reviews. But, I am inquisitive and have to know everything from the beginning. My suggestion is to start with book 1. I love Wrath and Beth. By the end I was in tears. There is more than one "finding out". I won't be a spoiler but it's worth buying the first book to learn about Beth's father Darius.
I'm a fan of Moning, Callahan, Duvall, Carriger and Frank. JR Ward is now included in those favorite writers.
Take a chance and buy the audible from the first book and you won't be disappointed. It's not really even a chance now with the return policy. But, I say give this one a chance.

I love love love the Brothers!!

Fallen in Love

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