Here I was, all prepared to gush over Dark Lover by J.R. Ward as I hadn’t seen much buzz about it in the blogosphere. I finished it last night and loved it and was all excited about how I was going to go on and on and on about how people need to buy this book and support a new author. And then, as I’m blog-hopping before getting to the post writing, I see not one but TWO other blogs talking about it, lol. Both PBW and Sybil mentioned this book today. Sybil has a review up on AAR. PBW (Lynn Viehl) has a quote on the cover of Dark Lover and mentions where it’s at on the bestseller list. She also teases her readers with some potential news about the author/book but I haven’t seen a follow up on what that news might be 
But I am keeping my chin up because I’ve been able to grab the opportunity to get a couple of signed copies of this book (one for me, nyah-nyah) and so I’m going to give one away to readers of my blog. Cuz I can and I want to be cooler than Sybil and PBW (shuttup-leave me my delusions, would ya?). But first, about the book…
In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.
The only purebred vampire left on earth, 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-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.
Can you hear that sound? That’s me squeeeeeing. No really. Let me tell you how deeply this book sucked me in (excuse the pun): My husband wanted sex. I wanted a few hours alone in a quiet room with no one asking me for anything (side effect of being a sahm). Of course I got my way. 3 hours later, I came downstairs with a post-coital glow. From the book. Unfortunately for Josh 
I was grinning from ear to ear and my poor husband, “it was that good, huh?” Yes, it was that good. So good, that it bumped me out of my reading slump. The only problem was that no book on my TBR shelf looked as though it would measure up in the immediate after-effects of this book, so I ended up perusing a Parenting magazine instead. But I digress…
In her debut novel, the first book of The Black Dagger Brotherhood series, J.R. Ward enters the romance world with a smashing hit and lets readers know there’s a new vampire series in town. Step aside Laurell K. Hamilton and Sherrilyn Kenyon- J.R. is the fresh voice of vampire future lore! (dang, I sound like I’m writing a cover blurb, don’t I?) But ladies (and any gent that happens upon my blog looking for naked pictures), I can’t emphasize to you how good this book was. Of course, it had it’s flaws (very, very few flaws and I refuse to dwell on them and ruin my euphoria) but those can be overlooked in a book that’s filled with an interesting plot and fascinating characters- both the primary characters and the secondary characters whose stories are yet to be told. The imagery is vivid, passions run hot, and secrets are held close. I don’t know how she did it, but I stand in awe of J.R. Ward’s ability to find a new twist on the vampire mystique! Once you enter her world of The Brotherhood, vampires, lessers, and humans, you’ll never want to leave. The pages will seem to turn themselves so make sure the husband is occupied, the kids are in bed and the phone is off because you won’t want to leave their world until you’ve reached the very last page!
Once you’ve read the book, make sure you visit J.R. Ward’s webpage and the interviews with the brothers (don’t read them until you’ve read the book because there are spoilers, as she warns at the top of that page). Check out the Deleted Scenes as well. And then be prepared to join me in waiting on pins and needles until March 2006 for the release of Rhage’s story, Lover Eternal. Did you hear that whine in my voice? I have to wait until March? Wahhhhh…
2005 isn’t over yet, but as a paranormal romance fan and a vampire-romance slut, I’m putting Dark Lover on the top of my list of current 2005 releases as best read to date. If you’re a fan of dark romance paranormals featuring sexy vampires, pick this one up immediately. And please, buy it new and support this brand new author in her kick-ass debut so we can be assured of future offerings from her!
And now, for the contest…
I said I’d been given the opportunity to get my hot little hands on a couple of signed copies of the book. I’m giving one away to someone who comments here, in this post and answers the following two questions:
a) Why did you either love this book (if you’ve already read it) or why are looking forward to reading it? (or do you have other feelings about it?)
and
b) what one (or two) paranormal vampire books you would recommend (yes, I’m looking for more books to add to my towering TBR stack)
Contest will end one week from today… but I’ll make that next Saturday, October 1st! And as before, I don’t care where you live- I’ll mail overseas, just ask Maili!
Now, go forth and read! You won’t be sorry! Who me? A fangirl? Nahhhh Oh and can someone please ask J.R. Ward to hurry up and finish her website so I can squee over even more cool stuff?
I’ve been following the buzz surrounding this book and it sounds amazing. I think I’m dragging my husband to B&N today, no tomorrow, nuts we have plans for both days. I’ll forgo my walk while Anthony’s at Pre-school Monday. No, on the way back from dinner tonight, I’m making him stop. I don’t think I can wait til Monday.
a) Given my thirst to discover new authors, my love for paranormal books and Angie’s enthused gushing, I want to read it and see if it truly lives up to the buzz.
b) Sherrilyn Kenyon’s dark hunter series, Suan Phelan’s The Cure.
a) I know that this book has to be GREAT because you never steer me wrong. Its not often I see you gush over a book so this one has my attention now.
b) My most immediate recommendations are probably ones you have already read – Mandy Roth’s DOD series (I’m getting ready to go and dig the third one off her hard drive myself) and Michelle Pillow’s Tribes of the Vampire. I’m going over the second in the series, Jaded Hunter, right now getting it ready for print and it is just as good this time through. I will recommend three from http://www.newconceptspublishing.com/ for you to try. Midnight Tryst by Ellen Ashe, The Silver Fang by Tamara Gray, and Diary of a Vampire by Ciarra Sims.
Hi, Angie! I found your blog through Jaci Burton’s blogroll. And yes, you do have a danger of reading a book and reproducing, so be careful. LOL. Brianna is looking adorable as usual!
I just started a new blog yesterday if you wanna visit. It’s http://cheyennemccray.blogspot.com/
It’s terribly empty. LOL
Hugs,
Chey
Love the cover – it looks fabulous babe. I’ve added it to my wish list. I love vamps – for some reason no matter what else I read, I always come back to my vamps.
I’m pretty sure you’ve probably read everything I could recommend lol – umm…Have you read Kate Hill yet? Great vamps at Changeling and EC, but they’re in ebook.
If you want a print vamp – Keri Arthur has a couple at Imajinn. She’s an Aussie author who is about to go bigtime at Bantum in 2006.
I’m looking forward to reading this book because it sounds unique. People have said it’s different from other vampire novels. That’s pretty cool.
As for recommendations, I love Charlaine Harris’s series that starts with Dead Until Dark. I also liked Susan Squires’s The Companion.
a) I like the sound of your review, the other reviews sound great, too. I seem to gobble up the vamp stories rather quickly (there’s just something so appealing & sexy about vamps), and I’m always looking for new ones to read.
b) “Conception” by Sarah McCarty & “Eli & Sarel” by Shiloh Walker (Yeah, I’m a fan of Shi’s).
OK – contest – enter contest. Hopefully win book. Now I just have to say why I like it or want to read it –
Since I haven’t read it I can only say I was blown away by the author’s website and excerpts. Plus having you say you loved it makes me think it must be terrific.
Now as far as suggestions, I see that someone already suggested Dead Until Dark – I was going to say that. Hmmm.
OK – how about something totally different – my son is big into Japan and Mangas – here is something you might really like:
Vampire Hunter D
It’s the year 12090, a dark time for the world. After being dominated for 300 years by a race of Vampires known as “the Nobility,” humanity is beginning to fight back. Yet as the humans struggle against the Vampires, they also struggle against themselves – cities lie in ruin, and nations are fragmented into small villages and fiefdoms. Every village must have a Hunter, a warrior that eradicates the Nobility and their genetically manufactured demons one vile night stalker at a time. But some of the Hunters are dangerous to more than just the Vampires. Some of them are not friends of humanity at all. Previously unavailable in the United States, Vampire Hunter D combines gripping narration and beautiful interior art by one of Japan’s most renowned artists to bring forth a fright-filled futuristic thrill ride.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1595820124/qid=1127736586/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/104-0770696-6876756?v=glance&s=books
Ok, my turn:
a) I’m into love with teeth, mostly, so a vampire romance by a new author can’t escape my radar but this series is labeled as “erotic” so how can I resist?
b) Definitely second the rec of “The Companion” by Susan Squires and I also read and enjoyed an oldie, bought used ’cause it’s OOP, Margaret St George’s Love Bites with a radio host vampire hero, how rare is that?
a) I’m completely susceptible to cool book covers, buzz and gushing (from certain people). This one fits that scenario.
b) I’m practically a paranormal vampire virgin (well, almost. I have read less than 5). But I did like Susan Sizemore’s I Burn for You and Marjorie M. Liu’s A Taste of Crimson.
a) Vampires fascinate me, I don’t know why! My TBR list overfloweth, I don’t know why I think I need another book – but hell I never win anything.
b) No recommendations on paranormal vampire books. I tried to read one once, it was so bad I didn’t finish. I might have to try this author even if I don’t win.
WOoT you posted!
hee I loved the book too, you might have guessed that
I just love this book, it is well written and is dark and romantic and sexy not to mention action packed with great characters and keeps you wanting more….
For books to read have you tried Blood of Blood by Karen E Taylor. This part of a series that is very good but different the focus is on a female vampire/heroine and written from her point of view.
Have a Great Day!!!
Annmarie
Well these aren’t exactly vampire books, but several of Terry Prachett’s books have vampire characters. Carpe Jugulum has a alot about vampires and werewolves in Uberwald, and the Truth has a vampire photographer. Also check out this website, it seems pretty extensive to me.
http://www.vampirelibrary.com/
Hope this might provide a few ideas,
Robin F
A) I’m looking forward to reading Dark Lover partly because PBW talked about it, partly because I love vamps, and partly because the first chapter sucked me in deep. That’s hard, because I tend to be a fussy reader.
B) Just 2? That’s difficult. I’ve read nearly all the named ones thus far… OH Anya Bast’s–from Ellora’s Cave–Blood series was pretty good, unless it gets mired in sequelitis like authors who shall not be named. Sherrilyn Kenyon is definitely a must-read. This is getting long, but keep an eye out for Raven Hart’s The Vampire Seduction out in January.
PS If you want more recommends, mention it in one of your posts since I have your blog in my RSS feeds collection. LOL.
Dark Lover was a highly recommended read and since I love paranormals, I just had to read it….I wasn’t disappointed!
I devour anything these authors write, but I love their paranormals….Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunters series, Angela Knight’s Mageverse series, Shiloh Walker’s Hunters and Patrice Michelle’s Kendrian Vampires.
Oh, I’m probably too late for the contest, but I’ll answer anyway..
a) I love to discover new authors and I would want to read it just after reading what PBW says about it, but I visit the author’s site and I am very intrigued by all that I have read and I know that I will love it.
b) Any of the Hunters by Shiloh Walker, and even if I haven’t read it yet, After Midnight by Teresa Medeiros because I love her books and I have read great comments about this one.
I’ve heard so many things about this book, I have to go out and get a copy. Few things in life satisfy like a sexy vampire. One of the great things about fantasy is how completely they draw you into their world.
As far as recommendation go, I don’t think anyonw has mentioned Sunshine by Robin McKinley. Another intersting vampire story published more than a year ago. McKinley creates a fully detailed world and interesting characters (it’s written in first person I think) but according to her website, she has no plans for a sequel. Which was disappointing, while the book stands alone, there is a lot more she can do with it.
Hey Angie
I know I am late to enter the contest, but I just had to comment on this book.
I was truly impressed with this story and it’s characters. Wrath is just so over the top and Beth is a strong and compassionate Heroine. I am so glad that you recommended this book on your blog. Had you not I would have missed a great new author. The only downside to this book…
I have to wait till next year to read the next one. The waiting is going to drive me crazy.
Thanks again for the recommendation. This book was well worth the read.