Book Review: Lover Arisen (Black Dagger Brotherhood #20) by J. R. Ward

I am in deep with the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and loving it. I love J. R. Ward and her storytelling with the amazing characters, multiple POVs, and depth. I always feel so consumed when I read her books and this was no different. Lover Arisen was a fantastic addition to the series.

Lover Arisen (Black Dagger Brotherhood #20) by J. R. Ward

True love brings a deadly threat to the Black Dagger Brotherhood in this sizzling new novel in J.R. Ward’s #1 New York Times bestselling series.

Possessed by the demon Devina, Balthazar is once again on the hunt for the Book of Spells—and fighting an undeniable attraction to a woman. As a thief, he has stolen a lot of things…but he never thought his heart would be taken by another. Especially not a human.

As a homicide detective, Erika Saunders knows there is something otherworldly going on in Caldwell, New York. Mutilated bodies that cannot be explained are all over her case list—and then there are her nightmares in which she’s hunted by shadows and captivated by a mysterious man who is both a suspect and a savior.

When Devina’s wish for true love is finally granted, Balthazar and Erika unwittingly become the gateway for the rebirth of an old enemy of the Brothers. Will the very thing that brings them together lead to the ultimate destruction of the Brotherhood? Or will they have to lose everything in order to save the race’s most sacred defenders?

4 out of 5 stars

Lover Arisen was exciting and intense and I really enjoyed the overall storyline as Balthazar and Erika came together and more unfolded in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world. There was a lot happening and some seriously unexpected things brought into the mix that had me turning the page. I'm looking forward to where it all will go.

I really liked Balthazar and Erika. That push and pull between them was great. I liked Balthazar’s fight within himself to keep Erika safe and her pursuit of the truth. I loved them coming together and her learning who he truly was. As with previous books, I really enjoyed how the story is set up with multiple POVs. I always looked forward to who I was going to hear from next and loved the build as everything was pieced together culminating in an awesome ending. Not only is there the romance between Balz and Erika happening, but there's also major development happening for the world itself. There's a lot of drama and action, a good amount of emotion, and some really intense scenes.

I have a love-hate relationship with Devina because of the diabolic chaos she creates but she makes for a fantastic villain. I also enjoyed her almost playful relationship with the book, it's a life force of its own. The prologue had me excited about a new evil, which was great, but by the time it was officially out in the world, it felt slightly anticlimactic. I liked Nate’s storyline as well as Rahvyn’s, I love what was being set up for her. I absolutely loved getting more Lassiter and seeing a different side of him, he’s always been a bit of a wild card and I am very much looking forward to his story.

It was everything all together that had me hooked and filled with a sense of urgency to read as fast as possible. I loved all that was learned and what the new evil will bring to the series. I really liked Balthazar and Erika and am happy for their HEA. They aren’t my favorite couple but they had a great story I enjoyed. I did think the front half was a little drawn out as everything was laid out. However, it's the foundation of those details that helped make for a great build. This is definitely a great addition to the series for sure. As a long-time fan, I cannot wait for more. Bring on Lassiter!

Complimentary copy received from Gallery Books.