Book Review: The Black Dagger Brotherhood: 20th Anniversary Insider's Guide by J.R. Ward

The Black Dagger Brotherhood: 20th Anniversary Insider's Guide is officially available. From the interviews to the updates on the brothers and the fan favorite features, this was chock-full of goodness. There is an all-new novella as well. I loved it all! Fans of the series won't want to miss this!

The Black Dagger Brotherhood: 20th Anniversary Insider's Guide by J.R. Ward

Vampire warriors in black leather and tattoos.
Passionate love stories that pierce the heart.
Dark nights filled with drama, chaos, and epic battles in the shadows of Caldwell, NY…
And then there are the unicorn pajamas. And the Tootsie Pops.

Welcome back to the world of the iconic, #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series. With millions of devoted readers across the globe, these unforgettable books have redefined paranormal romance. Now, to celebrate two decades of the Brothers, author J.R. Ward opens the door to their world once more.

Inside this all-new 20th Anniversary Insider’s Guide, Ward reflects on the journey—sharing behind-the-scenes moments, heartfelt memories, candid writing advice, and insight into the challenges and triumphs of her long and legendary career. She also brings back the original Brothers in a mix of classic content and never-before-seen material, including:

• A brand-new novella, Happy Anniversary– Revisit Wrath and Beth as they reclaim the time lost between them. Tender, erotic, and emotional, this story returns to the couple who started it all—and proves that happily ever after doesn’t always come easy.
• Brotherhood updates, as J.R. interviews the Brothers to reveal where they are now.
• Fan-favorite features like Ask a Brother, Vishous’s Agony Aunt Column, Kitchen Corner with Fritz, and Bella’s Books.
• Playlists, monthly horoscopes, and more.

This keepsake collection is more than just an insider’s look—it’s a love letter to the fans, the world, and the unforgettable characters that have made the Black Dagger Brotherhood a genre-defining phenomenon. Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or are just now feeling the pull… this book is for you.

5 out of 5 stars

I loved this so much! The Black Dagger Brotherhood: 20^th Anniversary Insider’s Guide was insightful and heartwarming! I adored how J.R. Ward shared so many wonderful reflections and factoids about the history of the series and its development. I loved all the behind-the-scenes information, somehow making me fall further in love with the Black Dagger Brotherhood world. I loved the updates on the brothers and all the memories injected. I especially loved Beth and Wrath’s story and watching their chemistry explode as they reunite. This is a must for all fans of the series!

Happy Anniversary review (Beth and Wrath’s Novella):

Happy Anniversary was just what I needed, my heart feels full! I loved learning about the time in between when Wrath was gone and all Beth endured. This was an emotional story with just the right amount of tension, drama, and passion mixed in that had me turning the page. This novella was a fantastic addition to the series and is not to be missed. I loved every second!

I could feel Wrath and Beth’s pain and anguish, from the moment Beth learned about Wrath's dying to them working through their issues when they’re together again. Wrath had his own internal battles happening that had me on the edge of my seat. I loved Wrath and Beth reconnecting, healing, and really coming together as a team. This story had a lot of moments of intensity but it was also sweet and heartwarming.

I was thrilled to get more details about L.W. and Shuli and where things might go with them. L.W. is intriguing, he reminds me of Wrath from book one. I felt there was really good insight into him and the things he’d gone through that marked him. I can’t wait for his story!

This novella was incredibly well done. There is past and present storytelling happening, and I liked the layers it added. I loved seeing the brothers and how they have dealt with the raging war, the details on the war, and their commitment to end it. This was exceptional!

Complimentary copy received.

Book Review: The Black Dagger Brotherhood: 20th Anniversary Insider's Guide by J.R. Ward | About That Story

"Insightful and heartwarming edition that includes an exceptional novella!" - About That Story

Thank you, Tanaka (PR Coordinator) and Blue Box Press, for the ARC and Get Red PR for the finished copy of The Black Dagger Brotherhood: 20th Anniversary Insider's Guide.