You can’t go wrong with J.R. Wars books! I read every single one of her Black Dagger Brotherhood books and then started the Black Dagger Legacy series. I’m never sure about spin offs, but I have to say that so far, I’m loving this! HEA for sure and always a fan of her writing stylus. I love the multiple POV’s and how it’s basically one couples story, but we get so many other pieces rolled into one book! It makes them so much more interesting and really kept me engaged in every part of the book! I love Boone! I love that she continues to incorporate the old characters in. After all… it started there.
I devoured this book! They’re never short or skimp on storyline. You’ll love Boone and Helania by the end of this story! If you live Paranormal Romance with lots of suspense, grab this book and buckle up!

J.R. Ward returns with another instalment in the Black Dagger Legacy series. This time, it’s Boone’s turn to have his happily ever after and I have to say, I couldn’t be happier to see something good happen for this guy.

Strangely enough, I wasn’t sure what I was expecting when I dove into this book, but I quickly rediscovered my love for this world as soon as I read the first page. There’s just something nostalgic about Ward’s writing for me. It takes me back to the time when I first fell in love with Paranormal Romance and actually, Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series was the first book in this genre that I really fell in love with. So it’s really no surprise that I would be reminded of that feel-good feeling once I opened this book.

This book, as always, has multiple POVs and I found that a lot of them were quite intriguing. Of course for me the main event was Boone whom I really adored from the start. While he still has the tough alpha male personality to him, there was also something gentle about his character that I loved to read. I especially loved his interaction with the other Brothers as well.

I will say that the romance does take a bit to really start because there are a lot of other things that are occurring at the same time. So we’re slow to really get to know the heroine, Helaine. But like I said, I really liked seeing Boone’s softer side as the romance played out.

Syn needs to be addressed because I’m not really sure what my opinions are just yet. I can definitely say I’m intrigued, but I feel like there’s a lot more I need to know before I can really get a good grasp on the character. Needless to say, I am looking forward to THE SINNER.

Another thing that I want to mention are the Brothers. Of course this series wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the popularity of the original series, but Ward creates a really good balance of keeping the Brothers involved in this storyline without ever overshadowing the main couple of these books. I have to give kudos to her because that’s a tough thing to do. I know there will be readers who want more of them but I really do think she managed to keep a good balance that keeps things fair for all the characters.

After reading BLOOD TRUTH, I found myself really wishing there were more books to devour. It’s been a long time since I’ve stayed up to read a book and I have Ward to thank for reigniting my love for Paranormal Romance. Naturally, it was Ward’s writing and the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood that got me back on track. I can’t wait for the next book!

When J.R. Ward writes a book, you stop everything to read it. I devoured this in less than 24 hours and I regret nothing. My family can survive on cereal, am I right?

Let me start off by saying I love Boone and Butch! After the death of his father, Boone was taken of rotation and partnered up with Butch to solve the gruesome murders of women patrons of a local club. They worked so well together. We usually see the vampire side of Butch, so it was nice to see his human side for a bit. His years in law enforcement came in handy and I liked the way Boone learned from it.

I feel like Boone was struggling, even if he didn't realize it. He has nothing but the trainee program. Until he meets Helania. Her sister was one of the victims so she’s trying to catch the murderer as well. When these two cross paths it’s an instant connection. Because, as you know, with these vampires, it only takes an instant to find the one for you. While he should be maintaining a professional distance, his heart is screaming for him not to. While a murder investigation isn’t fun, watching them tow the line between professional and personal was.

Helania tugged at my heart. She was all alone after her sister's death. She didn't have an easy time growing up and making friends so her shyness/awkwardness was sweet in a sad way. Watching her grow stronger throughout this book was magnificent. I love to see women grow. And I really love watching the men help them do that.

Blood Truth seemed to have more Brothers and Bastards than trainees, which I am happy about. I just love those brothers! I know we’re getting at least one more Legacy book but I swear Ms. Ward has said that she wants to merge them into the Brothers’ books so we don’t have to keep up with too many different series. I don't even mind. I want this world to never stop.

We also get a glimpse into one of the Bastards, which was fun. I know his book is coming next so this was a nice set up. It makes me super excited to read his story. I have a feeling it’s gonna be WILD.

You guys all know that I love the BDB series, so I was excited to finally be fully caught up on the series before a new release. I was excited for Boone's romance and another peak at the lives of the trainees!

Now that Boone's sire has passed away, Boone is left with a life he's not sure what to do with. He's never been enough for his sire, especially when he broke off his arranged engagement. Now, as a trainee in the legacy program, he's helping Butch investigate a series of gruesome murders. Their investigation leads them to Helania, who witnessed something bad happen and could be the key to finding the murderer.

For the past few BDB books, I feel like we've been building to a big final event between the vampires and their enemies. Unfortunately, this book was just a nice filler book that STILL gave us no answers. Granted, this is a book in a series about the trainees, so we never really get BDB conflicts all that much. For this one, it really was just a nice romance with no other real purpose for the series except for to introduce us to Syn. Other than giving us a bit more into Syn's character, this was just a fun story in the BDB world.

Looking at the romance, I really enjoyed how Helania and Boone grew to know each other through the investigation. They had undeniable chemistry, but it was hard for Helania to really trust anyone or let anyone in. I liked how even though they were in completely different social classes, they didn't allow it to affect how they viewed each other. If you're going into this one for a vampire romance, that's what you're going to get.

While this wasn't really a necessary book for the series, I thought it was a nice break until the real crazy stuff goes down in the next BDB book. I really enjoyed Boone's character and how much of Butch we got. This was just a nice book for the BDB fans to have.

"Boone's smile was a sunrise that illuminated not just his face, but clearly his soul, too. "Well," he whispered against her mouth. "If that isn't blood truth . . . I don't know what is."

Little else gets my excited as when it is time for JR Ward to release a book. Whether it is her previous work under "Jessica Bird", her Bourbon Kings trilogy (LOVED THESE), or even the Firefighter book (books?!). There is only one that makes me plan my day around it though, and that is her Black Dagger Brotherhood books.

If I'm being honest, I do re read most of these books every year. It's something I save for the days when I'm snowed in, and Mother Nature is taking over everything. The ones that I visit the most? That would be the first 12 books. I do realize this world need to evolve, and it needs to progress so it doesn't become stale. I get that. I do, but where is the "original spark". Where is the "thing" that made these book....THESE BOOKS. If you have read these books, and been following along, well you will get what I mean. This is my only complaint.

I enjoyed this book - I really did. I love the spin off books, the new characters, and the fact that she put these books out for us. I am not dismissing any of that. I just what the BDB magic back. That's it. I hope you read this one. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Boone was special, seeing the brothers was everything, and it felt like coming home when I was reading this book. Don't skip this one.

Helania is a vampire on a mission. A year ago, her sister was brutally murdered. The killer was never caught. Now another vampire is dead and Helania is certain that the deaths are connected. Every night she goes to the club that Isobel was murdered at and watches. And waits. For something to happen, for someone to help. When Helania discovers the body of the female, she puts in an emergency call to the Brotherhood.

Boone grew up in the glymera. He’s never felt as though he belonged, but you can’t choose your family. When his father is killed, Boone feels responsible. Boone was the one to tell the Brotherhood about the traitorous meeting that was happening. The Brotherhood got there too late to save Boone’s father. He fells guilty that he doesn’t feel as badly as he should.

Helania and Boone come together as two survivors. The have an instant connection, one that Boone isn’t going to ignore. Helania is different somehow. The problem is that social chasm that lies between them. Helania is a civilian and Boone is now the master (that’s what they call him) of his home. She’s always felt like she’s not good enough and her biggest fears come to the surface.

I really, really enjoy the Black Dagger Legacy. I’ve already said it, but there is a freshness here that I feel the Black Dagger Brotherhood is lacking. I think it’s the new characters and looking at the Brotherhood through the eyes of trainees. I enjoyed Boone and Helania’s story immensely. It’s an excellent addition to the series.

I was so excited to dive back into the BDB (Black Dagger Brotherhood) world. I was quickly lost in Boone's plight and seeing his journey. J.R. Ward never ceases to amaze me and this book was captivating. There was so much going on that the Brotherhood was having to track down and keep an eye on, and as a trainee, Boone is right in the thick of it. Despite his world crumbling down around him, he had the Brothers and a new friend in Helania. I enjoyed seeing where the newfound friendship would go and I was holding my breath, waiting for the next murder. I wanted them to find out what was going on in that club! I couldn't read this book fast enough and yet never wanted it to end. I loved getting lost in a new chapter within the Brotherhood and all that surrounds them. Be sure not to miss this read!

Such a brilliant story, I've been looking forward to Boone's book!He is a swoon worthy hero that intrigued me a lot!There is plenty of action in this one and steamy moments to keep you hooked!

Told from several third person perspectives including Boone and Helania, BLOOD TRUTH follows the search for a killer!I found the plot captivating!

"Boone's smile was a sunrise that illuminated not just his face, but clearly his soul, too. "Well," he whispered against her mouth. "If that isn't blood truth . . . I don't know what is."

This is for all the lovers of this series!

Favorite Quotes:

In the back of his mind, the tally of his sire’s neglect and condescension was like an electric meter going haywire, the count spiraling up into the stratosphere…

You are amazing. I know . . . I know that sounds like a line, but it’s not. You bring me to my knees and lift me up at the same time. It’s the definition of magic.

My Review:

I have been hearing this author’s name for several years - first as murmurs then loud rumblings and finally as shouted raves; but until now, I had never stopped to read one of the many books from her rather large shelf of offerings. Silly me, what was I thinking? I’m kicking myself... This was fantastic. Despite the need to read slowly while occasionally needing to check the handy and thoughtfully provided glossary of her creatively contrived lexicon, it was well worth the effort. I was quite taken with the cleverness and agile craft of her complex yet captivating world-building.

Being a paranormal novice I had been hesitant to delve in, knowing I was starting the second generation of a long-running and highly venerated series and I would be swimming in alien waters. And, I’m lazy when it comes to extensive world-building. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised, scratch that, I was downright gleeful with my discovery! Even though I found myself sliding into a completely unfamiliar mythology from any vampire lore I’ve ever come across, I had no difficulty following the complexity and didn’t experience the expected struggle in navigating or comprehending the foreign structure of their society and various nomenclatures.

The storylines were action-packed, well-crafted, and laced with sharp wit, keen insights, and evocative observations. I was enthralled, riveted, and highly invested throughout. Ms. Ward’s bewitching and engaging writing style whisked me right inside the core of her secret clan as if I had been granted the vamp power to dematerialize and transport myself there. Her characters were peculiar, curiously enticing, and uniquely compelling - even the creepy and disturbing ones.

I am a new convert to the Black Dagger Brotherhood and will confess that the last serious vamp book I recall perusing was by Anne Rice in the late 1980s. I am totally enamored with J.R. Ward’s delightfully creative and mesmerizing arrangements of words as well as this new species - they drink hot cocoa and eat ice cream! I may have been turned – I now consider myself a paranormal reader in training.

I'm behind on my BDB books, but I was able to jump into Blood Truth just fine! What I love about this 'spin off' of sorts is that you get interactions with the Brothers and get introduced to new characters from all different walks of life. Boone is part of the glymera (aristocracy) and defies his family by not going through with his arranged mating and then joining the training program with the Brotherhood. While you don't have to have read every book in the series, it does help if you are familiar with the world. Ward has created her own language and at this point in the series, there are a LOT of characters. In Blood Truth, we get more Butch, the former human cop. I have to admit, I wasn't thrilled at first because Butch wasn't my fav, but I loved it!

Helania is desperate to find out who killed her sister and she is willing to put herself in danger to accomplish her task. I loved Helania. She is so memorable. After her sister dies, she is desperate to figure out what happened. Her sister was her life and for the 8 months she has been gone, Helania is kind of drifting. Once she meets Boone, she knows they are meant to be and she begins to realize there is someone she can count on. I just loved her spirit! Boone is a great boyfriend too-dedicated and not afraid to admit his feelings. But, their meeting is happening at a dangerous time: there is a killer on the loose, Boone's father was murdered, and something is up with the Bastard Syn.

Blood Truth delivers everything you have come to love about the entire BDB world. There is plenty of action, lots of questionable behavior (even, at times, from the "good guys"!), and steamy romance that will ignite your kindle. No one manages to write about SO MANY characters and keep everything moving along in the plot. Ward is the master of her craft. The world she has created is beautifully intricate and raw. If you want to lose yourself in a story, Blood Truth will take you away to Caldwell and the Brotherhood for a few hours!

Oh, my googly goodness!!! It feels as if I have waited for Boone’s story for eternity. Was it worth the wait? HELLS YES! Blood Truth is packed with mystery, BDB brothers, and so many hints toward upcoming books... I am honestly overwhelmed with the anticipation of what’s going to come next in the BDB world.
A glorious 5 star read!

So this was my first J. R. Ward book. All I can say is wow. She is such a talented writer. I was extremely intimidated entering the Black Dagger Brotherhood world. I knew there were a lot of books and different series but this could be read without reading the others. I will definitely be going back and reading the other books. I'm dying to know more. In the first few pages of this book there are key terms and phrases so you are not completely lost. It was overwhelming at first but her writing just sucks you in. I always enjoy a book that has several point of views. It's nice to see what each main character is thinking. I liked Boone and Helenias love story. I enjoyed the action just as much as the love story. I liked the mystery and how the brothers needed to solve the murders. I don't usually read books like this but it was really fun to read. Oh and did I mention they are vampires. It makes it so much more exciting! This is such a cool series. I am sad it took me this long to read one of these. Don't make the same mistake! If you haven't read any of these books I suggest you start now!