J.R. Ward

   In this romantic and sexy addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series, a beloved couple has everything arranged... until it all goes horribly wrong.

   Blay and Qhuinn always intended to do a proper mating ceremony, but life has a way of getting in the way. With a pair of young, responsibilities to the King, and a grueling fighting schedule, the two are exhausted and overwhelmed. When Qhuinn gives his male the proposal of a lifetime, however, they are excited for their special night and more in love than ever.

   Everyone in the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s mansion gets into the preparations, and the after party takes on epic- and immortal- proportions when Lassiter forms the Party Planning Committee. The celebrations promise to be all that the couple deserves... until a Nor’easter land locks Caldwell in a fierce storm, and things go from lighthearted to deadly dangerous.

   Battling nature and responding to emergencies, Blay and Qhuinn get separated, and when a catastrophic chain of events puts one of their lives in jeopardy, the night they had so looked forward could mean the end of everything...

Black Dagger Brotherhood #18.5

A Warm Heart in Winter

Lover of Romance 

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
 

  First Impressions

This is a holiday novella (although the length I would consider this a full length novel) and this is where we get a feature of Blay and Qhuinn together and seeing them work towards having their mating ceremony, including some other delights with the brotherhood enjoyed the winter holiday together and I had a BLAST with this book, it was everything I could have hoped for and more. And the ironic thing is I haven’t read their first book (yeah shame on me but I know Qhuinn is an ass in that book haha so I have been putting it off). But I was really intrigued by this one and when I was browsing my libby catalog, I just had a moment where I wanted to read it. I have really neglected this series, I really need to get back to it. I just love this world that this author creates. I have been really intrigued by this one and when I jumped into it I knew that it would be well worth the read and it definitely was. Even if you haven’t read Qhuinn and Blay’s book, I was totally fine as you see them in their HEA and there were some things that I didn’t know about, however, I catch on quickly, so it worked well for me.


  Summary

A Warm Heart in Winter, begins with seeing the young pair working on their responsibilities to the brotherhood and the King, we see Qhuinn rescues a pair of girls and get injured, we see his recovery and the way that Blay and Qhuinn’s relationship get pushed to the limits when a tragedy hits the brotherhood but most especially Qhuinn who is having to face the mistakes of the past and what he has lost and seeing Blay be his core of strength. We see the delights and depths to Lassiter, we see a winter storm hit the mansion and the dangers that a simple storm can do to put the people they love at risk, and we see the depths of love Blay and Qhuinn have for each other and how that love will become more solidified through the conflicts that they will have to face and overcome…


  What I Loved

There was so much I deeply loved and I will try not to reveal too much as there is a major event that happens in this book that is a primary focual point of the book that really pushes Qhuinn and Blay’s relationship. I will say that I was charmed by the winter holiday scene, I loved seeing all my favorite couples enjoying their HEA and seeing them happy with their mates and children. There is a sense of family and warmth that permeates the story and will win its way into your heart. There is also a gratifying feeling of sewing the way that they support each other and are willing to fight for each other. We see more depths to Zsadist and seeing a different side to him that we haven’t seen much before. I loved him being so honest about his past and struggles and working his way towards healing and reflecting his journey onto another brother that is suffering and needs his firm assistance and making him face up to the pain before it festers. The romance between Blay and Qhuinn is utterly delightful and I just adored seeing them together and really having to work together and face the challenges that need to overcome. I will see that sad part to this story really broke my heart and man this author had me crying BUCKETS …..,the raw emotion that is portrayed so well just spoke straight to my heart. J.R. Ward definitely works her magic on this one and you won’t be disappointed.


  What I Struggled With

There wasn’t much honestly…I loved everything about this one…it was sadder though than I expected in moments but the story was such a win and won my heart!


  The Narration

This is a great author that narrates the BDB so well, he tends to work great with the paranormal works and I really felt he gave the perfect voice for Blay and Qhuinn especially.


  Overall View

This was a great addition to a power-packed series and I fell in love quickly with this installment, it’s packed with edgy thrills, deep riveting emotion, and characters bound to make you fall in love with them all over again.

Linda Quintanilla

J.R. Ward is releasing a sweet romance story of Blay and Qhuinn finally getting their proper mating ceremony. And it’s such a cute yet sexy romance read.Blay and Qhuinn have always meant to have a proper mating ceremony but things get very busy when you are in the Black Dagger Brotherhood. But you cannot deny true love when you get the all time proposal. And it’s so sweet that everyone wants to help plan the ceremony. Like I would definitely help if I can (unfortunately I cannot). But to the subject, Blay and Qhuinn will discover their true love for each other again. Things will get messy cause that’s life. But love for each other is always the key. It takes a moment to realize that but it will always come back no matter what.

Wendy M Holt

This is my favorite series of all time. I love Blay and Quinn together. Plus, I'll admit to crying a couple of times while reading this one.

Lacey

As much as I looove Blay & Qhuinn and was excited about their story (again), this book was a little too sad/depressing and not what I wanted in a holiday BDB book. It’s great if you want an emotional winter read though!

A Warm Heart in Winter Black Dagger Brotherhood #18.5

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