The Beloved

The Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 22

By: J.R. Ward

Narrated by: Jim Frangione

Length: 13 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

The daughter of a legend finds the love of a lifetime in this passionate, heart-wrenching installment in J.R. Ward’s #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series.

Nalla, the blooded daughter of Zsadist, has led a sheltered life. Protected by her father and the Brotherhood, kept away from the deadly war with the Lessening Society, she is chafing against the walls of the very safety that has ensured her survival. One night, she gives in to her restlessness…and finds herself face-to-face with a male whose inner darkness rivals even that of her sire’s horrific origins.

Nate is a fighter with nothing to lose—and nothing to live for. Tortured in a human lab as a young, then cursed with immortality, he is all vengeance and no purpose because he cares for no one—not even himself. The Brotherhood knows this all too well and following Nate’s deliberate violation of the cardinal rule in the war, they declare him a dangerous liability that must be dealt with.

When Nalla and Nate find themselves fighting side by side, daggers aren’t the only things that fly. A sizzling attraction is ignited, though Nalla knows her sire will never accept him—and on his side, Nate has made a secret bargain to end his own immortality. As the enemy closes in, and Nalla realizes she must choose between her mate and her sire, what starts with such passion may well end with eternal sorrow and no chance of a reunion—even in the Fade.

©2024 J.R. Ward (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

Loved this so much.

I don’t know how JR Ward does it, but she once again set us on a path in previous books that led to the perfect pairing. And in this case, Nate is perfect for Nala…and for Z. And don’t even get me started on the mother-daughter convo in Nala’s room. Having lived it, I know how real it was. Wrath’s return and the joy and pain his absence brought was beautifully written about and gave us more time with many of the brothers, which I loved. Then there was the very unique storyline of Evan and seeing the tragic journey of becoming a Lesser through his eyes. LW, Bitty, Shuli… I cannot wait for more!! PS: Thanks again to Jim Frangione for being the wonderfully constant voice for the BDB world.

Outstanding!!!!

I love Zadist! Go figure I’d love Nala too! Female of worth finds her male of worth! Bravo to Ward for pulling off the best time jump. I’m so excited to see this new chapter of stories of all the younger characters and get updates of all our old favorites. I hope Ward brings in the characters from BDB legacy too in the future books.

The kids are all grown up!

Epic! A little touch of all the brothers, a new love (actually two!) and a monster truck. What else can a girl ask for? Brilliant writing with humor and style, JR Ward knocked this book out of the park!!

I loved it so much!

Z and Bela have always been my favorite so it goes without saying that I’ve always been excited for Nallas book to one day come out! The Warden did this story SO good!!

the children are all grown up

So u would think after so many books that u would be bored with the series this isn't the case. I wasn't really sure how she was gonna be able to keep my attention with this new book but it happened. I'm extremely upset that I have to wait for the new book which I hope is Bitty and LW.

OMG Shuley

LW and Shuley together are hilarious. Pretty boy Shuley's story is a change I didn't see coming. On the whole, I love the look into the lives of the young and the changes 33 years brought to the lives of the Black Dagger Brothers. It's gonna be alright Fritz. Start cleaning the mansion.

JR Ward and narrator Jim Frangion do not disappoint

Another great story and 22 books later…I still cannot wait for the next one in the series to arrive. JR Ward manages to keep the series alive and interesting. I have enjoyed every book in this series.

Excellent

I've been waiting for this book forever. This family is extraordinary. it's good to know that the BDB is still fighting the good fight.

Love this new generation of the BDB

Nala and Nate are perfect together. I cried, I laughed, but thoroughly enjoyed yet another wonderful story from the queen JR Ward.
Sidebar: where was Davina in the whole story? I’m honestly thinking she was the self-help guru in disguise lol

Overall it's good, but...

Okay, overall it's pretty good and just what you expect from J.R. Ward, but I was slightly disappointed with those damn "Cop Bots". I know The Warden is moving us into the future by a jump of 30-plus years, but I just couldn't get my head to connect with the idea of robot cops, but the world still doesn't know about the vamps or the Wolfen. It just seemed so out of the script for everything else happening with the story, and where-oh-where were the first recruits? If we are moving into the future shouldn't we have Craeg, Paradise, Axe, Novo, and Peyton out on the front line fighting? I was not disappointed with the story but a little taken aback by those cop bots.

I will not give any spoilers on or about Z and his relationship with Nalla. I understood how things were but I was also sad about them. Yes, it's worth a listen and a credit. I love the brotherhood and will continue to follow until the end.