JR Ward has done it again, another amazing book adding to the Blackdagger Brotherhood series with Lassiter's story. Lassiter and Rahven have both returned to discover Davina is in love with the Omega. When Lassiter discovers his love for Rahven can destroy Davina and the Omega's love, he gives in to his desires. As the Omega begins to build his army of lessers and Davina experiences true heartbreak for the first me, Lassiter and Raven's relationship grows. However when Raven discovers the real reason Lassiter changed his mind will she ever be able to forgive him? With war on the horizon and Davina helping the Omega will any of the Brotherhood be safe?
Lassiter and Ravhen are perfect for one another. They are both broken and have experienced trauma making them feel less than and unworthy of their love but in reality it's what often gives them strength. They are survivors. The Omega really changes things up. I don't want to spoil all the surprises in this book but the Omega doesn't keep to his fathers traditions and Davina has some ideas that really shake things up. Something tells me the war in future books us going to be very different than the past. There are quite a few twists and surprises. I love the wisdom seen in Ravhen despite her youth. With great power must come great wisdom and she displays it perfectly. We see a lot of change in this book Nate must come to terms with immortality and other must come to terms with their mortality. Seeing the way the brotherhood welcomes Ravhen and Lassiter and celebrates their union and becomes their family brings up a lot of feelings. They are finding something they were even really aware they needed or wanted.
I rate Lassiter 5 out of 5 stars. There are plenty of changes and surprises for the Brotherhood and readers. The characters continue to grow and we learn more of their past. Their love is complex with ups and downs and issues with communication. Both main characters are interesting and unique. We also learn a lot about the new omega and how much he plans to change in the lesseriing society. This story kept me enthralled until.the very end with a crazy unexpected ending. If you're a fan of JR Ward, then you will love Lassiter and all the changes occurring in the amazing Blackdagger Brotherhood she created!

Lassiter is a book that many fans of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series have been waiting for. He's a character that sticks in your mind. I must admit that although he wasn't one of my top BDB characters, I was very curious and interested to see what sort of HEA he would get, especially after seeing that gorgeous cover! Wow! I just like to sit and look at that beauty!

I wasn't disappointed. I thought Lassiter was a terrific way to wrap up this part of the series and take it in a fresh direction with the next generation. I'm one of those purest fans who loves the first books, which is the core of the rich world created by J. R. Ward. There's many reviews out there that complain "book x" in this series isn't like those first books in this series, and they aren't lying. How do you replicate the perfection of the first books? There's a unique magic there. But I thought there were certainly some very magical moments in Lassiter, and it was just as perfect in some respects as those first books in the series.

As a couple, I thought Rahvyn and Lassiter were a good match -- she's fierce and has a steel that I absolutely loved. When she shows that side of herself, I absolutely shivered in surprise and delight. And my heart broke at the right moment and got put all back together in a few chapters, and I loved that about Lassiter and Rahvyn. I really liked Lassiter in this -- I haven't always seen the attraction to his character, but J. R. Ward does GREAT yearning between her main characters, and he captured my heart when I felt his anguish. It was so unlike his usual persona and so very interesting to see that side of him. His fight against evil near the end of the book is one of my favorite scenes in the entire book.

And I might be in the minority here, but I thought Lash and Devina worthy opponents for our heroes in this story. They are both so over-the-top, they are fun (in a certain way) to see what they'll come up with next.

Lassiter wraps up many things in this world and leaves room for a new generation of vampires. There's a wedding and a funeral and lots of surprises. Plenty of yearning and devotion. A fight between good and evil. It's everything that attracted me to these characters and this wonderful world of the BDB.

I enjoyed Lassiter and didn't put it down once I started. The action is terrific and I always love to revisit the old favorites, even if it's just a tiny bit of page time. I must admit that I've missed a few books in the series, and I didn't have any trouble following what was going on in Lassiter, so if you aren't up to date, you can still read this.

The heart-shredding ending to this part of the story was perfect in so many ways. Things ended where they began --- with the menacing vampire in leathers, widow's peak and long dark hair acting like he's always acted and there's a certain kismet to that ending that as a long time fan of this series I can truly appreciate.

I liked how this story brought the series to a conclusion of sorts for this generation of the BDB world. This book made me believe this series could adapt and change and still be as much fun to read as those first books in the series, so I'm really excited to see what the new generation will face. It looks like it's going to be another wild ride. I was left wanting to know exactly what is going on with L.W.

I definitely recommend Lassiter for readers of this series. I really enjoyed the action, the yearning between the main characters that made the HEA so very satisfying and I especially loved how J.R.Ward set things up for the next generation. Can't wait to see what happens!

Many thanks to the publisher for a complementary copy for review.

3.75stars-LASSITER is the twenty-first instalment in JR Ward’s contemporary, adult BLACKDAGGER BROTHERHOOD paranormal/fantasy romance series focusing on a group of warrior vampires known as the Blackdagger Brotherhood. This is fallen angel/ Scribe Virgin Lassiter, and Rahvyn’s story line. LASSITER should not be read as a stand alone. I recommend reading book twenty LOVER ARISEN for back story and cohesion-the current timeline has been building for most of the series.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

**If you have not read any of the previous, recent instalments, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives LASSITER follows several paths including the building relationship between fallen angel turned Scribe Virgin Lassiter, and Rahvyn. At the end of LOVER ARISEN Lassiter had sacrificed his heart and soul to save the Band of B&stards warrior Balthazar, and in doing so, felt himself unworthy of love, especially the female that called to his heart but something or someone was pushing our story line couple together, a push that would end with the possible destruction or savior of the BDB.

Meanwhile, the Lessening Society has returned with a new Omega. Lash, the son of the previous Omega, was desperate for power and control but found himself falling for Devina, the demon, who using the ancient Book of Spells, called Lash back from extinction. As Lash considered his journey towards the ultimate battle for power, he never considered someone else or something else has been marked into play.

Nate, the adopted son of Muhrder and Sarah returns as he continues to pine for our story line heroine. Nate, whose life once hung in the balance between life and the Fade, has returned, his immortality no longer in question but his future questionable in the face of the return of the Lessening Society. The Lessers are growing in numbers with the return of the Omega but someone else Is building their own army of Lessers, Lessers who are now of the female persuasion.

Like most of JR Ward’s recent story lines, there are many plot lines and characters called into play. As to the numerous pathways, several events begin to unfold but not all of the Brothers are present or accounted for. By way of mention, some return in the wake of the near destruction of the vampire society, while Lassiter’s mating brings together the love and support of many of the Blackdagger Brotherhood. Two fallen angels have returned to reclaim our story line hero but Lassiter continues to have business on Earth, he refuses to abide by the Creator’s demands.

Now to the numerous unanswered questions and concerns. Is LASSITER the end of the series, or the current series arc? Does the author have plans for a spin off? -she already attempted with the Blackdagger Legacy. The epilogue advances the series thirty-three years, where we are witness to a few of the next generation. The thirty-three year time jump leaves many unanswered questions yet reveals a couple of surprising twists: More Needings? More Young? More Brothers? More Mates? More Angels and the purpose of more fallen angels? What happened to the Lessening Society? The Lessers? Davina and Lash? And of course, the reformation of the Glymera and its’ need to rule with discrimination and power? Or with the return of the fallen angels-
Adrian Vogel and Eddie Blackhawk, and of course the demon Devina (originally from the Fallen Angels series)-does the author have more stories planned for her Fallen Angels?

As to some of these questions, when an author recalibrates a series that may be struggling, they inevitably return to what was once popular and strong: the Lessers, the Omega; the Glymera for example-all part of the original BDB series and wars. Ward is not the first, nor the last, to try a recharge using a previous formula, premise and plot lines but it often screams of desperation. Long time readers and fans know when a series is struggling and bringing back what was, is not necessarily, the way to go.

The anticipatory factor surrounding the story for certain characters is always fierce and strong but there is often a let down due to the excitement and build up of a beloved character(s). I have seen this happen before in this series, and with many other authors and their own series, and the results have always been the same. Yes, there are those diehard readers and fans that will accept everything and anything but a critical eye will see what is missing; what is not there-satisfaction, realization and accomplishment. Lassiter and Rahvyn were not the primary focus of the story but Lash, Devina and the return of the Lessers, as well as Nate and the future of the BDB. LASSITER felt like an introductory story to the next chapter/arc of the series, and in doing so, lost much of the momentum that is our Fallen Angel Lassiter. Lassiter’s free spirit, sassiness and innocence is missing.

LASSITER is a detailed and complex story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, acceptance and love, secrets and lies. The premise is impassioned; the characters are numerous, animated and brooding; the romance is seductive but struggles in the face of secrets and the unknown.



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Let’s start out by saying us readers have been wanting and waiting for this book for over a decade. Ever since we were first introduced to Lassiter, when he brought back Tohr, we knew there would need to be someone extra special to tame this angel.

After his positively heartbreaking storyline in the previous book, Lover Arisen, I knew this book was going to tug a bit at our hearts.

I was soooooo right.

There was quite a bit happening in this story. We have the devious duo, Lash and Devina, whose story I could honestly do without. There was so much going on with these two. I was here for Lassiter and I cringed when I had to read about their “love”. But they’re a necessary evil that will bring upon the next group of books I’m sure. I still have a few questions about them so I’m hoping we get those answers within the next few books.

We have Rahvyn, who was going through an adjustment to this world. I’m still not sure what she is. But I’m assuming one more vampire with special powers, like V and Payne. She reminded me of Autumn a bit. She’s got a lot to learn about this world but luckily she has lots of people around to help her. I love her for Lassiter. She was definitely the right fit for that Angel.

And of course we have Lassiter. He’s been slowly changing over the past few books, more serious and less flamboyant. But there was a definite shift with this book. Honestly, after the happenings in Lover Arisen, I would be shocked if there wasn’t. He wasn’t forced to go to Davina but it was no less traumatic for him. So he was marked on the inside and he needed help with healing and seeing himself the way others did.

That’s just a pinch of what’s going on. So many things. But spoilers…

By the time I finished this book my heart was a twisted puddle on the floor. There were quite a few heart stopping moments and I needed to deep breathe through, and so will you. I like the direction she’s taking us in but I sure wasn’t ready for that journey. Ward knew what she was doing in this story. Whew!

Side note: I finished typing my review before JRW’s Cinci signing so I’m hoping we get a title for the next one and I’m hoping it’ll make the BDB peeps lose their collective minds.

I don’t even know where to start with this review. My emotions were very conflicted when I finished this book. On one hand, I really liked being immersed back in the Black Dagger Brotherhood. It always hits me with a sort of nostalgia because I remember exactly where I was when I first read Dark Lover. That book hit me hard & has continued to stay with me through the last 18 years. I remember buying it from a used book store thinking that it was interesting that a man was writing romance novels (little did I know). I loved that book from the first page to the last. On the other hand, I didn’t love this book. I thought I would. I’ve been waiting for Lassiter’s story for quite some time. More than Tohr’s actually (and I really wanted that book). Lassiter has been such an interesting character from the first moment he appeared on the page. I think that JRW’s writing has changed & it’s not necessarily for the better. Unfortunately.

Lassiter & Rahvyn were supposed to be the main characters in this book, but I didn’t really feel like that was the case. I liked reading their story, but the Lash & Devina thing was absolutely ridiculous. I don’t care about Lash or Devina’s POV. As a matter of fact, it almost ruined the book entirely. When I would get to another chapter about those two, I felt like throwing my Kindle. It was really boring & I just didn’t give a fuck about those two. I understand that they were integral to the story and all that, but ffs, lay off a little. Devina’s character needs to be put out to pasture. She is so over-the-top bad that it’s just absurd. Lash isn’t much better.

The best part of the book was Lassiter & Rahvyn’s mating ceremony. I really felt that the ceremony & the love between all the characters was embodied very well. Still, that didn’t excuse the rest of the book. Even the (usually amusing, although sometimes annoying) anecdotes were eyeroll inducing. I would have DNFed it, but I really wanted to see what happened with Lassiter & Rahvyn. Unfortunately, I think that I’m going to call a halt on this series, even after the (kind of) cliffhanger. I also didn’t appreciate how she fast forwarded the series. I thought it was really poorly done.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

Lassiter's book has been something that I have been looking forward to since J.R. Ward announced his book. I knew he had done a lot for the Brotherhood since the Scribe Virgin decided to hand the reigns over to him but we really get to see a heart wrenching story. I can tell you I was not prepared. I stared at the book for a few minutes after I finished it. I had no idea what I was in for when I first opened this book. I have cried during so many of the Brotherhood books, like sobbed, but the angst just kept coming. I never saw the ending coming though. I am looking forward to the next book and cannot wait to see what else Ward has in store for us! I am going to go look for that box of Kleenex now.

Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review

Lassiter was truly amazing! I loved Lassiter and Rahyvn, the evolution of the overall storyline, and all the brothers and characters. The details were exceptional with a phenomenal build. It was emotional, heartbreaking, and pulse-pounding exciting with an ending that left me breathless. This was my most anticipated read of the year, I was equally excited and scared to start, and it did not disappoint.

I loved Rahyvn and Lassiter from their turmoil and anguish to their fun, sweet moments. Their journey was beautiful, painful, and drama-filled. My heart hurt for Rahyvn as I learned more about her past but I love the strength she showed over the course of the story and how much she grew, she was fierce. I have loved Lassiter since he was first introduced, he’s been such an entertaining, vibrant character. I liked seeing the more serious side of him and all his layers. I feel like Rahyvn and Lassiter went through a true transformation and I was along for the ride, feeling it all. I loved it!

Blending perfectly with Rahyvn and Lassiter coming together is the storyline happening in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world. I loved the different stories intersecting and the poignant and amazing moments taking place with a lot of different characters, I got choked up more times than I could count. I loved getting more Wrath, seeing some of my favorite brothers and enjoyed the entertainment value and depth they added to the story. I felt for Nate as he dealt with the aftermath of what happened to him in the last book, Lover Arisen, as well. Meeting Eddie and Adrian from the Fallen Angel series was awesome and enjoyed how they were added to the mix. I haven’t read that series yet but it’s now at the top of my list, I loved them.

The development, details, and build were exceptional and I felt so pulled in and invested. I love how J.R. Ward tells a story with multiple alternating POVs, I was always excited about who I'd hear from next. I was fascinated by Lash and Devina’s relationship even though they wreak havoc. I loved the drama and tension they created, keeping me on the edge of my seat. There were some heart-wrenching, earth-shattering things happening with a twist that totally made me scream nooo! I just had to trust in the author and know that everything would be okay. Even though the ending had me holding my breath, I loved it and what has been set up for future stories. This book was a thrilling way to bring a long-running series a new life and I am excited for what's next in this world.

21 books later and I am still totally in love with the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. It's one of my all-time favorites! Lassiter was a fantastic and pivotal book that is not to be missed.

Brilliant! So worth waiting for and that ending will shock!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lassiter has always been on my list of faves just because of who he is and how he is depicted. He is funny and sweet and he has been through hell, much of it is due to his kind nature and the need to save others. Now he has fallen in love but can he really have an everlasting connection with someone?

Ward pulls out the stops on this fabulous story. Rhavyn is amazing, kind, and has a power that will stun you. Her connection with Lassiter is beautiful and emotional. The Brotherhood is in demand and the town is under attack again.

Ward will twist you up and spit you out again! Lassiter will grab your soul. Tears were flowing. I was shocked and astounded at where this story went, yelling “NOOOOO” at the book! But yet, I kept going. Raw, gruesome, intense, sexy, steaming hot. Ward does not let up for one minute in this fabulous story that changes the Black Dagger Brotherhood forever!

There are questions as usual as this queen of paranormal romance crafts yet another winner. Simply put, Lassiter is intense, brilliant, and not to be missed! So worth waiting for and that ending will shock you! I am thoroughly addicted!

This book was so, so good! I was completely wrapped up in the BDB world and all that Lassiter had been through. I wanted a HEA for him!! This book had twists and turns and I couldn't put it down. I don't want to ruin any of Lassiter's journey but if you've made it this far in the series, you'll enjoy this book. J.R. Ward has a way with words and I felt for these characters. Do yourself a favor and grab your copy!

Stunned silence was my immediate reaction after closing the book, Lassiter. I've sat and pondered how I would write this review for days now. I don't think I've been this emotional reading a book from my beloved series in years. Not since Z's book. And I didn't think anything could be more heartwrenching than Darius, but boy oh boy was I wrong. The angst kept creeping in from chapter to chapter. A build-up of uncertainty that led to an ending I never saw coming. I'm left eviscerated by what has transpired and anticipating on bated breath for the next book in the series. GEEZUS, this was good! Make sure you have uninterrupted time for reading and an exceptionally large box of Kleenex.
~Tanja

Make sure you have your tissues at the ready and emotional life vest at hand before you begin Lassiter, the newest book in JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series. This is a pivotal book in the series and unlike any of the others I’ve read (and, I’ve read them all).

This is a bold book, in my opinion. The pacing is fast and rarely stumbles. There is a lot going on and Ward doesn’t hesitate to do what she must to move the story forward. She takes a lot of chances with Lassiter (the book) and I applaud her for it, especially because it WORKS.

One of the things that really stood out for me while reading Lassiter is we see some strong female characters, even Devina. The females take no prisoners, doing what they need to in order to get their happily ever afters. I loved seeing Beth in a bigger role and I love how stalwart and true she is, truly a Queen.

We see a different, much more serious side of Lassiter in this book and, at times, I found myself wishing for the silly, crazy Lassiter that I didn’t really like that much. We have seen him embracing his serious side more and more since becoming the race’s deity and he has made a transformation that’s heart wrenching at times. Of course, this is due in part to his sacrifice in Lover Arisen which affects his relationship with Rahvyn as they navigate the repercussions of Devina’s evilness.

I would have liked a little more of Lassiter’s backstory and feel a bit cheated in that regard. At times there’s an ominous cloud hanging over the book that was distracting and provided a few red herrings. Lash is embracing his role as the Omega’s son, which provided some great scenes, but I quickly tired of his moments with Devina (though I totally appreciated her tenacity). Every scene with the Brothers was outstanding and there’s a lot of focus on Wrath, which I think was overdue. Nate also plays a big role and some of his scenes are nail biting, but set up some great moments and hope for future books in the series.

Overall, Lassiter is a great book. The BDB series been stale at times recently and Ward more than makes up for that with this 20th book in the series. 4.5 Stars!

1. I am so excited to have been able to read an early copy of Lassiter. I have been reading this series for YEARS and to get one early is such a treat.

2. We have been building to a book about Lassiter for so long that the anticipation and the pay off were glorious.

3. Holy twist and turns and page turning stress and characters who we love and drama and ALL of the things we love about the BDB.

I am not going to spoil things, but just know that this is the book we want. Even in the messy middle, the pay off is so worth it.