BLOOD KISS is Book 1 in J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Legacy series. BLOOD KISS focuses on two couples—longtime mated pair Butch O'Neal and Marissa as well the burgeoning romance between fellow classmates and warriors-in-training Craeg and Paradise. The romances parallel each other since both sets of lovers have one person who came from the upper echelon and one with a more humble background. I don't believe reading all of the previous books in J.R. Ward's "Black Dagger Brotherhood" is necessary in order to enjoy BLOOD KISS. However, since BLOOD KISS features Butch and Marissa, reading LOVER REVEALED first might provide some context for those characters and their relationship.

I absolutely love this book! BLOOD KISS captures all the steaminess and intimacy of the early books in the "Black Dagger Brotherhood" series that turned readers into such rabid fans. J.R. Ward balances both romances with pinpoint perfection, makes new characters seem intriguing and likable, and throws in a murder mystery for good measure. All of these elements work well together without producing a story that seems too cluttered and hard to follow. The mysterious killer on the loose adds a hint of danger and shakes things up without taking the focus off the main characters and the romance.

BLOOD KISS is perfect for readers like me who love character-driven stories. J.R. Ward changes the dynamic when it comes to her female characters in a big way, which fans of the series have been craving. Paradise is a character who reflects this change—she is a strong, intelligent, and opinionated young woman without being a cliché. I love how Paradise sticks up for herself and is straightforward. The romance that slowly develops between her and Craeg simmers with luscious sexual tension and is also extremely tender with plenty of emotional punch. The storyline involving Butch and Marissa ties up loose threads and unresolved issues in their relationship without seeming stale. The relationship takes a huge leap forward, and I love the way J.R. Ward has Marissa more empowered in a satisfying way that makes sense for her character. I also really enjoyed seeing Butch and Marissa work as a team on the murder case.

BLOOD KISS is a book to savor and adore. Happy endings abound while still operating in a complex and dangerous world, without being too easy or saccharine. BLOOD KISS entertains and tells an exciting and, at times, deeply moving, story. The new characters are fascinating and make me excited to read about them in the future. I hope J.R. Ward continues her spellbinding touch and expert handling of favorite characters—both old and new—in the next installment in her Black Dagger Legacy series.