Lyric just plans to go out for the night, not a brush with death and certainly not a LOVER FORBIDDEN. Qhuinn is thrilled that his daughter is okay, but doesn’t know that her savior that night was Devlin and once he does, he is very much not thrilled. Devlin has his own secrets, but finding Lyric wasn’t in his plans either. Will the two be able to be together when their world seems to be against them?

LOVER FORBIDDEN is the 23rd Black Dagger Brotherhood book by author J.R. Ward. Lyric has spent her time as a social media influencer, but wants something more. Devlin is also trying to find his identity in the world. They are bound to fall for one another, who could expect less, but the secrets and mistrust do get in their way, but love finds a way.

For those who are not familiar with BDB – they are immortal vampires who are among the humans but undiscovered by them. They have their own language and spelling, which is explained by the author for each book, which is very helpful. The Brotherhood is the warriors of the race and have fought the Lessening Society, who, for some reason, smell like baby powder, for decades. These guys have a new Omega to lead them, so more adventures of their evil can be expected. One of the best parts of this series is that no one is left out. There are gays, the disabled, survivors, etc., represented in almost every book.

If you have missed any of the previous books, the author, or as many call her, the Warden, is giving readers a look at some of the children of the original brothers. LOVER FORBIDDEN is the story of Lyric, the daughter of Qhuinn and Blay, and their Chosen Layla, and Devlin, who is – maybe it is best to keep that in the dark so as not to spill any spoilers.

As with all of the BDB books, you will find adventure and intrigue, with amazing supporting characters as well as side stories that will hold your attention and hope for those to become full stories. LOVER FORBIDDEN, with its look at the next generation, is a book that might be more appreciated if you have read the other books in order, but it is still an amazing escape from reality.