by J.R. Ward
Part of Black Dagger Brotherhood, book 0.5
First published 2024
Darius, son of Marklon, never expected the night he crashed his car would change everything. When a human woman runs into the road and he swerves to miss her, his life spins off its axis. Already bitter about his King's failures and the ongoing war with the Lessening Society, Darius discovers new purpose in protecting this woman he can never truly claim. Love blooms between them despite the impossible odds. But when Anne learns what he really is, she flees in terror. She carries his child, a daughter destined to become Queen, though neither knows this yet. After a devastating reunion ends in tragedy, Darius loses Anne forever. He dedicates himself to protecting their daughter and honoring Anne's memory, resigned to endless grief. His devotion never wavers, even as he serves a cause that reminds him daily of what he lost. Only a miracle could reunite them now.
Genres: romance, fantasy, paranormal, fantasy-romance
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Lessening Society
Period: War
320 pages · Paperback · Gallery Books
Content warnings: violence