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The release of another Black Dagger Brotherhood book was met with my absolute excitement. I cannot even state how much I love the series. It’s a comfort zone and sentimentality all rolled in to one gloriously long series. I have to admit though, while I adore J.R Ward’s writing and have read so many of the books over and over and over, this latest addition was not a favourite of mine.

When Trez lost his beloved to a tragic death (The Shadows, Black Dagger Brotherhood #13), his soul was crushed and his destiny seemed relegated to suffering. But when he meets a mysterious female, he becomes convinced his true love has been reincarnated. Is he right? Or has his grief created a disastrous delusion?
Therese has come to Caldwell to escape a rift with her bloodline. The revelation that she was adopted and not born into her family shakes the foundations of her identity, and she is determined to make it on her own. Her attraction to Trez is not what she’s looking for, except the sexy Shadow proves to be undeniable.
Has fate provided a grieving widower with a second chance…or is Trez too blinded by the past to see the present for what it really is? In this sensual, arresting book full of the themes of redemption and self-discovery, two lost souls find themselves at a crossroads where the heart is the only compass that can be trusted…but that may require a courage that neither of them possesses.

I had been eagerly anticipating Trez’s HEA for years since Selena’s untimely demise and was finally looking forward to him having the happy ending he deserved. That said, I felt that this book was a stretch of not only my imagination but also my willingness to go along with the ‘magic and divine’ solves everything solution that had been used so many times in the past. When it was used in Rhage’s, Phury’s, Vishous’s and Thorment’s books I had been mostly accepting of it. Finally a happy ending had come to those who had deserved it. In this book’s case, it felt like everything was forced. Without giving too much away regarding the ending, the HEA felt like it was at the expense of a woman’s established life.

What I loved about this story was the chance to be immersed in the Caldwell life again. The inclusion of well known BDB characters made me practically giddy. I do like Trez but he was never a favourite of mine. The original BDB Warriors are my ultimate faves and their subtle inclusion in this story is the main reason I have rated it as I have. Without them, this would have felt like a very cliched rip off of some of the other books without the same satisfying ending. I know that sounds so harsh, but it felt like the author had settled for this story line without attempting to think of something that included a complete new beginning – such as in Thorment’s case.
Additionally, the naming of the book as a ‘Caldwell Christmas’ seemed like a misnomer as there seemed to be no Christmas element included, with the exception of a few brief mentions of it. Perhaps the title was placed there due to the publication date of November 26, 2019. Either way, this book was unfortunately a miss for me.

Ah, some books disappoint. Hope your next read is fabulous
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Thanks Shalini 🙏 I hope her next book is better too. She’s one of my fav authors and this one was quite a shame!
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I have heard of her, never read her books
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I want to read book bu this author. Sad it didn’t work for you. I hope your next read is great.
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Thanks Yesha 😄 I hope her next book is better too. The rest of the black dagger brotherhood series is great though! If you’re a fan of paranormal romance then you should definitely try it!!
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Sorry to hear that this was disappointing! I haven’t read anything by J.R. Ward but then again I don’t really read paranormal romances (never tried). Good place to start (not this book but her series)? Hope your next read is better!
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Thanks Dini! Also – you’ve never tried paranormal romance?? That actually surprises me! I’d take you for the kind who’d enjoy them with how much romance is involved. Although saying that… they’re super cliched, full of grumpy male leads and fated mates. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea 😂😂 Jen
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Oh that use of Christmas irks me!!! I demand my Christmas books to be laden with festivities lol! Sorry this one was a bit of a bummer. Hopefully the next release from this author will be better :)))) <3333
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Thanks Emer! I agree that Christmas books should feel festive and make you excited for the holidays. This one was just such an unexpected miss. She’s a great writer though and I have no doubt her next few books will be better 😄🙏
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Great review Jen! I think I’ve only read about 4 of these books? Maybe more? I remember liking them quite a bit and then falling a little out of love with vampire books. (To be fair, I’ve read far more than my fair share.) I hope your next read is better!
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Thanks Sarah! 😀 I’ve never seemed to fall out of love with vamp books but I definitely have that experience with shifters/other paranormal creatures!
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I totally get it! I’ll get back to them one day.
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If it says christmas then use christmas! Sorry it wasn’t what you were expecting.
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Exactly! There shouldn’t even have to be a debate about it 😂
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