J.R. Ward perfects forbidden love in The Chosen, while keeping fans guessing what will happen to Layla and Xcor as they fight the odds to get their happily ever after.

About ‘The Chosen’:

A scorching forbidden love threatens to tear a rift through the Black Dagger Brotherhood in J.R. Ward’s latest novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series: The Chosen.

Xcor, leader of the Band of Bastards, convicted of treason against the Blind King, is facing a brutal interrogation and torturous death at the hands of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Yet after a life marked by cruelty and evil deeds, he accepts his soldier’s fate—his sole regret the loss of a sacred female who was never his: the Chosen Layla.

Layla alone knows the truth that will save Xcor’s life. But revealing his sacrifice and his hidden heritage will expose them both and destroy everything Layla holds dear—even her role of mother to her precious young. Torn between love and loyalty, she must summon the courage to stand up against the only family she has ever had for the only man she will ever love.

As a dangerous old enemy returns to Caldwell, and the identity of a new deity is revealed, nothing is certain or safe in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, not even true love… or destinies that have long seemed set in.

‘The Chosen’ review:

J.R. Ward has delivered another gripping story about the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I could not have been more excited for Xcor and Layla to get their own novel and I was not disappointed. Just like the rest of the series there was plenty of action that kept me on the edge of my seat, and enough scorching romance to keep me captivated.

The complicated parenting situation between Layla, Qhuinn, and Blay also had my heart breaking. Even though Layla loves her children more than anything, the less than ideal situation is tormenting her and readers will feel her pain too. The sadness from this bleeds out and affects the others around, creating tension that leaves one wondering how it could possibly be resolved.

Despite the problems that arise from Xcor being around, and the consequences for Layla’s love for him, I was rooting for them 100%. Their pure connection seems to defy all the odds against them and even though Xcor should be someone to hate, it’s impossible not to like him with the way he handles Layla.

The twists that ended up solving many problems for the couple seemed to come out of nowhere and I was plenty shocked. I can’t say much more than that without risking spoilers. There is also quite an interesting revelation on who will become the new deity for race, that was another twist I couldn’t have guessed.

What I loved about The Chosen was that it also seemed to propel the series forward. They’ve been fighting the same enemy for quite some time now, and while there’s nothing wrong with that, the developments going forward seem to freshen up the storyline. Fans are used to seeing the brothers fighting the lessers, but a new enemy is revealed and it feels like a new war is about to start.

If I had to complain about something it would be that it felt like Layla and Xcor didn’t get to have as much time together as other couples. This is largely due to the situation that they’re in so it’s understandable. With all of the danger around them, the pair have to spend time apart. Would it have been nice to see them have more alone time? Yes. But given the storyline it made sense for it to play out that way.

Even though this is generally a darker series, there were some parts that made me laugh which I appreciated. There are some plots left unfinished for the other brothers which just makes me more desperate for the next novel. Until then I’ll be thinking about them.

Note: Readers will want to be caught up the Black Dagger Brotherhood series before reading The Chosen.

The Chosen is available now wherever books are sold! Get your hands on a copy today at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, or find it at an indie bookstore near you!

J.R. Ward will also be in Cincinnati on April 8 for a fan event to celebrate the publication of The Chosen. Information and tickets can be found here.