Blood Fury: Black Dagger Legacy, Book 3

Ward’s third Black Dagger Legacy novel is considerably toned down compared to earlier books, but readers will still be satisfied. While Peyton, a wastrel member of the aristocratic glymera, is training with the Black Dagger Brotherhood in their existential war against the Lessening Society, he attempts to prove his worth, but his bad judgment nearly kills Novo, another trainee. Peyton’s attentions during Novo’s recovery are sweet and sexy, but a combination of their selfish families, her insecurities, and a big secret may destroy their relationship before it can blossom. Of the two romances in this entry, theirs is the more emotionally intense, but the love story that develops between Brotherhood consigliere Saxton and new household member Ruhn may be more poignant, thanks to rough-edged Ruhn’s uncertainty about his elevated position in the Brotherhood. Ward’s duo of redemptive and complementary romances is engrossing and surprisingly tender. Agent: Meg Ruley, Jane Rotrosen Agency. (Jan.)