If you have been a reader of the blog for a while, you no doubt are aware I am something of a fan of Jessica Bird, a.k.a. J.R. Ward. I happen to think the author is beyond cool. I was blown away by Dark Lover and still to this day am in love with that book as well as Lover Awakened. Hey… everyone has a favorite brother.
When it came time to for Lover Enshrined I thought it would be tres nifty to have her CP, the ever nifty Jessica Andersen do the interview… we got lucky (or they gave in so I would shut up), at the end of the interview you can read how YOU can get lucky *G*
Dr. Jessica Andersen, author of the newly released paranormal Nightkeepers, interviews J.R. Ward, otherwise known as the WARDen, author of the also newly released Lover Enshrined. Read on…
Hey Duckies, author Jessica Andersen here! I don’t know where you all are at, but here in the Northeastern USA it’s hot as blazes. Hello, early heat wave! In an effort to cool things down, I thought I’d keep it light today. I’m joined by my good buddy and critique partner, J.R. Ward, and we’re going to do a little quacking about her awesome new release, Lover Enshrined, the sixth book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.
Jessica Andersen: Hey JR, dude. Thanks for agreeing to do this mini-interview!
J.R. Ward: Actually, thank you for doing it!
JA: Staying on that ‘keep it light and cool’ theory, I thought we could do a ‘these are a few of my favorite things’ list… so here goes. As always in the BDB books, Lover 
Enshrined has got a ton of great zingers and one-liners among the characters. What’s your favorite line in the book, and why?
JRW: Man, there are a number of them! I think my fav is when Wrath is explaining to John Matthew that the last time Lassiter, the fallen angel, was on the planet there was a plague in central Europe. Lassiter’s response: “Okay, that was SO not my fault.”
JA: Building on that idea, what’s your favorite scene in Lover Enshrined?
JRW: Lemme think… the one with John Matthew on page 497 (I’m quoting the page to avoid a spoiler) just tore at my heart, in a good way and a bad way. I also like the one with Phury on page 492… that was just a great scene (it’s the one where he emerges from the Scribe Virgin’s private quarters.) That one also leads up to my favorite line in the book: “He finally felt like the hero he had always wanted to be.” But my absolute favorite scene… was the one at the end when Z comes to Phury, with the Brotherhood. Got me all teary when I wrote it to be honest. It was so great to see the twins reunited and the Brothers all together… and yeah, that’s my fav.
JA: Thinking of the series as a whole, which of the book covers is your favorite, and why?
JRW: You know, I like them all but I think Dark Lover is my favorite. I love the red and the black, plus it was the first one and set the standard for them all. So, yeah, have to go with the king on that one!
JA: Okay, shifting the topic slightly, what’s the funniest thing a fan ever asked you, either online or during a public appearance?
JRW: Actually, I’d have to say it wasn’t a question, but how a question was raised. This lovely woman who always attends the Cincinnati signings, lifted her hand up to her face, putting it on her forehead (to indicate she had something to ask). The thing was, she had her fingers orientated so that it put a loser sign on her forehead as she looked up at me. I busted out laughing and was like, are you losering me at my own signing?! Of course everyone cracked up- she 
handled it very well, though. And she’s still coming to the signings!
JA: What was your favorite song (or songs) to listen to while you were writing Phury? Did you mainline the opera, or was the soundtrack straight up ZeroSum fare, or…?
JRW: Huh… well, I listened to opera a lot, yes. But as always there was rap and hip hop in my ears while I ran during the writing of the book. And when I run I plan a lot so even Phury was touched by the likes of Fifty and Pac and Kanye and Lil Jon and Jay-Z…
JA: When you’re treating yourself, what’s the treat? Chocolate? Massage? White water rafting?
JRW: Right now? Breyers vanilla and coffee ice cream!
JA: And now for the lightning round… please answer the following with a word or phrase only, no explanations:
Favorite DVD? “The Office”, any season
Favorite guilty pleasure on TV? “Flavor of Love”, any season
Favorite guilty pleasure in the fridge? Ice cream, see above
Favorite word for the Chicago Manual of Style? Okay that’s a trick question! LOLOLOL geeee I’d have to go with c***sucker.
JA: And finally, what is your favorite recent release about the Mayan 2012 doomsday and the men and women who are bound to protect us from the apocalypse?
JRW: OMG, it’s totally Nightkeepers by Jessica Andersen! Have you ever heard of her? Fabulous writer, wicked sense of humor… and excels at fondue. You.are.welcome.
JA: And there you have it, Duckies! Straight from the WARDen herself, a little light fun on a hot day.
Thank you WARDen for Phury! Honestly, I didn’t think I would make it to his release ( I spoke of it so much everyone around me was ready to kill me ) and once again you usurp my expectations and graciously provide us with a wonderful story! I am so very excited for the Compendium, you have no idea! I have to say that you really are my favorite author and I get the biggest rush after reading one of your new books and then getting all of my friends to read it as well.
My questions:
Does the Scribe Version know about Lash, and if so can she tell anyone?
Will we ever get to meet Phury and Cormia’s son?
Does Uncle Rehv visit Nalla ever?
Are Phury and Cormia Nalla’s God parents?
Thank you and have a great day!
And yes, I am holed up in my house in upstate NY (Rochester) because it is SOOOOO HOT! So I totally feel your pain Dr. Andersen!
Stay cool, and just remember to think about ice! ALOT of ice!
Again, loved, loved, loved LEn J.R. Another great book in the series. Can’t wait for Rehvenge!!!
WARDen! Babe, you blow my mind with everything you write. Are you SURE you can’t just jump straight to John Matthew’s book? The wait is KILLING me. Okay, so I’m a touch obsessed with John Boy. I’m dealing with it. *sigh*
MUAH!
I absolutely love the BDB series and I thank the heavens that you wrote them because I don’t know what I would do if I’ve never read this wonderful series.
How did you get started at writing the BDB series?
How many BDB books to you plan on writing or are you just going with the flow and don’t know for certain how many books you will write?
Love ya, WARDen!
Phury was phabulous, far exceeding my highest expectations. Thank you for him!
Can’t wait for Rhev- and Quinn & Blay…
Can we have a VII (mark 2)? Pretty please with cheese on top?
MUAH!
PhoenixRising Lyric
My daughter and I have fallen completely for Qhuinn. Does he get his own book and how far down the shute is it?
I LOVED LEn! It seemed to me like I’d waited forever for Phury’s story, and I was not disappointed. Can’t, can’t, CAN’T wait for Rehv next May!
((JRW))
I just love this series. LEn was fantastic as always. You leave me craving more with every story. But I do have a question.
What did Qhuinn see on the door when he almost went into the Fade? It’s making me crazy.
Yay for fun interviews!
I have to say, JR, that you have the distinguished honor of being the only person to ever make me CRY ON THE TRAIN. I’m sitting finishing up LEn on my commute and the Z scene at the end hits. Now, Z being one of my favs anyway, and the voice. *sigh* You rock!
Thanks for another fantastic book! Can’t wait for Rehv!
Love the series Ms.J.R. Ward, also love the Nightkeepers as well. I count down the days till the BDB come out.
Thanks for making the book so outstanding.
You are really talented
Woohoo! Another chat. I’m SUPPOSE to be working…oh well..haha 🙂 Oh…and I know for SURE that your a cool person. THE OFFICE IS MY FAVORITE TV SHOW! “Thats what she said.” lol
Hi JR! 🙂 Who is your favorite brother and why?
Hi WARDen,
I loved, loved, loved LE as well as all the others. My question is are we going to see any of the other brothers as dad’s or is it just Z for now? I personally would love to see Wrath as a father! Gotta love Wrath!!!
I love this series, and can’t wait to read Nightkeepers!
Thanks for the wonderful interview!
Can you tell us anything exciting about the upcoming BDB compendium?
Also, I know this is supposed to be all BDB questions, but any word on your Jessica Bird books?
Thanks again! I can’t believe I have to wait so long for another new BDB book.
I love the brotherhood and can’t wait to read about Rev. Keep them coming.
Thanks JR for the BDB. My husband thinks that I am nuts when I start to tear up during certain parts of the books. You always leave me wanting more,more,MORE!!!! Can’t wait for the next book!
Love YA
OMG! Your answer to the funniest question had me in stitches! The poor lady. LOL! Too funny!
Great interview, ladies. Very entertaining!
Quick question…will V ever find out that Lash is his cousin?
Loved LE, just like I’ve loved the rest.
Just one question and it’s a spoiler – Will John Matthew and Xhex end up together or do they have different mates?
I’m nearly finished with Phury’s book and am enjoying it 🙂 Loved the interactions between Wrath/Quinn, the ‘new troika’ of Blay/Quinn/JM and Phury/Z 🙂
My questions are:
We do not get to really see Mary and Marissa in this book. I can see why b/c of the flow of the storyline, but I would love to see more of them in the future. Do you know when that may be happening? I would love to read a scene where Phury and Mary adopt a young.
In the last book Marissa was having computer probs at her safe house. We know you write nothing without a reason so when will you reveal what going on with that?
That Lassiter line was also one of my favorite lines. I loved it!
I also liked when Rehv said something like, “Whoa, turn it down G.E.” LOL Classic.
Two other lines that were my favorites were not spoken: one was signed (Chapter 20 Qhuinn to JM in the back of the car), and one was written in a note (Chapter 55 JM to Xhex).
I absolutely love the whole “Lover” series, but I couldn’t wait until Phury’s story came out and I was not disppointed. I eagerly await each new addition to the “Brotherhood”. Thank you, J.R., for investing so much in these characters and stories, it is a series I will go back to reread again for a long time to come.
OMG I just finished LEn and I have to say I cannot WAIT for Rhev and Tohr’s stories to come out! I love me some tortured heroes and so far the Brotherhood has delivered in SPADES!
I so loved Phury but I am so looking forward to Rehvenge. He is the one book after Zsadist I have really been gagging to read I mean he is so hot. Mohawk Sable coat and MMMmmm you know what I mean. Is there anything you can tell us just to keep me going to Jan 09.
Hi Warden! And Hi Doc Jess!
Just finished LEn and I’m reading Nightkeepers right now. Thank you both so much for your wonderful contributions to the romantic genre!
I have a question for you Warden. Actually, it’s my mother’s question. We are really excited about seeing Nalla! Do you see any of the other brothers becomming parents any time soon and if so, which ones?
Thanks a bunch! MerryMey
I just wanted to say that I adore the series.. you freakin ROCK WARDen!!! The Brothers struck a cord within me and I worry for them, care for them and wait with baited breath to find out what happens next. Thank you for sharing your friends with us!!!! MUUAAHH!!!
Thank you so much for your wonderful stories. Where did you learn the speech of the Brothers?
Fun interview ladies!!
And, Flavor of Love?? Never would’ve guessed!
Thank you WARDen for these Brothers! I have to agree that Wrath is my favorite cover and one of my favorite Brothers; he IS the King. I think Butch is a top favorite of mine b/c his is the first book I read of the series–I had no idea what I picked up when I got that yummy story.
Great interview ladies!
Thanks to you both for your books! I love the BDB and I’m reading Nightkeepers right now! Great read Doc Jess!
Thanks to you both for your efforts in writing these books for us all to enjoy!
Thanks JR… you not only got me addicted to those yummy brothers, but once i told my hubby about what you have gone through with your teeth, his heart went out to you, as he’s a had few more than you but not all right together, he now is reading the brothers and TOTALLY enjoying them!!! ( butch is his fav so far)
.. THANKS!! and he said to give you gentle hugs from one who knows what it feels like..??
Kathy….aka… bgmbrme
Thanks for the great Q & A!!
Couple of quick questions for you. When can we expect to see Rev’s book? Are you planning to be at the RWA in San Francisco this summer?
I love the BDB series. I have recommended to to so many people and the response is always OMG I LOVE THEM!!
Lora 🙂
Aloha WARDen,
Thank you so much for the world you have created! Your ending to Lover Enshrined was ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!! Totally enjoyed your interview. Will there ever be a physical smackdown between the Scribe Virgin and the Omega? Will we find out who their parents are? Do you plan a book for Lassiter? :)Please never stop writing!!
Aloha, Anya
I thought Z singing to Phury at the end with the rest of the Brothers was the best scene ever in this book and I was happy to hear that The Warden feels the same way! Love a good ending!
Hello WARDen & Doc Jess,
I, of course, am a BDB FANatic from the word GO! However, I just finished “Night Keepers” and I think I have another series I could get lost in.
The writing is very similar to what I have come to expect from JR WARD, witty & stylish with an urban flavor.
I love to read, and I really love that the two of you are giving me something really cool to enjoy.
Take care, and keep ’em comin’.
Debra M. Stevenson
Loved loved loved Phury’s story! Thank you JR, for this wonderful series!
Hello WARDen
First I love all the books. I have to fight my daughter and my sister off of them.
Second Just love them sh*t kickers they wear. I have been looking for myself a pair and not really finding what I want, but I will.
Third Can you make some life size posters of the brothers and send them my way. This way I can just scan the room and never have to leave again.
Great story as always, WARDen!! You never disappoint me! I’m really looking forward to the Compendium with that Short Story you promised. THANKS!!!
LEn – another belter, JR! Made me cross-eyed reading it in one sitting, then of course had to go back and read it again, picking up what I missed on the first skim…
Which then makes me go back to the beginning of the series and work on wearing out the copies!
Thanks for creating this wonderful, enthralling world – one question, though, maybe its a non-US thing, but the abbreviations are totally puzzling to me, could we perhaps have a Glossary of Abbreviations for we unenlightened ones???
Another year ’til we get our hands on Rhev – how will we cope?
Best Wishes from “Bonnie Scotland,”
Lorraine
Warden: I would do just about anything to get a signed set of BDB!! OMG…These are mine and my hellren’s FAVS! WE even got BDB tattoos. I can’t wait for the next one.
You are the best!! Always. I loved Phury…
Just one question. Will John Matthew be a virgin until he meets his mate?
I won’t speak for the WARDen (’cause she doesn’t get mad, she gets even ), but to those of you who gave me a shout out, thanks very much, and HEY!
Becky Jean- dude, I was writing yesterday with an ice pack on the back of my neck, just trying to keep the temp down. Stay cool yourself!
ToLee, MerrryMey, Vicky Steele and Debra- thanks for the props on Nightkeepers, happy you enjoyed the read!
VikiH- hope you like it!
And to all- thanks for checking out the interview- we had fun with it 🙂
WOW, I learned all sorts of new things about you!
Coffee ice cream—DUH! I could have guessed that!
The Office —- figures, one of my favs too
Favorite cuss word—- could have been anyone of them, you use all of them equally well : )
Guilty pleasure—- WOW, never saw that coming. I will write it off to morbid curiosity!
This was a great interview! You rock, as always.
Love you baby!!
Your JM
Absolutely fantastic book!! I loved seeing how everyone is growing in each book. With a series, I think it’s all about growth. I say bring on the war, can’t wait to read it. Lash….G-Dang never saw it coming, best jaw dropping turn of events ever!
These books are incredible! This series is on my “must buy” list. Now, if only I had a Brother of my own….
Love the books. Everybody got their favorites and mine are Mary and Rhage. I am missing them in the books. Any chance we will be seeing more of them?
Hi JR,
I heard that Rhev’s book will not be out until May 09 – will all the books from this point forward be about a year apart?
Love, Love, Love all the books
B
WARDen,
I must say reading Lover Enshrined was a treat. Until now, Rehv just wasn’t IT for me, you know? Thanks to LEn I am So feeling Rehv now. Can’t wait for his book! …Qhuinn …Blay. Yum! Thank you for writing stories with such great males.
Another delightful interview!
So, now I’ve got to go get Nightkeepers and see what it’s all about…which is good because I’ve now read LEn three times, and though I loved it more each time, I’m gonna go rabid with waiting for the next JR Ward book! Yay Compendium!
Here’s to you, WARDen, and congratulations on another splendid novel!
Thank you so much, Mileena 🙂
Hi Warden,
Can you tell us how old JM, Blay and Quinn are? Also,
Who is Princess? And how does she come into play with Rehv? Will Mary and the King have children soon?