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.
Cathy Great Q!! Cormia is a smart one, I’m sure she’ll do right by them 😉
Jennifer *sigh* me too, I can’t wait to write about JM! Muuaah!
Maritza (((Maritza))) that sucks 🙁 I’m sorry baby girl!
Thia Thanks!! I will try 😉
Bean Actually I knew exactly who she was from then on, but in a way she was coffinesque LOLOL
Alyssa WORD! It’s soooo addictive LOL ps Z’s my fave too – damn you have great taste 😉
Willa I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Wrath, well whats not to love?! *sigh*
Kiley YEY!!! Glad to have you on board and on the boards LOLOL
Katie Hmm, I don’t know for definite but I hope so, for all those with ‘keeper shelves’ also my Research Assistant would love it, his copies look like his dogs used them for chew toys LOLOL
Robin SSE’s are Silhouette Special Editions 😉
I just wanted to say that I love all of your books…Thank you so much for writing them for all of us. My favorite Brother is Z…I absolutley LOVE him. I can’t wait for the next book.Is there a possibility you are coming to VA for a book signing anytime?? MUUAH!!
Keep em coming J.R. I cannot get enough of the Brothers! I love them with all my heart and soul!
Lots of love!
Rebecca
I love the brother’s. I started reading them during the 2nd release, bought the first at the grocery store. Immediately ordered the rest on line and finished all of them in 4 days. Thanks for the stories and keep on writing.
Hi WARDen,
I know this will prob get a big KR, but my brain has been trying to envision V encountering Payne and I’m just going ‘splat!’ at how that’s gonna go down 🙂 Will it happen in LAv?
hugs and lottsa love
PS – three words for LEn – Oh.My.God. that story is just so unbelievably fantastic..and that last scene *sigh* those boys just make me go ‘Thud’
WARDen, I just want to thank you so much for LEn. I am continually amazed at your ability to juggle so many storylines while staying true to the characters. V and Z are my fave brothers, but I found Phury’s struggle towards redemption enthralling. Can’t wait for Rehv’s book but def. looking forward to the Compendium. Take Care, XOXO.
JR WARD! I cannot thank you enough for the BDB. I was originally told of them at a party while mingling… And since then, I’ve read Wrath, Rhage, and Zsadist three times, Butch and Vishous twice, and I’m about to start my second round on Phury. Then I might even begin again if I get too restless waiting on Rehvenge… Let me tell you, I have so many questions it’s not even funny!
First and foremost, in whose book will Aggie be born? Is he the next young born?
I, too, am very impatient to hear s’more pitter patter of little feet… And I know you keep responding with a big fat “keep reading” as far as young goes, but will there be any pregnancies in Rhev’s novel?
Will any ladies have their own novels? Like say… Payne?
I know you’ve said nothing is fixed yet as far as book order, but that Tohrment is not next… So is it official who is after Rhevenge? You hinted it might be John Matthew, but is it for sure?
And finally, when will the winner of this contest be announced?
WARDen!! Both my mom and I LOVED LEn!! It totally rocked. The SELFer’s will probably come for me but till this book I so wasn’t feeling Lassiter. Now? I can’t wait for more. The whole scene between Wrath and Qhuinn. I was crying, serious. This book made me cry, laugh, get angry, and awwed. You have a true gift.
Doc Jess! OMG OMG! I LOVE Nightkeepers. I stayed up all day to read it. The characters are amazing and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Strike rocked and showed a real strength. Can’t wait for Jan!!
I love the BDB books!Can’t wait for LAv.
My questions are:
What Danielle Steel book did Qhuinn flip through? and Have we met Blay’s mate yet?
Thank you for the interview!
I really have to say that the BDB series is one of my absolute favorites. I know I can count on the Brothers for an escape if I need it!
Thanks again!
J.R.!
I just finished reading Lover Enshrined and I must say I loved the book! It was hearfelt and beautifully written. I loved the way you are able to weave plots and storelines and still keep the focus of the story on the Hero and & Heroine. I my favorite part of the whole book was the end when Z came and sang to Phury. I loved reading and experiencing the connection that was so deep between Phury and Z and also between all of the brothers. You amaze me when your abilities as an author. I also wanted to say thank you for the BDB because I believe it is one of the most well written series I have ever read. Your characters are touching and your storylines intense. But I must say, when do we get John Matthews book? I am dying to read John, Qhuinn, and Blay!?
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
I love these stories and can not wait for the next. Have you thought about putting together a kind of “family tree” for the brotherhood???
OMG….I just love your books JR and I can’t wait until Qhuinn finally gets his HEA. He is absolutely my favorite character in the series and I can’t wait to read more about him.
Hi WARDen
Thanks so much for the series. Its my all-time favorite series and LEn is fabulous!!!.
I REALLY want to know what Quinn saw. Would you be open to a bribe? (I have cheese…)
Hi Doc Jess! I just finished Nightkeepers and it was great. I should be mad at you because the LAST thing I needed was another series to read, but I’m not going to be able to resist. The Nightkeepers is just too good!
Thanks to both of you for brightening up my reading world! Keep it up.
Hi WARDen,
Is there any chance Layla will get her HEA? I’ve always had a soft spot for her and she deserves to be happy.
🙂
Sahara MUUAAAH! My pleasure baby girl! Wonder if the Brothers will give me the day off to read a book…eerr probably not LOL
Beth MUUAAH! Thank you *blush*
Syb Spoiler huh? Hmmm *thinks* Maybe I could tell you about Rehv and…nah…or maybe about the Chosen and..hmmph…OH OH OH theres the thing with Wrath nope nope not that either dang, too many choices. Looks like I’ll just have to send you the next SSE when it’s done Syb ;)ps Syb I’m just keeping up and no more LOL I’m printing off the Compendium while I answer LOL
Hi Warden!!!
I just wanted to tell you, like so many others have, that I am so glad to have discovered this wonderful series of books and to tell you how much fun it is to be a part of this adventure. You have brought these brothers to life for us in a way that not many authors can and we appreciate that so much!! Loved Phury and can’t wait for Rehv!!!
Also, to Doc Jess….I started Nightkeepers and wanted to tell you I am enjoying it immensely….it looks like it will be a great series. Can’t wait for the next one!!!
Vishous & Rhage Forever. OOOPS. Did I say that?
LE continues a series of books that will certainly entertain, amuse, teach and excite for years to come. This book ties up loose ends and opens up new panoramas. Will there be a little bit of confrontation between V & Payne? Will Lassiter prove to be a love interest for someone we have yet to meet? Wrath and Beth have any baby booties in their future? Butch & Marissa meet Butch’s dad? Idle wanderings of a restless reader’s mind.
Loved the set up and one-liner by Lassiter that you described. And by the way, can’t think of a better way to relax than to settle down to one of your books and indulge in ice cream…
This series is an addiction, keep them coming Jess;-D
Take care,
Dee:)
JR WARD!!!
Let me just tell you how AWESOME a job that you are doing with the brother’s books!!! I seriously pity the people who havent read them–they are absolutely WONDERFULLLL (TRUE?? LOL)!!!
I also recently read Jessica Andersen’s Nightkeepers (your suggestion) and OMG that was such a good read!! LOVED IT!! LOLLL I am telling all my friends to read her novel!
THANK YOU SOO MUCH FOR THESE BOOKS!!! I am never going to stop reading your novels. EVER!
ps when I heard you were coming out with a new series I ALMOST fell off my chair!!! SOO EXCITEDDDD LOLOLOL
ok i won’t give spoilers but omg that scene she is talking about with JM…i was balling my eyes out…then again i am a HUGE JM fan… when his book comes out, i’m going to like stand in front of barnes and noble two days before hand and beg for it lol
great interview and i really enjoyed LEn
Angela MUAH, baby! So glad you liked him and NK is a TOTAL keeper!
Khringe KEEEEEEEEEEEP REAAAAAAADING on most of those but the first meeting between V & Payne- WOW. S’all I’m sayin’. Oh! That and I certainly wouldn’t wanna be the Scribe Virgin when V finds out that she kept his twin from him for that long!
Little Lamb I know right? *sigh* Love that male…
((((((((Dee))))))))Hi! Thank you so much for stopping by!
LEXIE!!! LOLOL
Blake Me.Too. OMG!
Hi WARDen,
I think we should start laying in the popcorn supplies now for V and the SV LOLOLOL – or start selling tickets! I SOOOOO can’t wait for that one… yes, he’s my fave, complications and all *sigh* what can I say? I never go for the simple ones…
Is John book the next book after Rehvenge or is it Payne?
Will Nalla have a book?
WARDEN: You rock something fierce! Love love Loooove the Brothers and can’t wait to see more of Qhuinn!!
LOVED LE!!! Can’t wait for more of Qhuinn! What a little hotty he’s turned out to be…yum. LOL
I also loved the scenes in the book you mentioned. You had be crying and laughing so many times! Can’t wait for more.
Sherri
DonaCat Right there with you, baby girl! Can you say ‘Zsadist’? LOL
Lindsey I’m thinking that JM is going to be up next after Rehv. Nalla may very well have her own book but it will be a loooooong time!
Lisa MUAH! And yeah, Qhuinn is HOT! 😉
Sherri Lee Thank you so much, baby! I’m so glad you liked him!
I just finished LE and loved every page. I cant wait for Rhevenge’s book. I also hope the three musketeers aka John, Qhuinn, and Blaylock have their book. U just cant leave us hanging over what’s up with Lash. Keep’em coming. Thanks for a good read always. Latishue
You missed me 🙁
I just wanted to say that I love your books. I went to 4 different stores just so I could have Phury the day it came out. Thank you for creating such an effing awesome series.
so I’ll ask again, lol…
I have a question about the ribbons for Nalla’s crib: How are the colors determined for the human shellans? What’s the Mary/Rhage and the V/Jane ribbon colors? And also, if uncle Rehv doesn’t have a shellan yet, does he not get to pledge a ribbon?
Thanks!
It’s okay Oggi, she skipped me too… I’m sure she’ll get to us as soon as she has time!
WARDen,
Truly am in love w/LEn. Trying to keep busy while waiting on the Compendium. October is my birthday, so maybe you will come back up to Cleveland like last year and I will get you to sign it when it comes out.
Q: Will there be a induction ceremony for the boys & Rehv in LAv?
Have a great day! Loving all the blogging.
Warden,
I’m really not expecting anything on this question but I’m oh so ever hoping you will grace us with your knowledge, Lol. Can you give us any information on “No’One”? Thank you so much for your time and Phury was great I loved the trio.
Jessica Anderson,
I read your book right after LEn and let me tell you I loved it and it didn’t disappoint me in the least, which is a compliment of the highest regards considering I’m a cellie 🙂
LOL, she skipped me as well! Our Warden is very busy!
Hi WARDen!!
Keep up the good work! Love the BDB!
Lookin’ forward to the Compendium in Oct!!
Thanks Steph and MerryMey 🙂
And really, I think she’s done a stellar job here today, and I so appreciate our WARDen!
I Love the JR Ward’a books. I wish she had a book coming
out every month.
Hi WARDen,
Will there be any good JM/Tohr moments in Lover Avenged? I’m hoping so. I’ll probably need my Kleenex if there are.
I’m so looking forward to seeing more of Payne. When I think of her Rev 22:20 by Puscifer begins to play in my head.
Loving every minute I’ve read so far – keep ’em coming. 🙂
hmmm I could say that you have given out spoilers somewhere else (where ever you gave the mate’s name) and that you had too or I would feel horribly neglected. And that would be bad.
And would result in me bringing it up at least once or twice a week for the next forever…
So really giving us a spoiler would be helpful for you too. But my selfish nature makes me want to run with the SEND SYBIL SSE! And I think this means you are evol and are banking on my selfishness to over ride want for spoilers.
le sigh… what is a duckie to do…. ohhhh printing the Compendium ? to send to me? I take door number three alex.
Really I think you and jessica andersen should give us a spoiler. hmmmm You should give one on Nightkeeper and she should give one on BDB.
See I R Creative. just go with it
Can’t wait to see more of Payne. When I think of her Rev 22:20 by Puscifer beings to play in my head.
Loving every minute I’ve read thus far – keep ’em coming!!
Thank You for Z’s comments to Phury. I’ve thought the same thing for so long. Someone needs that wood.
I know they love each other very much but their issues have yet to be resolved on both sides.
Time for a hike around the grounds?
J.R. I love your books. I can’t wait until I get Phury’s book, which is hopefully going to be Thursday. I can’t wait to read what comes next. I look forward to the day when your next book comes out, that my husband thinks I’m losing my mind. LOL!!
Oggi I’m so sorry! I’m trying to keep up, I promise! You guys have kept me on my toes today. 😉 That’s an excellent question! The pledging of the ribbons is a Brotherhood tradition and Rehv sent his by proxy.
Danielle & Latishue Thank YOU so much! You guys ROCK!
Susie KEEEEEEEEP REEEEEADING!!! 😉
roxie YAY! I’m so glad you liked LEn! For the answer to your Q tho? See above LOL
Syb LOLOLOL You are too much! I’m still not falling for it tho!
WARDen! Two interviews in two days! This is way too cool.
Just wanted to stop by to say THANKS! for all the lovely reading material. I was totally in love with the series after the first book (still think its the best! ^_^) Dark Lover is my favorite cover too, the Red and Black just “pops” out and grabs ya. Looking forward to what happens next.
Question: Will you be out on the West Coast any time soon for book signing?
WARDen, thanks for sharing the continuing sage of the BDB.
If there’s a five month span between LU and LEn, does that mean Cormia spent all her time in her room only coming out for First Meal? I thought it kind of odd that she started getting familiar with this side with John and later on Bella. Did she not interact with any of the shellans during those 5 months?