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2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
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2) Heather Massey
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Showing posts with label BDB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BDB. Show all posts
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Saturday Conversations 03/30/2013
Waiting on a book...
Yes... that was me this week (and the past year!)... Waiting for the release of the eleventh Black Dagger Brotherhood book... Lover At Last by JR Ward. I was so excited for this book that I actually paid the ridiculous price for the Kindle version - just so I could have it download on to my Paperwhite at midnight. I've been excited about books before, but never so much as Lover At Last. It's not my favorite series, it's not the best story out there, but something about JR Ward keeps me coming back for more.
Also, a driving factor for getting to the book immediately and through it so quickly were concerns over finding out spoilers and/or reading comments and reviews. I didn't want to know anything about the book, so that drove me to finish it as quickly as possible.I was so excited to read the book that I did a few things I've never done before for a book...
First, I put down the book I was in the middle of reading so I could start Lover At Last. I HATE mixing up books and I've never not finished a book from beginning to end before starting the next one. Yet, for Qhuay, I was more than willing!
Second, I set my alarm for 4:00AM to get up early to start reading it. (I was told it would download on my Kindle after 3:00AM EDT). But I was SO excited that I actually woke on my own at 3:02AM and started reading!
Third, I took the day off from work so I could read it right away.
Finally, I bribed my kids to leave me alone so I could finish this book (okay, I've done that one before!)
I finished the entire 600ish page book just after midnight that day. I did take time to feed my kids and take them to their karate classes. I did do some laundry. But I read off and on for 21 hours.
I don't know if I could do that again. It would have to be a special book. It would also need to be one that is an easy, light read.
So... what about you... What lengths have you gone to in order to read/finish a book? What was the book - or if you haven't before... is there a book/series you would go to the extreme to read?
Thanks for stopping to chat!
Friday, March 29, 2013
Review: Lover At Last by JR Ward
Lover At Last
Author: JR Ward
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Publisher: NAL
Black Dagger Brotherhood #11
ISBN: #978-0451239358
Genre: Paranormal Romance, m/m romance
Format(s): Hardcover (608 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....
Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.
Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one.
What I’m talking about:
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Like almost every other fan of JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series, I have been waiting for this story since Blay and Qhuinn shared their first (extremely passionate) kiss in the sixth book, Lover Enshrined (June 2008). I am happy to report that for me, Lover At Last met my expectations and is a wonderful addition to this long-running series.
There is a lot that happens during Lover At Last, and I’m not going to try to give a play-by-play summary, but rather hit a few of the high points. Overall, I felt the writing was tight and the flow of the book much better than those in recent history. For the first time in I don’t know how long, I actually enjoyed every section and subplot, and I didn’t skip over any parts. All of the pieces created a richer story that I simply adored.
First and foremost, this is the story of the love between Blay and Qhuinn. Although there is a lot going on around the couple, the book never loses focus on the ending point -- their union. I knew that with their shared history, this wasn’t going to be an easy journey, but thankfully, their path to HEA wasn't made to be ridiculously difficult. Prior to this book, we started seeing a more mature Qhuinn, and his transformation and growth continued during Lover At Last. At one point when he thought he might die, Qhuinn’s first regret was that he would never know is unborn daughter followed by the fact that he hadn’t told Blay his true feelings. As a parent, I got that and adored Qhuinn even more because of it. He has grown up.
Blay... poor Blay. The young warrior has been hurt so many times by Qhuinn, and frankly, I didn’t blame him one iota when he continued to push Qhuinn away, even letting him believe Blay loved Saxton. I adored reading Blay’s innermost thoughts as he wondered if Qhuinn truly was growing up. His confusion and hesitation was all too real and perfectly done. I also loved Blay’s interactions with his family. Those parts of the story added value by demonstrating and contrasting the backgrounds of both warriors.
Luckily for us, we didn’t have to wait the entire book for some sexy hookup time. At first, the couple’s sexual encounters were driven by anger and filled with desperation. It was very emotional to watch Qhuinn beg, taking whatever he could get, and have Blay push away when he felt they were getting too close. In the end, their romance was both passionate and sweet. The epilogue was probably one of the best scenes ever in a BDB story. *sigh*
As far as the numerous side stories go, I have a hard time picking which is my favorite. First, we pick up again with the Lessers - and before you cringe and want to skip... these sections are not overly long and contain and/or initiate other powerful scenes that I enjoyed immensely. One of my absolute favorite scenes in the entire book falls into this category. While hunting Lessers, the Brotherhood finds itself in danger of losing one of their own. Qhuinn steps up big time and attempts to fly a plane to take the injured warrior home. The journey and conclusion was powerful and brought tears to my eyes. Just wonderful!
There is also the continuing drama of Layla’s pregnancy (with Qhuinn). Again, I was prepared to be annoyed, but let me tell you, Layla grew some big ones since the last book. She’s a much more confident woman and I love how she stood up for herself when Havers tried to put her into a tough place. And the time Layla and Qhuinn spend together furthers my adoration for Qhuinn and how both characters have matured.
The book also deals with Xcor and his Band of Bastards. Xcor is simply evil and twisted, and it will be interesting to see how Ms. Ward finds a way to redeem him. There is also a significant side story for Trez (thinking he may be the next book?!), and another dealing with Assail - the vampire who took over Rehv’s drug business in Caldwell. Both were left with significant loose ends that will hopefully be addressed in the next book. Finally, there is a very small and somewhat subtle thread dealing with Wrath, Beth and the idea of an heir/child. I really enjoyed the set up for some major (future) drama and conflict there.
Honestly, I truly enjoyed Lover At Last from beginning to end and every bit in between. Blay and Qhuinn (and the reader) finally got the story they so richly deserved. I was delighted that every part of the book, including the numerous side stories, were well-written and enjoyable. Overall, I feel that as a whole book, Lover At Last is the best yet of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.
My Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
4.5 stars,
BDB,
Black Dagger Brotherhood,
GLBT,
JR Ward,
m/m romance,
NAL,
paranormal romance,
Twimom Review
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7
comments
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Saturday Conversations 09/29/2012
Magnificent Misfits
Looking at the rather insane collection of books that line the shelves above my desk, it occurred to me that almost all of them have a good bit in common. One of those things is the use of that most relatable underdogs: the misfit. Be it the hero, heroine, or sidekick (especially when the sidekick gets their own book the next time around!!), a misunderstood protagonist makes for a yummy read. From John Matthew in J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood to Nucking Futs Nix in Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark, and Mina Wentworth in Meljean Brook's The Iron Seas, misfits rock.
Let's chat... Who are your favorite literary misfits and why?
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Sunday Snippet #100
Lover Reborn
Author: J.R. Ward
Publisher: NAL Hardcover
Released: 27 March 2012
REVIEW HERE
After a moment, Blay glanced over his shoulder, toward the door into the butler's pantry. Clearly, it was the beginning of a back-away.
Hey, as you leave, Qhuinn wanted to say, will you do me favor? I think my left ventricle is on the floor, so don't step on it as you pull out? Thanks. Great.
"Are you feeling okay?" Blay murmured.
"Yeah. I'm going to go work out with John." He'd already said that. Fuck. This was a train wreck. "So there you go. Where you headed?"
"I'm going to go... get some food for Sax and myself."
"No Last Meal for you guys, either. Guess we have that in commom." Someone bust out the pom-poms and cheer for the team. Yay. "So, yeah, enjoy yourself. Selves, I mean -"
Across the foyer, the vestibule door swung wide and John Matthew came in. "Son of a bitch," Qhuinn muttered. "The bastard is finally back."
"I thought you said he was--"
"I was covering. For us both."
"You weren't together? Wait, you get caught without being with him--"
"It was not my choice. Trust me."
As Qhuinn beelined for Mr. Independent, Blay was right with him, and John took one look at the pair of them and his ahh-satisfied expression got ghost sure as if someone had booted him in the ass with a nine iron.
"We need to talk," Qhuinn hissed.
John glanced around like he was looking for a bunker to jump into. Yeah, well, tough balls for him; the foyer was essentially empty of furniture, and the dumb bitch couldn't jump far enough to reach the dining room.
Qhuinn, I was going to call--
Qhuinn grabbed the guy by the back of the neck and shoved him face-first into the land of pool and popcorn. Just past the threshold, John pushed free and went gunning for the bar. Picking up a bottle of Jack, he ripped the thing open.
"Do you think this is a fucking joke?" Qhuinn jabbed at the tattooed tear that was under his eye. "I'm supposed to be with you every second of the night and day, asshole. I've been lying for you for the last forty minutes--"
"It's true. He has."
As Blay spoke up from behind, it was a surprise. And kind of nice.
I went to see Xhex, okay. Right now, she's my priority.
Qhuinn threw up his hands. "Great. So when V is stabbing my pink slip into my chest, you can still feel good about yourself. Thanks."
"John, you can't light-head stuff like this." Blay went around and grabbed a glass, like he was afraid their buddy was going to suck the bottle down whole. "Give me that."
He took the booze, pured a healthy dose, and...Drank it himself.
"What," he muttered as he got stared at. "Here, take it back if you want."
John took a swig and then stared into space. After a moment, he shoved the Jack in Qhuinn's direction.
Rolling his eyes, Qhuinn muttered, "At least this is the kind of apology I'll accept."
As he took the bottle, it dawned on him that it had been ages since the three of them had been together. Back before their transistion, they'd spent every night after training in Blay's old room at the guy's parents' house, pissing away the hours playing video games and drinking beer and talking about the future.
And now that they were finally where they'd wanted to be? Everyone was going in a different direction.
Then again, John was right. The guy was properly mated now, so of course his focus was somewhere else. And Blay was having a rockin' good time with Saxton the Slut.
Qhuinn was the only one pining for the GODs.
"Fucking hell," he muttered to John. "Let's just forget it--"
"No," Blay cut in. "This is not okay. You cut the shit, John--you let him come with you. I don't care if you're going to be with Xhex or not. You owe this to him.
Qhuinn stopped breathing, focusing everything he had on the male who had been his best friend and his never-been lover... and the ever-after that was never going to happen.
Even after all the things that had gone on between them, and all the fuckups on his end, which were legendary, Blay still had his back.
"I love you," Qhuinn blurted into the silence.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Review: Lover Reborn
Lover Reborn
Author: J.R. Ward
Release Date: March 27, 2012
Publisher: NAL Hardcover
Black Dagger Brotherhood #10
ISBN: 0451235843
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Hardcover (592 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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Ever since the death of his shellan, Tohrment has been unrecognizable from the vampire leader he once was. Physically emaciated and heartbroken beyond despair, he has been brought back to the Brotherhood by a self-serving fallen angel. Now, fighting once again with ruthless vengeance, he is unprepared to face a new kind of tragedy.
When Tohr begins to see his beloved in his dreams—trapped in a cold, isolated netherworld far from the peace and tranquillity of the Fade—he turns to the angel in hopes of saving the one he has lost. But because Lassiter tells him he must learn to love another to free his former mate, Tohr knows they are all doomed....
Except then a female with a shadowed history begins to get through to him. Against the backdrop of the raging war with the lessers, and with a new clan of vampires vying for the Blind King’s throne, Tohr struggles between the buried past and a very hot, passion-filled future…but can his heart let go and set all of them free?
What VampBard’s talking about:
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Lover Reborn, J.R. Ward's anxiously awaited title in her Black Dagger Brotherhood series was well worth the wait. I was on pins-and-needles throughout this title. Expertly crafted plot, with so many highs and highers, I felt as though I was on a roller coaster. By the time I'd reached the end, ask Mr. VampBard... I'd cursed Ms. Ward several times and threatened to write her hate mail. 'S all good, though. Feel me?
The first thing that I'd like to mention about Lover Reborn is that it's a painful title to read. It churned up a lot of emotions for me, and required Kleenex. Prolly Puffs Plus with Aloe. Watching the Brother, Tohrment, stuck in his grief, was even more difficult than in past BDB titles.
Lassiter continues to be a key player in Tohr's existence. There's a bit of an important factoid that comes out in this title: Wellsie isn't in the Fade... she, and the unborn child, are in the In Between. This place, where Lassiter was prior to his Maker giving him the option of guiding Tohr to do what was necessary for him to let go of Wellsie so that she could move on, is a dismal place – a personal purgatory. Tohr is led to believe, by the angel, that HE is the reason Wellsie and the young aren't in the Fade. He's told it's going to take blood, sweat & tears for her to be released from her prison... and Tohr had better hurry up, because she couldn't live in that place forever. Lassiter sums it up pretty well here, when he's talking to Tohr about why he was assigned to him, and where he stands about the assignment:
“I don't know... I guess I just want what your shellan does.” He shrugged. “End of the day, the quick and the dead are the same. Everyone's just looking for home. Plus... I don't know, you're not so bad.” (location 3083, Kindle edition)
Don't worry though. The angel provides a lot of comic relief during tense situations. Thank him for keeping the Kleenex consumption down to a mere box. Seriously.
Because he loved Wellsie with his entire being, looked forward to their son, Tohrment's devastation was utterly complete. His memories were so vivid and heart-wrenching for the reader, realizing that he was dwelling in the past. In this passage, Tohr has Wellsie's mating gown lain out on his bed in the mansion:
“Tohr slipped his palm down to the satin skirting. Closing his eyes, he imagined her warm, vital flesh filling out the gown once again, her breath expanding and contracting the confines of the bodice, her long, long legs holding the skirting up off the floor, her red hair curling down to the black lace of the sleeves.” (location 1200, Kindle Edition)
Because Tohrment had a serious turn-around, things do turn out alright for Wellsie and the young. Even after the reader experiences the major schtuff with Tohr, he does right by her in the end, after tap-dancing around all the REALLY difficult stuff. Traveling on this journey of healing with him was really what Lover Reborn was all about. I'm so glad I was able to set aside my reservations about reading this title, and was able to immerse myself in the Brothers once again.
No'One, Xhex's mom, is also an integral player in Lover Reborn. Not only is she building a relationship with Xhex, but she finds herself re-connecting with Tohr. She learns about Tohrment's life, since her death, by taking a peek into one of the peering/vision bowls of water used on the Other Side:
“No'One picked up the bowl, holding it with her palms, not her fingers. With barely perceptible movement, she began to circle the water, picturing Tohrment's back as clearly as she was able.
Soon enough, a story began to unfold, told in moving pictures that were russed in living color, and animated by love.” (location 2193, Kindle edition)
Here, we're able to re-live the love Tohr and Wellsie shared. The event, something we haven't seen previously: the moment Tohr found out Wellsie was carrying his young. Yes. This was one of those Kleenex moments. No'One understood that no one would ever replace Wellsie's place in Tohr's heart, especially the way he was feeling and reacting at this point-in-time. Especially the anger.
No'One evolved as a character in a substantial manner. Her transformation throughout the course of the book was spectacular. Around the 97% mark... yup. Get out your Kleenex again. I threatened hate mail to Ms. Ward if she didn't fix that part in a really, really good way (no spoilers!).
We all know it's going to happen. Tohr and No'One hook-up. Initially, Tohr thinks that he'll just be able to let someone else in enough to get Wellsie on her way to the Fade, do a bit of feeding so he appears to be on the road to recovery. No. Dice. This plot line takes some serious ups & downs...maybe like a 12-step program...hairpin turns... cork-screws... 180-degree turns. All. Over. The. Place. Sometimes, I didn't know what way was up; I surely enjoyed the ride, however. In this passage, Tohr finally gives in and sees No'One through fresh eyes. It's a start:
“And No'One, in spite of her opinion of herself, was a hell of a lot more attractive than root vegetables...” (location 4809, Kindle edition)
No'One's involvement, however, doesn't come without a price to herself. She has to face her abuse at the hands of the sympath that raped her before she can allow herself to become physical with Tohr – even to allow him to feed.
There's some conflict with JM and Xhex this go-round. I really like the way Tohr makes a connection with JM in this passage, typical WARD snark:
“In the wake of No'One's pissed-off departure, Tohr decided that short of the fact Jonh Matthew hadn't managed to cut himself on the hand and foot thus far tonight, it looked like Tohr and the kid had a lot in common: Courtesy of their tempers, both were now dressed in the Captain Asshole costume – which included, for no extra charge, the cape of disgrace, the booties of shame, and keys to the F*(k Up mobile.” (location 1925, Kindle edition)
And...this passage also shows how 'up-a-creek-without-a-paddle' the boys find themselves. JM even gets his butt-in-a-sling with the other two members of the New Troika.
“No,” Blay cut in. “This is not okay. You cut the shit, John – you let him come with you. I don't care if you're going to be with Xhex or not. You owe this to him (in reference to Qhuinn). (location 2994, Kindle edition)
While JM is going through some issues with the marital bliss thing, he's also still mourning Wellsie. I loved the way Ms. Ward relayed John's inner turmoil over her loss:
“Goddamn it, she was never going to know that he'd made it through his transition, or that he was a halfway decent fighter, or that he'd gotten mated. If he ever had a child of his own, she'd never hold it in her arms, or see a first birthday, or get to witness first steps or first words.
Her absence made his own life seem less full, and he had the awful feeling that was always going to be true.” (location 10398, Kindle edition)
Qhuay fans will be happy to know that they have some continued heat... and there's a brief Blay/Sax scene... Um. And there's some surprising stuff going on with Qhuay. My jaw hit the floor in a MAJOR way.
Ah, the villainhood in Lover Reborn, besides JM and Tohr for being complete jerks at times, fell to the Band of Bastards. This troop of vamps from the Old Country are led by Xcor, son of Bloodletter, and his second-in-command, Throe. Interesting dynamic here. I'm absolutely positive we will see the BoB in the next installment of the BDB. Too many unanswered questions. Oh, and the DRAMA these boys cause... I'm pretty sure that soap opera writers couldn't do any better. **dramatic eye-roll** We do, however, learn that Xcor may not be as he appears on the surface. Interesting. Veeerrrryy interesting. Yeah, he still wants to over-throw Wrath, but the conflict provides the reader with LOTS of action, for those that enjoy the battles. Not so much going on with the lessers in this title, however (yay).
I am able to safely say that I truly enjoyed Lover Reborn. Even with all the cranking-up of the conflict to unimaginable heights that caused laughter and tears, I enjoyed the story. I may have cursed Ms. Ward several times throughout reading the book. I still have utmost love for Tohrment. I was satisfied with the ending, even though several times toward the end, I nearly threw down my Kindle and didn't finish, feeling that the author was not going to allow the conflict to resolve to my satisfaction. Never fear, J.R. Ward delivered.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Personal favorite - a must read (A+)
Purchase Info:
Reviews of series titles:
Twimom’s Thoughts on Lover Reborn (4 Stars)
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Sunday Snippets #53
from Lover Unleashed by JR Ward
NAL Hardcover
March 29, 2011
“Are you certain,” she said, her accent rolling those Rs.
He was breathing so hard he wasn’t sure he could choke out a reply, so he nodded. And then, worried that wasn’t enough, he put his hands over hers, pressing her hold into him.
She took over from there, focusing on his jugular, her eyes seeming to light up like stars in the night. When she closed in, she did it slowly, disappearing the inches between her fangs and his flesh with aching delay.
The brush of her lips was nothing but velvet, except the anticipation of what was to come had him hyper-focusing so everything was magnified. He knew precisely where she was-
The scrape was viciously soft as she nuzzled him.
Then her hand snaked around to his nape and clamped on, holding him in place so hard, he realized she could snap his neck if she wanted.
“Oh, God,” he moaned, giving himself over completely. “Oh-fuck!”
The strike was strong and sure, two points going in deep, the sweet pain robbing him of sight and sound until all he knew was the sucking draw at his vein.
That and the massive orgasm that rolled through his balls and pumped out the head of his cock, his hips jacking up against her as his erection kicked and jerked… and kept going.
He wasn’t sure how long the release lasted. Ten seconds? Ten minutes? Or was it hours? All he knew was that with every drawing pull she took from him, he came some more, the pleasure so intense he was ruined by it…
Because he knew he wasn’t going to find this with anyone but her. Vampire or human.
Palming the back of her head, he pushed her down tighter, holding her to him, not caring whether she drank him dry. What a way to die-
Too soon, she went to pull away, but he was desperate for her to keep going, and tried to force her to stay at his throat. It was no contest, though. She was so strong physically, it was as if he had put up no protest at all. And didn’t that make him come again.
As overrun as his nervous system was, he still felt the retraction of her fangs from his neck and knew the exact moment she was out of him. Then the biting pain was replaced with a soft, lapping stroke, as if she were sealing him closed.
Falling into a semi-trance, Manny’s lids lowered and his head lolled on the top of his spine like a deflated balloon. From out of the corner of his eye, he looked at her perfect profile, the illumination from the monitor giving him plenty o flight to watch her lick her lower lip-
Except it was not the computer.
The screen saver had come on and all that was showing was a black background with a Windows logo.
She was glowing. All over. From head to foot.
He guessed they did that, and how… extraordinary.
Except she was frowning. “Are you alright? Mayhap I took too much…”
“I’m…” he swallowed. Twice. His tongue felt numb in his mouth. “I am …”
Panic set into her beautiful face. “Oh, fates, what have I done”
He forced his head upright. “Payne… the only way it could have been better is if I’d come inside of you.”
She was momentarily relieved. And then she asked, “What is coming?”
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Review: Lover Unleashed
Lover UnleashedAuthor: JR Ward
Release Date: March 29, 2011
Publisher: NAL Hardcover
Black Dagger Brotherhood series Book #9
ISBN: # 978-0451233165
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Hardcover (512 pgs), e-book
G & U purchased a copy of this book for the purposes of their own enjoyment. Twimom borrowed the book from her local library.
From the author’s website:
Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, warrior cloth as her brother: A fighter by nature, and a maverick when it comes to the traditional role of Chosen females, there is no place for her on the Far Side… and no role for her on the front lines of the war, either.
When she suffers a paralyzing injury, human surgeon Dr. Manuel Manello is called in to treat her as only he can- and he soon gets sucked into her dangerous, secret world. Although he never before believed in things that go bump in the night- like vampires- he finds himself more than willing to be seduced by the powerful female who marks both his body and his soul.
As the two find so much more than an erotic connection, the human and vampire worlds collide … just as a centuries old score catches up with Payne and puts both her love and her life in deadly jeopardy.
What Gikany & Una are talking about:
Gikany and Una were waiting with baited breath for this latest installment in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. The “WARDen” did not disappoint in Payne’s book, Lover Unleashed.
Gikany loved the introduction of Xcor (pronounced in her head as “Score”). Unlike the introduction of Lash, the Omega, Mr. X, etc, as the antagonist, he appears, for lack of better term, human. He is complicated and not just evil, being capable of change. Xcor’s interactions with Payne highlighted his honor and his ability to hold to a set of moral beliefs. However, Una still can’t believe his name is Xcor (pronounced in her head as “Core”) after it seems the WARDen received so much grief about her overuse of the word core in her previous novels. Just like the controversy over the pronunciation of Xhex (as the WARDen says, “Hex” and the rest of us that thought “Sex” until an interview with her on the web cleared this up).
Una enjoyed the pace of the novel. Unlike in John Matthew’s book where the interludes with Muhrder seemed completely out of place and unrelated and unnecessary, this book seemed to flow better. The scene changes were smooth and followed a good rhythm. Because of the flow, Lover Unleashed was incredibly difficult to put down and was a gripping page turner.
Gikany and Una both thoroughly enjoyed Lover Unleashed. Vishous appears to be the one most changed through the course of the book. What defines Payne’s journey is to be accepted and loved for who she is. By joining her twin, Payne leaves the smothering security of Sanctuary and must deal with the messy realities of life with the brotherhood and a human mate.
It seemed through the book, the lesser were almost an after-thought in this novel. Because of this, Gikany and Una feel that Lover Unleashed is a transitional novel, setting up a new conflict for the brotherhood and introducing much needed characters for the continuation of the series. However, we are VERY glad for this introduction because we do not want to see this series come to an end. For transitional novel, we feel that it was well played. The only question in the long run is: will Xcor be the next “big bad” or the next brother?
Their Rating:
Really enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
What Twimom is talking about:
Okay, so yes... Black Dagger Brotherhood is crack. If you haven’t started the series, please don’t start with this book. Yes, you could jump in here, but you won’t have the emotional ties to the characters that the rest of us addicts have and you won’t be drawn into the story from the first page. With that said... here are my thoughts about Lover Unleashed. WARNING: minor plot reveals are found in my review.
I will admit, although I was unsure of Manny and Payne together because there was no set up for the two of them in prior books, I was anxious to read the ninth installment of the series. And yes, it was going to be very hard to top Lover Mine - a story that I waited to read for 5 books. For those that have read the series, we have previously met both characters. Manny was Doc Jane’s boss and friend - we really got to know him in V’s book, Lover Unbound (book #5). Payne is the twin sister of Vishous and we saw her primarily in Lover Mine as the sparing partner of the King Vampire, Wrath.
At the end of Lover Mine, Payne severely injured her back and once Doc Jane realized she could not help Payne, pursued her former colleague, Manny, to repair her mate’s sister. Lover Unleashed picks up immediately after the conclusion of Lover Mine. Manny and Payne experience immediate attraction and we are privy to some “vampire-like” traits by Manny that have him going crazy with thoughts such as “mine.” Nothing new, and it is very similar to what we saw with half-breed Butch.
JR Ward has a way of bringing out my emotions with the simplest of stories. For example, she retells Doc Jane’s death through Manny’s point of view and I was in tears. Ward has me so wrapped up in her characters that I feel so much for them. She has created a world that I want to experience, even if the story isn’t perfect.
I loved that Manny and Payne were “meant to be” and they worked their way through the potential problems just to be together. As a couple, they didn’t have the spark or hot-n-heavy romance of some of the other pairings, but I enjoyed their story. However, I felt that Payne's character was a weak link. My impressions of Payne (based on earlier books) is that she is a kick-ass warrior. She can hold her own with Wrath and she killed her own father. So why was she so ready to give up after a few hard times after her injury? I know she lead a sheltered life as a Chosen, but she was too naive, shy and “girly” for most of the story. I was disappointed with her character, yet I still was able to look past it so that I could enjoy the story.
I appreciated the break from the Lessers - less Lessers! I think this was the first book in which Ward did not tell any of the story from a Lesser point-of-view. But, on the downside: there were “new recruits” at every turn. The Brothers themselves commented on the fact that there were so many new Lessers, and the reader is left wondering where did they come from and why are there so many. I felt this was a weakness in the plot.
Although this was “Manny and Payne’s book,” the heart of the story belonged to Vishous. Ward finally let V shine and have the story he should have had several books ago. She let him hit bottom and there was a point in the book where V turned his back on Jane and my heart just ached. I felt the play between the V and Jane was well done. BUT with that said... I had a tough time with the speed and depth of V’s “recovery.” I appreciate what Butch did for him, but I was hard for me to believe this Brother could make such a significant turn around after only one night.
Finally, I have to mention the two new characters that had a significant role in Lover Unleashed: Xcor, son of the Bloodletter (V and Payne’s father) and Detective Thomas DelVecchio, Jr., new partner to long-time Caldwell Police Detective Jose de la Cruz. It seems that Ward has plans for both characters in future stories, but with her... you never know. (Umm... where is Murdher?) Xcor promises to be an excellent new rival for Wrath and the Brotherhood and a refreshing change from the Lessening Society/Omega. However, I was completely disappointed in his actions when he finally captured and confronted Payne for killing of the Bloodletter. And DelVecchio - I just don’t understand the purpose behind his character or that whole section of the story - the book would have been fine without it.
All in all, I have to admit I still thoroughly enjoyed Lover Unleashed. Yes, it seems like I have several issues with the story, but I was able to look past them all for the most part and just enjoy being back in Caldwell. I felt that this story flowed a lot better than the choppy telling in Lover Mine. I completely swooned over the Qhuinn-Blay-Saxton subplot and cannot wait for the Qhuay book/novella. I can forgive Ward for a lot because I love the Brotherhood and relish anytime I can spend with them.
My Rating:
Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
THIS IS FOR THOSE THAT HAVE
READ THE ENTIRE SERIES.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Sunday Snippets #50
Lover Awakened by JR Ward Signet Eclipse
September 2006
“I want to kiss you here,” she said. “All right?”
He nodded and licked his lips.
The moment her mouth made contact, his body jerked like someone had yanked all of his arms and legs at once. She didn’t stop. She sucked the piercing in and twirled her tongue around it.
Zsadist moaned, the low sound a great rumble in his chest; then he inhaled with a hiss. His head pitched back into the pillow, but he kept it at an angle so he could keep watching her.
When she flicked the silver hoop, then tugged on it a little, he arched off the bed, one leg bending up, his heel digging into the mattress. She tickled his nipple again and then again until he balled the comforter in his fist.
“Oh... fuck, Bella...” He was breathing in a hard, raw rhythm, heat radiating out of him. “What are you doing to me?”
“Do you want me to stop?”
“Either that or do it harder.”
“How about a little more?”
“Yeah... a little more.”
She worked him with her mouth, playing with the ring, driving him until his hips started to swivel.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Sunday Snippets #7
From Lover Mine by J. R. Ward.
Reaching out, he picked up one of the pillows and held it gently. Bringing it to his nose, he inhaled... and caught a stronger version of what he dreamed of every night: Xhex’s scent.
His knees weakened and he went down like a stone through still water, collapsing by the side of the mattress. Burying his face into the softness, he drew her into him, her fragrance lingering like a memory, at once tangible and elusive.
She had been here. Recently.
He glanced at the bloodied sheets. The bloodied walls.
He was too late.
John’s face grew wet and he felt something drip off his chin, but he didn’t give a shit. He was consumed with the thought that he’d come so close to saving her... but just not arrived soon enough.
The sob that breached his throat actually made a sound.
- - -
For all of her life, Xhex’s heart had not been prone to breaking. She’d long suspected that it was a result of her symphath side, a kind of congenital condition that hardened her about things that most females lost it over.
Turned out that was wrong, however.
As she stood beside John Matthew, and watched his huge body crumple down by the bed, the organ that beat behind her sternum shattered like a mirror.
Nothing but shards.
She was utterly and completely ruined as he cradled that pillow like it was a newborn, and in this moment of his utter despair, she would have done anything to ease his pain: Even though she had no idea why he felt the way he so clearly did, the reasons were unimportant.
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