Saturday, May 7, 2011

LOVER UNLEASED by J.R. Ward


Loved it, but...

Well, here's the problem: J.R. Ward is one of my favorite authors.  BDB is one of my favorite series, so I expect A LOT whenever a new book comes out.  Lover Unleashed was good--really good--but it just didn't live up to some of my favorites in the series.

Lover Unleased is the story of Payne, V's sister, and Dr. Manuel Manello, aka Manny.  It picks up where Lover Mine left off.  Payne is brought to the brotherhood compound, paralyzed, and the still-very-much-human Manny is called in.  He's her last and best hope of getting well, and his sensual treatments stir up more than just healing.  As usual, Ward delivers the goods, a great love story, hot love scenes, and a deepening understanding of each of the characters.  Notably missing was the conflict, the dire stakes that I always expect to see in one of Ward's tales.  Where was the antagonist?  What happened to the threat of the Lessening Society?  Why didn't I ever feel truly anxious about Payne or Manny's safety?  I definitely worried about V and Butch...   But this could've just as easily have been Vishous's story.

I will confess that V's book, Lover Unbound, wasn't my favorite (really it was close to last in my view, mostly b/c of a craptastically implausible ending.  No really, it was bad.  Slam the cover closed, throw the book across the room, screaming in my head bad).  Seriously though, why was V the only brother to get the shaft?  Why should he be the only one cheated out of H.E.A.?  I tell you it just wasn't right!  But then again, maybe that's why Ward did such a bang-up job of continuing their story here.  Finally, finally, V and Doc Jane get it together and find the closure I'd been hoping for.  That was good to see, but I think it took the focus away from Payne and Manny.

That same thing happened to Phury in Lover Enshrined (my least favorite in the series.  I was so disappointed...I can't...I really...I still can't talk about it).  I know that I shouldn't compare the books, but how can you not??  Phury and Cormia's love was totally outshined by some of the other character arcs just like Payne and Manny's.

And in saying, I will add that this was not the story I wanted to read next.  It was not the story that left me salivating, literally squirming in my seat, wanting more at the end of Lover Mine.  That honor went to a different couple, and to end this post I only have one thing to say.

If Blay and Qhuinn don't end up together, like truly and completely, wiping-tears-from-my-eyes-because-I'm-so-freakin'-happy-that-Ward-did-the-right-thing-and-wasn't-afraid-to-let-them-end-up-together-simply-because-it-was-a-brother/brother-love-match, I will be one very unhappy ninja.

Blay and Qhuinn Forever <3 <3 <3


16 comments:

  1. Love the BDB series, love V so I totally disagree with your comments on that story. But I'm 100% behind Blay and Qhuinn...if that doesn't happen, if Ward backs down from the deep, true love that she's already shown us, and doesn't have them end up together (where they're supposed to be) I'll cry real tears and lose faith in all that is good in this world. Really. Blay and Qhuinn forever!

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  2. Haven't read it yet, but will let you know what I think. Taking it with me to FL.

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  3. Yep, NetGalley is awesome :)

    I've heard good things about this series but since I don't read adult books, I've never considered taking a peek at the books. Great honest review though!

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  4. I haven't read any books in this series. I know there are a lot of books in the series so maybe I'll pick one up one day.

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  5. I've never read any of these either, I mostly stick to YA, but I adore your passion for it. It defiitely made me want to check it out!!!

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  6. Hello there! Stopping by from Follow Friday. I've got the first 8 novels in BDB, so I'm looking forward to reading them soon.

    -Mocha from A Cupcake and A Latte: YA Reads, Reviews & More!.

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  7. Hello, I'm visiting from Parajunkee's FF. Looking forward to checking out more of your reviews!

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  8. Hey stopping by from Follow Friday!! Great blog am now a follower. Looking forward to future posts. Come check out my blog,

    Tania @ Literary Cravings

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  9. Congrats on being featured!
    You've got a new follower!
    Brie
    Romance Around the Corner

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  10. Also visiting from FF and adore this series. Am going to read this book next and always find something to enjoy in them.

    I'm your newest follower and would love if you'd visit me whenever you get a chance.

    http://wowfromthescarfprincess.blogspot.com/2011/05/follow-friday_19.html

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  11. Hey, New follower. Happy FF and congrats on being the feature, totally cool blog name by the way ;)
    http://readswithwrecklessabandon.blogspot.com

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  12. Hi Ninja Girl,
    I'm a new follower from FF. I love BDB too!

    Here's my Follow Friday

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  13. Congrats on being this week's feature!! So awesome!! I agree with you about Blay and Qhuinn, they definitely need their own book. I really think it's coming though. Too many people just like us are in love with their story too so hopefully their book will come soon! Oh yeah, and I'm a new follower...I really look forward to following you, as it seems we have some of the same taste in books!

    Jamie @ Bookerella

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  14. Thanks you guys so much for following :) :)
    You make this ninja very happy!

    Mocha Latte, you've definitely got to get to reading! This series is freakin' fantastic! When you do, I wanna know who your favorite brother is.

    And Jamie Kline, I'm so glad you feel the same way about Blay and Qhuinn! I'm hoping real hard for that book. Maybe if I cross my fingers long enough it'll actually happen! Here's hoping!

    Going to check out everyone's blogs now and again thanks for following!

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  15. Hi! I love BDB and totally agree with you on the ending of Lover Unbound--I was so disappointed, it felt kinda rushed too. I'm hoping & praying Blay & Qhuinn end up together *crosses fingers* "c'mon Warden don't let me down..."

    Oh and I'm a new follower :-)

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