Rating: 2 stars
When it comes to J.R. Ward’s writing and world building skills, I’m simply astounded by what she has created. Not only does she write some of the best male friendships I ever read in literature, but (she) has left me aching desperately for her next book.
J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood books consume my life, so much so, that I jokingly call them my crack. Now nine books in, Ward has begun to tie up loose ends, while introducing new story lines, including a new set of characters that will most like carry on this series for another nine books. Unfortunately, no matter how much I adore this series, I feel that it’s close to running its course. If not for the Vishous, Jane and Butch, Lover Unleashed would have been DOA.
Lover Unleashed starts off right after the events of Lover Mine. Payne, the sister V never knew about, is paralyzed from the neck down because of a bad break in her back. Now she has come down to Earth, thus ending her imprisonment by her mother, the Scribe Virgin, in the Phade. V feels immense guilt over Payne’s situation and allows his mate Jane to fetch the one man who can save Payne—Dr. Manny Manello.
Manny has had a rough year. He still can’t get over Jane’s death and his only solace is a racing horse he owns. As he’s at Jane’s tombstone feeling dejected, she poofs in front of him and explains Payne’s situation. Manny becomes super surgeon and goes off with her thinking she’s working undercover for the US government. Soon the joke will be on him. When he meets Payne, he is stunned by her because she’s the one he’s been waiting for his whole life…
Manny falls headfirst in love just by seeing Payne’s face and luscious braided hair as she lays horizontal unable to move. The way Manny cures Payne will have you in hysterics (like I was). A certain Marvin Gaye song comes to mind in regards to these two.
The characters who shine are V and Jane. These two made the book for me. They had some of the steamiest scenes in the entire book. Jane is very much the woman of his heart and Butch is a part of his soul; sorry to say, not in a sexual way readers have been dying for. Ward puts to rest their underlying sexual relationship with a powerful and gut-wrenching scene. It all comes down to the deep seated trust these two have for one another—a gag ball and a spoon are involved, which works wonders on V’s breakthrough.
Two big things really irked me as I read: the over use of “true” and “verily”, as well as the word “and” being written as- aaannnnddd at the beginning of some sentences was like nails on a chalkboard. The plot point is almost a slap in the face because it’s so contrived, ridiculously soap opera-ish and an easy way to get around a character’s longevity.
Lover Unleashed does have some strong points, but has a major lack of appeal as if Ward has done all she can with this series. I’m now only invested in reading for the Blay and Qhuinn finale.
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Hardcover: 512 pages
Publisher: NAL Hardcover (March 29, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-0451233165