Book Review

LOVER UNLEASHED
by J.R. Ward

Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Sensuality: HOT

2011 Vampire Romance Award Winner

RT Rating

The dysfunctional and abusive upbringing of siblings Vishous and Payne has scarred them emotionally and physically. In Ward’s latest Black Dagger Brotherhood offering, she tackles the lingering effects of this abuse, which makes this story graphic, dark and disturbing. As Ward doesn’t hesitate for a second to explore the extreme highs and lows of human behavior, her novels resonate with a darkly edgy appeal!

Having escaped the prison their mother, the Scribe Virgin, kept her in, Payne has joined her brother Vishous in the modern world. Payne’s freedom is short lived however, when a terrible accident paralyzes her. Payne’s only hope is gifted human surgeon Manuel Manello, Vishous’ mate Jane’s former boss. Suddenly Manny is plunged into a dark and dangerous world, but given the instant connection he feels with Payne, there is no backing down. The war with the Lessors continues and new players in the game add yet another layer of unpredictable danger to the peril Brotherhood and those they love face. (NAL, Apr., 495 pp., $27.95)

Reviewed By: Jill M. Smith

Publisher: NAL

Published: April 2011

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Phenomenal

Submitted by popper6895 on April 28, 2011 - 7:53am.

I absolutely LOVED this book. Seeing the dynamics between V and Butch and then again with V and Jane was insanely delicious. The instant attraction and interactions between Payne and Manny was heartwarming, heartbreaking and sexy. The new vamps are HAWT and I can't wait to see where they lead us.This book has it all and I'm already on the countdown for the next installment. If you are a BDB fan you will not be disappointed. My only complaint...the book ended and I so wanted it to go on forever. Without a doubt, the best series ever written. Man I wish the brothers spoke to me the way they speak to the Warden :-)

Lover Unleashed

Submitted by Anonymous on April 17, 2011 - 6:58am.

I am a huge fan of the BDB series, but i must admit that it took me a while to get into it. Manny and Payes story line i found boring, but Vishous and Janes was great reading. 

Lover Unleashed

Submitted by Robin in PA on April 10, 2011 - 7:16pm.

The ninth book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series begins where the last book left off.  Vishous' twin sister, Payne, has been brought to the Brothers mansion with a spine injury.  V is beside himself because he can't help her, and agrees that Jane should go find her human friend Dr. Manny Manello to look at Payne's injury.  When Manny lays his eyes on Payne, he is instantly attracted to her.

As usual with Ward's books, there are several on-going stories being told.  This book has Payne & Manny's romance and the hurdles they must overcome.  I thought they were well suited for each other and see how Payne will help the brotherhood in the future.

The book touches on Qhuinn and Blay.  There is no real progress in this relationship, but we find out Qhuinn's true feelings.  A new group of Vampires, led by Xcor, arrive in Caldwell to fight lessers and quickly stir up trouble.  Xcor wants revenge on the woman who killed his father.  He is also looking to shake up the King with a different political agenda.

But Vishous is the character who steals this book.  All is not perfect in V & Jane's relationship.  Vishous loves Jane, but he is having major psychological problems with his abusive past and his pain fetish.  Jane feels she is losing him and asks Butch to intervene.  But no one knows how this will affect Butch. 

Overall I loved this book and think this is an excellent addition to the series.  I know many people will complain that Manny & Payne weren't front and center in every chapter, but if you're still reading the series at book 9, you know this is not the way these books are written.  I like the various story threads in the book, and the fact that some stories (V/Jane/Butch & Qhuinn/Blay) take more than one book to tell.  My rating:  5 Stars.

Review: Lover Unleashed

Submitted by sharonray62 on April 10, 2011 - 2:05am.

Just amazing. I couldn't put the book down. As I finished the last paragraph all I wanted to do is read the next installment! I wonder when the next book will be published and who it will be about? 

Awesome book a must read

Submitted by Joeygirl on March 31, 2011 - 2:04pm.

I have loved the BDB series and Book 9 Lover Unleashed is a must read. You will be glued from page one!!