Lover Unleashed discussion

Okaaay, so I just finished reading the new JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood and really and truly it was good... but it was somewhat lacking in comparison to her earlier novels.
However, I enjoyed it... I mean c'mon it's a BDB novel!
What'd you think?

I thought it was a bit lacking too. I think it was the quick way she was healed up. It was way too fast and easy for her. Should have been more of a struggle. The book was good overall, but not as good as her previous ones.

someone left a reply on my blog in regards to my review of Lover Unleashed and she too said it lacked the grit and substance of her other novels. I disagree, this novel dealt with more emotional and personal issues than just the war with the lessers, plus she gave us a new twist with the other warriors too. To me it was a transitional novel, getting her readers ready for what comes next. And even though I like the angst and anxiety as well as the next girl, I like a respite from blood and gore and terrible tragedy for the brothers like when Tohrment lost Wellesie.

I agree it was a transitional novel, but the basic story line of Payne was just too abrupt I think. She goes from not being able to walk to running around in like less than a chapter. Unreal. And the emotional stuff regarding Payne seemed too surface, not enough depth. I think V's story line in this book was better than Paynes, and the story was supposed to be about her.

Like Debbie, I appreciated the respite from all the blood and gore in BDB's previous books.
This one was incredibly emotional for lots of different characters, and I don't think JRW slipped up.
To me this was a great book, putting it back on-line with where the Brotherhood were going and how they were acclimatising. The introduction of new vamps was interesting and I look forward to how JRW develops these characters.
Payne, I found sweet and innocent, but when she needed to, she became strong-willed and forceful. Manny I have always liked, and I'm pleased he gets a HEA.
As Selena mentioned, V's story-line stands out. I was near to tears during the scene with V and Butch in V's apartment, but it worked out (and that was a huge sigh of relief).
All in all, slightly different to what we're used to, but satisfying anyway. And, lo and behold, not only V has a change of heart/attitude, but Qhuinn is well on his way there too !!

I was so excited to read Lover Unleashed. I was a bit disappointed and let down at the end. I listened to the audio recording then and enjoyed it much more. I think at first I wanted more closure with Quinn/layla/Blay/Sax but the addition of new characters, the scary rogue vamps, have intrigued me so much, I can't wait for the next installment in the saga. Payne and Manny are such a foregone conclusion almost before the first page that I forgot just to sit back and savor the dialogue which is what I love so much about J.R. Ward. I know I will read it a few more time before the next BDB book appears. Ya okay it is transitional. Ya, Payne becomes well faster than I expected--but hello, she is the daughter of the scribe virgin. Ya, V and Jane went through a big aha moment and made for outstanding story resolution eclipsing Payne and Manny. Ya it is not the best book in the series, but sub par J.R. Ward is still better than most anything.

I enjoyed the book very much because of the concentration on emotional and relationship issues. I too enjoy the angsty books but I think there needed to be a change of direction.

I really like the bitter sweet romance between Manny and Payne. It works well as a contrast to the turbulent time V and Jane are going through. I like Payne's innocence with regard to sexual matters because it seems to make the loves scenes more erotic.

I absolutely love Manny. What that poor guy goes through - finding Jane isn't dead, having his memories wiped so he almost loses his mind and, on top of that, having V looking as though he wants to tear him limb from limb all the time!

I am so glad that V finally came to terms with his past. It has been a long and rocky road. I was a bit apprehensive about the scene between V and Butch but it worked so well. To me it showed the love Butch felt for V , not in any sexual sense, but as a true friend. He was the only one who could have helped V through this.

I am so glad Qhuinn decided to turn his life around and I love the scene with Layla when they discuss his love for Blay and feel Layla's character has developed in this book. I am intrigued by Qhuinn's vision of the future and can't wait to see how this plays out.

The introduction of The Band of Bastards is certainly intriguing. I'm not sure where J R Ward intends to go with this. Are they set to be the new baddies or new Brothers? It will be interesting to see. I saw a quote in the front of the book by author, Lisa Gardner, which I thought just summed up that threesome!

Now here's a band of brothers who know how to show a girl a good time. LOL

Carol, great comment. In a nutshell how I feel

Debbie wrote: "Carol, great comment. In a nutshell how I feel"

Thanks, Debbie. I know views about this book will be very divided. It's nice to know someone has similar thoughts to myself.

I'd be interested to know which are your favourite books in the series so far. Mine are 'Lover Awakened' and 'Lover Mine'.

Carol wrote: "Debbie wrote: "Carol, great comment. In a nutshell how I feel"

Thanks, Debbie. I know views about this book will be very divided. It's nice to know someone has similar thoughts to myself.

I'd be ..."
Carol, you are right about the different opinions about this novel, I'm really quite surprised by it.
My favorites in the series are the last one I've read :), but really I loved Dark Lover, Lover Awakened, Lover Avenged, Lover Mine and this one. This one because of how transitional it is for the series and it has me wondering where the other warriors are going to fit, as friends or foes. The series keeps me coming back because of how many side stories there are it's never just one love story about one brother and his mate, you get all this other wonderful information that literally keeps me interested until the next one comes out.

Debbie, I read a review where the person disliked the use of verily and similar words. It made perfect sense to me that Payne would talk this way. After all, she'd been stuck on the Far Side for eons and so she is hardly likely to talk as the others do.

Carol wrote: "Debbie, I read a review where the person disliked the use of verily and similar words. It made perfect sense to me that Payne would talk this way. After all, she'd been stuck on the Other Side for ..."
Right I agree with you, she talked just like what she was the Virgin Scribe's daughter in her guilded cage for eons

Carol wrote: "I enjoyed the book very much because of the concentration on emotional and relationship issues. I too enjoy the angsty books but I think there needed to be a change of direction.

I really like t..."

I love your review! It's just perfect! I loved how the emotions were in this book as well and I would mark it as one of my favs in the series. Along side Lover Unbound and Lover Awakened. I have a soft spot for my V and Z hehe. Loved the Band of Bastards. I am really into how they are going to fit into all of this.

the love Butch and V share for one another has come to surface and it's as it should be. Only Butch could save him like that <3

Very interested in how Quhinn and Blay are going to turn out. As well as his future visions have me excited! I have my wants but I know the WARDen won't let any one down no matter how they feel about it.

How can you not love Manny?! I mean really I was so excited this was his and Payne's book! They are just perfect for each other.

Glad I saw this review as it really made me all kinds of happy! :)

I loved this book! This is one of the best paranormal series that I have read. Every book just gets better.

Tamran wrote: "Carol wrote: "I enjoyed the book very much because of the concentration on emotional and relationship issues. I too enjoy the angsty books but I think there needed to be a change of direction.

I..."

Thanks, Tamran. I loved Manny and Payne together as well. Some reviewers complain that it hasn't got the same depth as the relationships between other couples in the series but I think it was pitched just right in contrast to the intensity of the V/Jane/Butch storyline.

I'm not one of those obsessive fans and I tend to go wherever J R Ward takes me with regard to the story lines. I'm just happy she's continuing to write this fabulous series!

I agree with a lot of others that it was a transitional book, and I liked it for that reason. She is bringing several new threads into the series which will keep it going. I am surprised that no one mentioned the new detective that is a bit sociopathic or the new series of murders that are being investigated by the humans and the immortals. To me, that seems like a whole new storyline that is just waiting to erupt. I can't wait to see where she takes it.

Cypher wrote: "I agree with a lot of others that it was a transitional book, and I liked it for that reason. She is bringing several new threads into the series which will keep it going. I am surprised that no o..."

I totally agree with all that you've said Cypher...
I was also a bit shocked when they revealed Manny as Butch's brother... that was a definite twist we didn't see coming.
And I absolutely cannot wait for her continuations...

I agree with the first comments in regards to the book lacking something. The previous book (JM's story) was such a dissapointment to me, but this was definetly way better. I read a discussion on amazon which I think made sense to me of what it is thats lacking. One person mentioned that the female characters in the series are not given strong characteristics and never really heard from again. When mentioning Payne in the previous books, I was like "Wow, this chick is going to be bada$$, more than Xhex". But she wasn't as tough as I thought her to be. I thought she'd have more issues to deal with. I am hoping that the next book will be written like the first books. I am also hoping she gives those shellans more substance and much more participation in the story lines.

I'm on the fence about it. I enjoyed all the personal issues between both main characters & Butch/V's thing. (Much better than Rehv's book, which took me twice as long to read than anyone else's) but I guess I'm getting tired of humans getting pulled in with "Forbidden" tagged on them. And more than one being related to Wrath. It was cool with Butch, just a bit overdone with Manny, in my opinion. The whole "He/She is a human it can't work!" is played out.

I dunno, I can only hope Tohr's book will be fresher. I enjoyed LU, but I'm starting to see the same repetitive plots and once that happens more often I generally get bored with books.

Firstly I would like to say that I love the BDB series, I love JR Ward's writing style and any BDB book (or Fallen Angels for that matter) that gets published will immediately go into my collection and get read ( read devoured ) ..

Notwithstanding the above, I also found LU a bit lacking.

The V/Jane relationship got a lot of attention in this book , so much so, that I felt that the WARDen was trying to justify the V/Jane relationship. It kind of overshadowed the Manny/Payne story. Personally Ive never found the V/Jane match very believable and the whole switch of V going mushy in then end for Jane in this book didnt work for me.
The V/Butch relationship is brilliant.

I also missed the contact with the other brothers and Rhev etc plus I kind of thought Payne would be a little bit more warrior type. The whole Lesser storyline was also kind of was dwindling.

I liked that Qhuinn is getting more in touch with his feelings, but again I feel that this whole push by the fans for the team Qhauy thing is soo forced. Qhuinn was always portrayed as this real ladies guy, sure he loves Blay and yes Blay was always gay, but this whole jealousy/disconnected from best friend turning into a HEA relationship is just to much. I get the impression that the WARDen is no longer telling the story as it flows into her head, but rather as her fans are wanting.

Despite my "comments" I will still re-read the book and drool to my hearts content while waiting for the next book in this awesome series.

I really liked the book. I wish there was more of something. Lending the book to the ex wife. I got her hooked on the series.

I enjoyed it because its a BDB book but wasn't as into it as I was the others...of course it was introducing a new set of adversaries (who I rather liked) so I'm expecting big things from the next one. "V" was as charismatic I gotta say ;)

I enjoyed the book and I was glad to get more insight into V and Jane. I would have liked a little more between Manny and Payne. I definitely felt like we got to know Manny, but I just never really developed a connection to Payne.

I also think the Jose/Vech story line, while interesting, took away from the book. I would have preferred to get more information on what is going on with the Lessening society or even more info on Xcor and his band of bastards. Xcor was confusing. One minute he is a hard core, unfeeling ruler and the next he is almost caring and gentle (ie: the scene with the prostitute)

Speaking of Xcor, this is where my big complaint comes in. I was waiting for the big showdown when he finally finds Payne. I knew this would be a huge scene since his need for revenge was so strong. There was a lot of time spent building up his need to avenge the Bloodletter. Then, when it finally happens, it is a complete let down. There is no action. It is all summed up with a few moments of talk. He's been raised since birth by the Bloodletter but instead of the major showdown I expected we basically get a "sorry you were mistaken. Oh? Ok, my bad, you may go."

The Vech connection comes in a Fallen Angel book by this author, but I agree, I didn't quite warm up to Payne, I felt more for her when she was sparring with Wrath, she was a tough cookie then but came across as weaker and more vulnerable in Unleashed.

I agree that this book was different from the others in the series, but not necessarily in a bad way. While not my favorite, I still enjoyed it and it still made me cry just like all the previous books lol.

I think, perhaps, this book seemed to fall flat for so many because it was used more as a set-up for future story lines. There was a lot going on, so it took away from some things that could have been going into with more detail. But... I did still like the books.

I really like this book out of the series. It's number 2 on my list of fav. The style was yes, a bit diffrent, but thats becasue it wasn't about a brother so it was going to have a diffrent tempo. Plus each of her books has something diffrent.

I love how it was paced and explained i didn't get lost like from her previouse books. The emotions running threw it page was so raw that I could almost feel it myself. The surprises were surprises! i never thought it would turn out that way and thats how i like it.

I couln't put it down, and once i finished cover to cover i was sad that it was over T.T. But in her Fallen Angle sereis Sin, we get to see more of the minor chracters in this book.

Do you think the next one will be about Q and B??

Hodo wrote: "Do you think the next one will be about Q and B??"

No the next one is said to be about Torh, I cant wait!

The book was lacking for me. It was good, but definitely not as good as the others. I missed the brothers. I mean, yeah there was V and Butch, and a little Wrath, but the rest were kind of MIA. I think V was showcased so much because he's Payne's twin, but they really didn't have that much interaction. I really wanted more of them together. This book really should have been pt 2 of V's book. I loved the whole V, Jane, Butch dynamic. I was a bit letdown in Payne's character, though. She was totally kick-ass when we were introduced to her, but in LU she was way too docile and proper. I am looking forward to more going on with the Manny/Butch connection.

Me too! I've gotta say, even though I've loved all of these books, I've had a few let downs over the series, I'm a glutton for a happy ending and was disappointed that Mary couldn't have kids (cos I'm sure it was mentioned that Rhage would've liked some), that Wrath went totally blind, that Jane died and became a ghost ( "V" would have gone through "hell" if he'd have become a daddy haha ) and that John Mathew didn't get a voice, he already had a nightmare of a childhood, how sad! Too sentimental?

Deva wrote: "I actually hated it. I never found Payne or Manny exciting. The only reason I finished the book was because of V/Butch and Quinn/Blay. And where was the action? There was none!"

Loved the book before about John plenty of action and emotional scenes I just cant get into this one...will read it but am reading slowly not a page turner like the one before.

I read this one twice, at midnight the night it downloaded to my Nook and then when I got my hard back copy in the mail.

To say the least, I was disappointed in it. I don't know if it was all the build up surrounded by the book or the fact that I wanted a lot of things for this book.

1. I was looking forward to a bonding moment between V and Payne. Conversation, introductions, brother/sister type stuff. Never got it.

2. Manny and Payne were tooooooo sexual in my opinion. In each of the brother books, I know they are sexual in nature, but these two were just a bit too much for me.

3. I wanted more brothers! Can't say much about that. It lacked a lot of banter between everyone.

4. I wanted more Qhuinn/Blay/Layla action...

Don't get me wrong, I liked the book, I just didn't love it as much as the others.

V's whole inner monologue was amazing, Butch's banter was hilarious and their moment was great. But i wish there was more of this.

Denise wrote: "I read this one twice, at midnight the night it downloaded to my Nook and then when I got my hard back copy in the mail.

To say the least, I was disappointed in it. I don't know if it was all the..."

Totally agree with you about missing the brothers. I kept hoping for that interaction we all know and LOVE - and it just wasn't there. V and Butch were great as always.

I loved this book! It was nice to be able to get a feel for the family ties with V and Payne :) Now there is a new player..yes he helped Payne but he is still going to get his butt kicked. No one can go up against the Black Dagger Brotherhood and live to tell the tale..I can't wait to read bout the boys! I know it's going to be awesome!! J.R. you rocked it again!

Karinloos wrote: "The V/Jane relationship got a lot of attention in this book , so much so, that I felt that the WARDen was trying to justify the V/Jane relationship. It kind of overshadowed the Manny/Payne story. Personally Ive never found the V/Jane match very believable and the whole switch of V going mushy in then end for Jane in this book didnt work for me.
The V/Butch relationship is brilliant."

I totally agree with you!

I knew before that this book would be "Lover Unbound 2" and I was so right. Seems like Ward can't stand the thought that so many hate Jane and don't believe V's HEA. She seems very desperate and totally failed! Turning V into a pussy-whipped sap is totally out of character, even after his "healing session" with Butch! And overdoing and repeating the same mushy sentences doesn't create chemistry between characters or makes a HEA believable.

I really hate this book for several reasons.

1. See above!

2. Manny is related to Butch?!?! Really?!?! Another relative?!?! And everyone is like "Ah, cool, move in with us!" WTF!!!

3. Manny doesn't want to go through the transition but - how convenient - Payne can keep him young.

4. This was supposed to be Payne and Manny's book but they were like a sub-sub-plot.

5. Thought we didn't get sex scenes between non-HEA couples. Does that mean Xcor ends up with Throe?

6. I don't get how Payne healed herself but it's pretty convenient as well.

7. One whole sub-plot is infomercial for her FA series! Sorry, it's not my fault that it doesn't sell! Why do I have to read about it in a BDB book?

8. We had to read that awful Ghost Hunter stuff in LM and now we get no Murhder?!?!

9. NO SV?!?! IN PAYNE'S BOOK?!?!

10. No No'one who was supposed to take care of Payne?!?!

11. No Tohr who is next?!?!

12. Xcor wanted revenge his whole life and then, after a 2-minute talk with Payne he's like "Oh, sorry, you can go." What a showdonw is that?!?!

13. The horse annoyed me!

14. Payne killed the BL who tortured V! And when she tells it there is no (NO!!!) reaction from V?!?!

15. The vision! She dragged Quay on long enough, can we finally get the novella?!?!

Oh hell, as you can see it is really not one of my faves. But there was something I loved and that was V and Butch.

V is my fave character of all, I love him. And his and Butch's relationship is amazing, wonderful, hot, breathtaking! I loved that the book showed how much they love each other and what they are willing to do to keep the other safe! I still don't understand why Ward didn't give them what they deserve, each other. I love them together.

Rant is over.

I didn't hate this book. In fact, I feel kinda neutral about it, but I've been feeling pretty neutral about most of the recent BDB books. There were just too many sub-plots for me to care about *any* of them.

I bit the bullet and actually bought the ebook (at $15, bleh), but I definitely won't buy the next one.

Sarah wrote: "Karinloos wrote: "The V/Jane relationship got a lot of attention in this book , so much so, that I felt that the WARDen was trying to justify the V/Jane relationship. It kind of overshadowed the Ma..."

Well put, Sarah.

I just wish Jane wasn't what she is!!!

I was so glad she gave Payne and Manny a relationship. They fit. I just wish she would hurry up and get Blay and Quinn together because you know they belong that way.

shh! we know that but some don't!! I love these two characters ;)

I agree with a lot of the comments here: it was great, it was awesome, but it still wasn't as good as 'Lover Mine.' Every couple in every BDB book is a foregone conclusion, but J.R. Ward has to torture them first. The obstacles that kept Manny and Payne apart weren't so bad this time - and like someone said, there was no real showdown with Xcor.

Jane should NOT be what she is, but it's too late for Ward to fix that plot booboo.

That bond between V and Butch? Still a lot of fun to read about. Love them.

And yes, Qhuinn and Blay should be together. Now. That said, as long as Blay and Sax are going to be together, how about a Blay-Sax romance scene or two?

Finally, I wish J.R. Ward would find a worthy mate for Layla. I love Layla. (She's like Marissa Jr.) I'm so ready for her to be happy.

Ime kinda putting my money on Mhurder there for Layla

Karinloos wrote: "Ime kinda putting my money on Mhurder there for Layla"

Ooh, good call. I've had this theory for a while that Qhuinn should be the Primale, but this puts a little hmmmm to that theory.

C.D. wrote: "Karinloos wrote: "Ime kinda putting my money on Mhurder there for Layla"

Ooh, good call. I've had this theory for a while that Qhuinn should be the Primale, but this puts a little hmmmm to that..."

Isn't there such as thing as vampire artificial insemination?!

Erin wrote: "C.D. wrote: "Karinloos wrote: "Ime kinda putting my money on Mhurder there for Layla"

Ooh, good call. I've had this theory for a while that Qhuinn should be the Primale, but this puts a little hm..."

I wonder how that would work with the Needing? Plus, I'm not convinced it would make a very sexy love scene. "Okay Layla, just lie back and I'm going to retrieve the turkey baster..."

C.D. wrote: "Erin wrote: "C.D. wrote: "Karinloos wrote: "Ime kinda putting my money on Mhurder there for Layla"

Ooh, good call. I've had this theory for a while that Qhuinn should be the Primale, but this p..."

LOL!

I have to mention this but JR Ward totally rewrote her ending on Butch's mothers story of how he was conceived, in this one. After all despite the fact that she has Dementia, it was clearly stated to his sister, Joyce in LU. She was trapped at the hospital with this doctor during a snowstorm, and that was when Butch was conceived. This book totally ignores that reveal, simply because his mother says this to his sister not him?? Butch's mother does reveal that Butch and his wife are like his father to Joyce, the sister. Manny says that his father traveled in LU so that has to be the connection. Now I know that it was revealed in several books that there is no Vampire Artificial Insemination, in fact I believe it was V to Jane!

I really love this series from J.R.Ward! So she can not put a book out in this that I don't love! My only worry is that she will run out of brothers to write about! That would be a shame...

I think the only thing I felt that was very different in this book was that she sort of toned down some of those "make you blush" scenes. While it did have some steamy moments they were far and few between. That being said, I don't feel like I missed it since she made up with a stronger story line. The emotions conveyed in this book were so strong! I loved it! I mean...I know that this was Payne and Manny's book, but I really feel like V and Jane stole the show. I bawled like a baby when V starts to come to terms with what happened in his past. I think this was one of her best books (although in my mind nothing will top Rhevenge's book and Zadist's book...those were by far my favorite) OH!! And I also have to say that I definitely did not miss the chapters from the lesser's POV. Those always bored me to tears at least up until Lash's POV started to come around. (BTW...****Slight spoiler alert**** does anyone think that those blonde girls with their hair chopped violently off and the eyes missing have something to do with Lash sort of trying to recreate Xhex?? I know he supposedly died in the last book...but I have a feeling that maybe he is not completely gone?? Maybe it's a stretch but that is the first thing I thought of)

I'm also thinking that Lash is not completely gone. You're definitely not alone in that.