Review: Lover at Last by J.R. Ward

Lover at Last by J.R. Ward
Published on March 26, 2013 by NAL Hardcover
Purchase: Amazon

About the book
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.

Arlene's Thoughts:
Waiting for close to two years for this installment of Qhuay, I have to admit my expectations were pretty high so maybe the let down was inevitable. I can’t think of any other series right now that has me so completely vested all the way into an 11th installment. I consider myself an avid fan, and as such I’d like to believe I would afford my favorite author some leeway in terms of storytelling.

J.R. Ward has always managed to hook me, surprise me and often excite me. So when Qhuay’s story finally hit the shelves I couldn’t describe myself as anything short of giddy.

However, after finishing Lover at Last, I’m afraid my love affair with J.R. Ward’s series has quickly dissipated and I’m a bit saddened. I was willing to continue the journey with the Brotherhood, but after such a disappointment I’m sorry to say that Ward and I might likely part ways.

Lover at Last was without a doubt my most, I mean absolutely MOST anticipated book of the Brotherhood bunch. I love Qhuinn and Blay… together they could have been explosive, but what Ward created for them was anything but… so I’m calling foul!!

And to hear that their story isn’t over… she has more in store for them!! Really? After 700+ small font exhaustive ePages of Lover at Last, I’m suppose to accept that she didn’t tell their whole story? Well the opportunity was lost and to understand that she plans to re-visit each brother and give us more - all I get from that is she didn’t develop their story right the first time. Why would she do that to her fans? Well, the obvious reason is money, but it doesn’t make it right in the slightest.

So where did Lover at Last fall short for me?

First off, there was just too much noise in this book. I can’t describe it any better way when I see Ward shoving in secondary and tertiary characters along with plotlines that quickly distracted me from who this story should really be about. When I wanted to just read about Blay and Qhuinn, I kept stumbling upon Xcor, Assail, Sola, Benloise, Trez, iAM, Thor… too much! Just too much! 

Secondly, the lessors… I never liked their plotline to begin with, and I never will. When I find myself skimming their sections and not feeling like I’ve missed out on anything significant I call that a blatant filler. Those sections were a huge waste of time that could have been re-invested in who were suppose to be the stars of the show.

Also, I have to admit that Qhuinn and Blay’s moments felt light and not quite to their character. It bothered me how much time these two wasted. Why wasn’t Blay forthright about his relationship with Sax? Why so much time trying to understand the true relationship between Layla and Qhuinn? Talk people!! Errrr… I mean vamps… Just talk to each other!! Truly frustrating…

So what did I like? There were a couple of things…

I would have never thought that my favorite moment in this entire book would have been between Zsadist and Qhuinn. I loved that moment after Qhuinn landed the Cessna. What those two went through together and how Z reacted when it was all said and done… best moment in the entire book.

I also have to give props to Payne. She delivered an emotional moment that reinvested my hopes that it would all turn out well for Layla.

So overall, yes I’m disappointed... yes, I'm a bit irritated to learn we didn’t get the full Qhuay story... and, no I don’t plan to continue this series to see what’s next for each of the Brothers. I invested time in each one of their books and that’s quite enough. Anymore than that… there’s just too much out there calling my name right now. Truly disappointed…

Final note... I'd like to get "Don't Stop Believing" out of my head. Can we maybe go with this one instead? 

Song Choice

2.5 Suns

Crystal's Thoughts:
First let me say that I love BDB, I absolutely love the writing, the characters, the world and just everything about this series.  That being said I have to confess I am so disappointed in this installment.  Maybe I went into it with too high of expectations or maybe when it comes down to it nothing would have satisfied me I am not sure which it is, but I am so sad at the moment.

Lover at Last is Qhuinn and Blay’s story.  After several books leading up to their conclusion we readers were finally going to get their story.  Their road has not been an easy one and knew going in that I was in for an emotional ride.  What I got was very emotional, but so very different than what I was expecting.  Key things were left out of their story that I have become accustomed too with the BDB series.  The whole “Mine” concept and the bonding scent were two of the main things I so could not wait for and sadly they weren’t there.  The males in the BDB world are very aggressive and do not share so I expected some explosive scenes seeing as how both characters were male, I just don’t know what happened!  I know I keep saying I expected this and got that but I just don’t know what else to say. 

It was beautiful and romantic but unfortunately it was shoved between four other stories within these 590 pages.  I know Wards formula is typically one book per couple with a few chapters dedicated to the overall storyline, but with four other stories going on and two of them being with two somewhat new characters Qhuay’s story was cut so short and that might have been some of the problem.  Not all mind you because both characters still were not themselves.  I really don’t want to rant because I love Ward and her series, but Qhuinn and Blay deserved so much more than what they got.  They deserved to have their moment in a much more intimate setting and they deserved to have a real song if they were going to have one.  Every other character in this world has gotten their big moment, even the whole Jane ghostie situation had more in it then Qhuays. 

I know I will read the next installment, but it is only because certain things have been promised in regards to Qhuinn and Blay and yes I am not happy that I have to wait another year for more Qhuay.  Their story should have ended in this one…okay I am just going to leave it because the more I type the madder I get. 

Lover at Last was an okay book that introduced several new characters, but it was not THE story we were promised.  One of my stars is for the world that Ward has created because I do love it and the other star is for Qhuinn and Blay because we do get their story to a point.

2 Suns

Qhuay Release Day!!!

Okay everyone today is THE.DAY!  Arlene and I have been waiting for Lover at Last and if you listen you will be able to hear us squeeing because it is FINALLY here!!  I am bouncing with excitement and from all the comments on our BDB recaps I know many of our followers are too!  

I also have the name of our Lover at Last winner!!  

Congratulations June M! 

Thanks everyone for entering and celebrating the release of our most anticipated book of the year. Now if you will excuse me I must get back to Qhuay and all 590 pages of their awesomeness!

Black Dagger Brotherhood Part 2: Upcoming Release & Giveaway

Woohoo it is that time again to recap our favorite Brothers!!  Arlene was right in her previous post, this series is one of my favorites and I am bouncing more and more the close the 26th gets!!  This Wednesday I am giving recaps of the 4th-6th books.  And don't forget to check out our giveaway at the bottom!

Lover Revealed by J.R.Ward

Published March 6th, 2007 by Onyx

My Thoughts:

Wow just wow! I wasn't feeling this one until the end and boy was that an ending!
The series continues with Butch's story and he copes being a fragile human in a threatening vampire world. After being taken by the lessers and tortured in an indescribable way the brothers decide he definitely needs to be sidelined in any future fights. He feels like a "kept pet" and it is easy to see why. He doesn't work, is kept out of the fighting, has everything paid for him, and has no responsibility except for being at the brothers beck and call (which he doesn't mind, he just wants more fighting action). So, after the woman (who is a vampire) he wants seems to not want him he decides he can't live in this life anymore. Well when Vishous finds out he is leaving he starts looking into different plans of action and that is when the story really picks up! I don't want to spoil anything so I will just say that Butch's story turned into one of my favorites and I am very excited to see how his new role in the lesser war will affect everything. Also as a side note Vishous is one complicated brother and I can't wait to read his story next! 

4 Suns

Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward

Published on September 27th, 2007 by Signet

My Thoughts:

** spoiler alert **  

After much thought I agree with my fellow booker and I can't give this book more than 2 stars. My favorite female character thus far was decimated. I am still in shock that Ward chose to end this one like she did. I can't even give a summary of this one because the beginning and the end feel like two different books. In the beginning V and Jane were by far my favorite couple. V has his issues that is for sure and he is one crazy freak-o (thanks Arlene =)) but I don't think he deserved to have the love of his life become a ghost. Yes that is right by the end of this story Jane is nothing more than a ghost. Of course for some odd reason she can still have amazing sex and perform life changing surgeries. I just don't understand why Ward didn't bring her back to life if she was still going to have her be "normal". The only saving point for me was the blossoming friendship between V and Butch and John and Z.. I think these friendships are becoming amazing and I am excited to read more about them. On another good note the lessers were not a big part of this book. I am very appreciative for the break, the torture scenes were getting a bit much for me.  

2 Suns

 

Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward

Published on June 3rd, 2008 by Signet

My Thoughts:

** spoiler alert **  

I am giving this one 3 stars for the shock value and for the lost awaited return of one of my favorite characters. This one was a little slow for me. Some parts were great, but the story as a whole dragged on a little too much.
This one centers around Phury, the twin of Zadist. These two could not be more different. While Z displays all his raw anger, Phury hides his inside his mind where the "wizard" reminds him of how much of a failure he is. Phury always tries to do the right thing, rescuing Z and stepping up to be the Primale for starters, but no matter how hard he tries something always goes wrong and he blames himself. His addiction plays a huge role throughout the story as well. His story wasn't as strong as the previous ones as he wasn't phisycally abused, but it kept me interested for the most part.
Cormia was a nice touch to the story added as his first mate but ends up saving his life in more ways than one. I didn't connect with her right away like the previous women but she proved to be a worthy heroine in time. The one thing that bothered me was all the will they ever and the back and forth.
The shocking part was the Omegas son. I never expected Lash even though it makes perfect sense. I am a little scared as to how everything will play out. Lash is violent and just plain mean.
And my favorite part was Tohrment being brought back into the story! He is not healthy emotionally of physically but he is here hopefully to stay. We also got a new character that should put a nice spin on things seeing as Phury may not be fighting anymore.
Oh yeah and that whole Blay and Quinn scene, never saw that coming!

3 Suns

Okay so I know my review ratings give the impression that I am not a devoted fan of this series but I promise that after the 6th book things GET.GOOD and are DEFINITELY worth reading.  So if you are a BDB fanatic like us or if you are dying to know what all the fuss is about then don't forget to enter to win a copy of Lover at Last!  Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below!  Good luck!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Black Dagger Brotherhood Part 1: Upcoming Release & Giveaway

There are a few of us on the Waves of Fiction team that are HUGE fans of J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series. So, for those of you that have been keeping up with the books, you'll know that March 2013 marks the EPIC month that we'll FINALLY be getting the long anticipated Qhuay book!! 

PURE EXCITEMENT!! 

So as we lead up to the release date, each week we'll be sharing mini reviews of the books and running a giveaway of Lover at Last. Check it out!

Lover at Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11) by J.R. Ward
Expected publication: March 26th 2013 by NAL Hardcover

About the book
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.

Book Reviews for Black Dagger Brotherhood Series 1 - 3

Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood #1) by J.R. Ward
Published September 6th 2005 by Signet Eclipse

My Thoughts

Okay, I'll admit, rave reviews, everyone was reading them, so I was curious, just downright curious. There were parts that I found very interesting, such as the back stories, the vampire lore, plot and setting. But then, there were aspects of the story that I struggled with, mainly the Lesser's part in the plot.  As I continued with the series, that remained to be the case. I loved learning about each brother, but the lesser scenes were where I started to skim the story.

Overall, I liked Wrath and Beth's characters and it was nice to see Wrath's alpha male tendencies scale down toward Beth and turn into something more genuine at the end. My favorite part in the book has to be during Beth's transition. FINALLY a female vamp protagonist that isn't exempt from the harsh and painful transition of becoming a vamp. I was kind of hoping that the Scribe Virgin would show some sympathy on Wrath and help him with his visual affliction at the end, but it's nice to see an author who doesn't feel all her characters should be perfect.

Intriguing ending with the Darius situation that made me a little curious as to how that will all turn out. So I had decided in this book, that I would definitely continue with this series. Intriguing!!

3 Suns

Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood #2) by J.R. Ward

Published March 7th 2006 by Signet

My Thoughts

This second installment in the BDB series was MUCH better than the first. Okay, yes, a guy with the name Rhage that wears leathers and shitkickers is not my normal pick for a fictional man lurves, but when the guy sports a tatt of a dragon out of control, you can’t help but stop and take notice!

I really liked Rhage in this book. Much, much more than Wrath from book one. Now grant it, he was a little shocking and somewhat skilled in areas other than taking down the lessers if you get my drift, but heck I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I read those scenes with interest.

What really got me was Rhage’s ability to be true to himself and Mary. He was honest and willing to let down his guard even when releasing his defenses left him hurt and angered. Great character development on the part of Rhage. Now Mary, with a name like that, you’d expect her middle name to be Sue… well no. Not by a LONG shot. She was flawed, not the best looking girl on the block and for most of the book the best you can hope for was that she'd beat the cancer card she was dealt. I loved her character and I loved her scenes with Rhage. Well done and quite steamy.

I continued to struggle with the lessers and omega scenes and dreaded when I’d come upon those chapters.

Overall, this book hooked me as a BDB fan and there was no stopping me. Loved it!

4 Suns

Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood #3) by J.R. Ward
Published September 5th 2006 by Signet

My Thoughts

I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came… and I was awakened. ~Z

Considering my preferred genres, I surprised myself with how much this series intrigued me and kept me reading about the Black Dagger Brotherhood. These books are definitely not for everyone, some scenes are graphic and others are quite cringe-worthy. But for me, there were aspects of the books that I really enjoy and which seemed to draw me in and capture my attention. Overall, I’ve become captivated by the paranormal world that JR Ward has created and the band of brothers that make up these books.

Lover Awakened shares the story of Zsadist and his is one that is much more dark and torturous than the other brothers. His past as a blood whore had me cringing as I read his back-story and after a few snippets of reading what he had gone through, I immediately had enough. But what kept me going was seeing how little by little Z began to drop his defenses and eventually heal from his past and foster a meaningful relationship with his brother Phury and shellan Bella.

As with the first two books, I really struggled with the lesser scenes and more so in this book because it involved the torturing of Bella who I really came to like quite a bit.

There were a few surprises and a signature cliffhanger that left me curious as to how this story would progress, but when it comes to Z, I liked his ending and how he eventual healed from the wounds of his past.

3.5 Suns

And now for the fun!! Waves of Fiction will be giving away a copy of Lover at Last (BDB #11) by J.R. Ward to one lucky Waves of Fiction follower. The winner will have a choice of either a hardback from The Book Depository or an eBook from either US Amazon or US Barnes & Noble. So if TBD ships to you or you can accept an eBook from Amazon or B&N be sure to enter to win this much anticipated book!

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