Audiobook Review: Lover Unleashed (BDB #9)
Book: Lover Unleashed
Author: J.R. Ward
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #9
Release Date: March 29th 2011
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Source: purchased from Audible
Length: 18 hrs & 37 mins
Links: Amazon | Audible | Goodreads
My Rating: 4 stars
Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, warrior cloth as her brother: A fighter by nature, and a maverick when it comes to the traditional role of Chosen females, there is no place for her on the Far Side… and no role for her on the front lines of the war, either.
When she suffers a paralyzing injury, human surgeon Dr. Manuel Manello is called in to treat her as only he can- and he soon gets sucked into her dangerous, secret world. Although he never before believed in things that go bump in the night- like vampires- he finds himself more than willing to be seduced by the powerful female who marks both his body and his soul.
As the two find so much more than an erotic connection, the human and vampire worlds collide … just as a centuries old score catches up with Payne and puts both her love and her life in deadly jeopardy.
Review:
How could I let myself forget what a big fan I am of the BDB or of Ward’s writing? Seriously, if I had to describe this series or Ward’s ability to string together syllables in a single word, I’d say it’s BADASS! I mean, really? Who else but Ward could get away with writing about a tortured vampire than needs his best friend to beat the ever living daylight out of him just so he can reach that point of carnal release he needs so badly? Yet Ward does more than push and blur boundaries; she also makes sure each sentence she creates packs the right amount of power, or poignancy, or smexiness!
I remember when I first discovered this series in May 2010, yes I was late to the party, and read the books in quick succession. I also remember that as I grew more invested in the BDB and each brother’s HEA, I found myself getting really upset over the direction some of the romances took. What happened to Doc Jane and V, for instance, pissed me off more than I care to admit. I was so heartbroken and irritated after their story that I let my interest in the series fade. So when Lover Unleashed was released, I could hardly bring myself to care.
Well, as Pretty Woman would say, “Big mistake. Big. Huge!”
Lover Unleashed was just what I needed to remind myself that Ward has created something kind of special with this long standing series. Sure, she still has the ability to push my buttons, but as I eased myself back into the BDB world, I learned to get over myself and just enjoy the story for it’s entertainment value, of which it is bountiful.
When I finally decided to pick up LU, I allowed myself to just go with it, though I can’t say I was surprised to discover that V and Doc Jane were facing some serious problems that needed to be worked out. And yeah, in case you haven’t picked up on it yet, I’m not a fan of that female, but before you start tearing me a new one, please remember that Jane is a freaking ghost, which is just redonkulous!
Anyhoo, not gonna go there. Gonna keep things light.
Payne and Manny’s romance was pretty vanilla, and pretty standard. She – a female of worth, he – a brilliant surgeon, but pitiful human nonetheless. And they want to be together but circumstance keeps them apart…yada, yada, yada. Sure, it’s more of the same stuff that romance readers have grown used to, but what’s different is that Ward uses her signature writing style to really amp things up. LU may have quickly fell into a comfortable, secure rhythm that alternated between quiet humming to violent wailing, but it didn’t take me long to realize that both choruses created a symphonic masterpiece.
What I enjoyed most, was the introduction of The Band of Bastards. It was such a relief to not have to read from the Lesser POV anymore. Instead, I enjoyed being whisked away to the old ways with Xcor and his warriors. Also, I lived for the moments between Qhuinn and Blay. They make me ache in such a heartfelt way.
Believe me, I will never again let myself forget that this is a series of worth. And, I have every intention of catch up as fast as possible so that I can be ready for Qhuinn and Blay’s book as soon as it hits the shelves.
Posted at 2:25 am • Labels: 2012, 4 stars, BDB, Book Review, J.R. Ward, paranormal romance, Vampires
I Love love LOVE this post! Sweetie, while reading your thought I was furiously nodding all the time in perfect agreement! JR Ward is a genius with words and boundaries. This scene with V you were talking about was the darkest she ever went, yet I was facinated. V – I mean this “my” brother, there is something about him that draws me in. Which is why I loved this book so much. I didn’t care so much for Payne and Manni (Manni who? ) but.. *sigh*
One question, how was the audiobook? I haven’t ever listened to a Brotherhood book as audio, hows the narration?
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Ha! I was so wrapped up in the story, I forgot to mention anything about the narration in my review. Sorry about that.
Jim Frangione’s voice does take some getting used to. I love him for the brothers, but since his voice is so deep and very masculine, it doesn’t sound right for the female parts. Still, he has been the narrator for all the audiobooks in the series, so I think he has a very good grasp on who the characters are. He’s great at acting out the action scenes and the self reflective moments. Also, he makes me laugh! He is great at picking up the cues to Ward’s subtle jokes and interpreting them for the audio.
P.S. I will forever be heartbroken over what V got stuck with. He is one of my favorite brothers too, and I really wish he had gotten who he truly wanted… Butch.
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LOL Missie, your spunk always shines through in your reviews and I totally love it!! x) Everything about this book sounds bad-ass, not just the writing! I mean, tortured vampires are always awesome and The Band of Bastards sounds so hilarious! For some reason, I keep picturing pirates when you say that even though I know this is a vampire book, not an arrrrrgh-PIRATES sort of book, but it still sounds like a blast!
Amazingly hilarious review, Missie! <3
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It is hilarious everything the ‘Band of Bastards’ is mentioned. They wear their title proudly and its kind of strange, but in a way they are their own mini brotherhood.
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Ive heard so many things about these popular books….but I just cant bring myself to read Ward’s stuff…:( It will scandalize me….lol…..so I will live vicariously through you and read your reviews..:D
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T! The last thing I want to do it SCANDALIZE you! Especially since you do a great job of doing that to yourself.
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BAHAAHAHA…um yeah I do that dont I….?? I may have scandalized myself on facebook today, Im such a dumbass sometimes……LOL
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I LOVE the BDB! I’m WAY behind on them though. I’m as far as Butch’s story but I’m thinking since it’s been “FOREVER” since I’ve read them that I might just start over. LOVE your new layout and color scheme! Off to grab your “League of Ladies against CAPTCHA” button!
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Thanks, I really like the new digs too.
And yeah, it’s easy to get behind, but the writing is just so fun that it sucks you right back in.
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Missie, if you were late to the party in May 2010, what does that mean for me, since I didn’t start this series until July 2011? Probably that I started showing up the same time all the fun was over and everyone getting ready to leave.
I never did have very good timing.
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My timing sucks, too. But that’s the great thing about this series. It doesn’t matter when you show up, the brother will always be ready to welcome you in and treat you like the guest of honor.
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“Yet Ward does more than push and blur boundaries; she also makes sure each sentence she creates packs the right amount of power, or poignancy, or smexiness! ”
YESSS! So true Missie, her books never fail to elicit an emotional response from me, and even when one book isn’t a favorite or something happens that pisses me off, I know I’m invested in the characters and that’s the most important thing for me:)
I was thrilled to be done with the lesser POV as well, they can stay gone for all I care. I find Xcor and Band of Bastards far more interesting.
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RIGHT?! The fact that she can piss up off only proves that she is telling a great story.
I love Xcor and Band of Bastards. I want them all to have HEAs too!
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I think Band Of Brother’s were the best part of this book. They grow only more interesting in the next book, I wouldn’t mind reading more about them ;D
Oooo Missie can you imagine how much fanning you would need when you read Qhuinn/Blay book? I just think about that a bit and it sends my ovaries to overdrive. Can’t wait to read about them. Specially after the last book
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When Qhuay’s book finally arrives, I think I’m gonna explode! Do you know if Ward has said anything about the Band Of Brother getting their own books?
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Not officially from Ward.
But fans in BDB forum been saying there should be a novella for them. Specially after what happens in book 10.
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I was beyond pissed with LU. I actually through the book across the room several times and shouted “NO!” I felt like V got gypped with his story and I never felt like it finished. So many issues untouched and brushed under the carpet. I was thrilled when he *Finally* got his issues aired out and those scenes with him and Butch just broke my heart. On a different note, I thought Payne’s story was much there and I have a feeling we’ll get a book where her story would be more fulfilling. And definitely YES on Team Qhuay. I’m thrilled that they’ll get a whole book because they really deserve it.
p.s. The cop is mine and by proxy so is V!!
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V’s whole story has been an injustice to him and his fans. But at least Ward is going to make it up to us by giving us a WHOLE Qhuay book instead of a novella.
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Awesome review. And I loveeeee your Pretty Woman reference.
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I know I know I suck! I still haven’t read any books from this author despite all the amazing reviews I saw on your blog. but one day I’ll succeed! (really!). mainly when I have the five first books lol. I’m glad you enjoyed this one as well. thanks for the review!
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You pretty much summed up my feelings on this one perfectly. Payne and Manny’s story was pretty vanilla and it didn’t feel like the focal point to me – it was more about introducing the Bastards (I have a weird fascination with Xcor now, thankyouverymuch) and giving V a chance to deal with his issues (holy hotness, Batman!).
This particular book will probably never be my favorite (that’s reserved for Lover Awakened and Lover Avenged) but I think it did a good job of moving the overall arc in a new and (potentially) more dynamic direction. And it did a great job of pulling me back into the BDB world.
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I was so mad during this story because I loved Payne and Manny together but felt that they were a side note in their own story! How unfair was that!
I love the Band of Bastards but I think I am in the minority with that one!
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Great review! I love this series! I have the whole series in audio-book format! The narrator Jim Frangione is excellent!! He’s one of my favorite narrators. Though this specific book wasn’t my favorite of the series by far. I sill overall enjoyed it.
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I so want to read this review but am afraid that it will spoil something for me reading the series in the future. But it looks like another great read!
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I am totally with you on the Jane and V issues. Ghost thing…insane, esp. when V is into BDSM. But I also thought that Ward’s continuation of Jane and V’s story is what makes her so special as an author (esp. and author of series). The characters continue to grow even beyond their HEA – if we can even claim Jane and V have a HEA in their book. So smart to further deal with V’s issues, of all Ward’s characters I think he, by far, has the most to work through. Loved seeing it happen.
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I am such a loser and I regret not starting this series. I have the first couple of books but I just can’t find time and it keeps getting longer and longer and I think how can I catch up? Just read a great review on book 10. I know I am missing out. I just need more time….sigh….
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Wow, 18 hours of audio is A LOT! Like I said, I stopped after book five because I was reading them one after the other and I have to admit I got a little tired, but I should probably continue the series soon, it seems worth it.
I love that you quoted Pretty Woman in a BDB review.
Wonderful and detailed review as usual, Missie!
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Now I feel bad that I haven’t read any of this series…*hides*
Maybe I should look into starting the series…?
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I really like this series but only in small doses. I guess it’s just a bit much for me or something. So far I’ve only read the first 3 or 4. I’m not even sure which one I’m on and it’s probably been close to 2 years since I read the last one. I should try to do one a year at least… cause I DO like them and the whole idea of everything is brilliant. I just get annoyed cause over and over the guys don’t think they’re worthy of the girls and the girls don’t think they’re beautiful or special enough for these guys and it just annoys me. But most everything else I really like.
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I’m terribly behind on this series and you say you were upset? Oh crud. Well, I’m not looking forward to that, but I’m glad you ended up enjoying this one despite the probs of the characters. Hm… I’m worried now in restarting this series even though I think I have a ways to go before I get to the bad parts. Still.. Hold me. *shakes*
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Yes…you must NEVER forget that this is a series of worth! LU was one of the most difficult for me to read. I was so stressed out while reading it that I almost didn’t enjoy it. I think the stress came from the V parts. Like you, I was at a loss about V and Jane. Jane isn’t my fav. I LURVE V though, so it’s been tough. I am up to date on the series though and again like you, I’m happy the lessers are taking a back seat. Like where things are heading right now. Can’t wait to see what you think when you read Tohr! purrrrrrr
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I do not know, the last 2 books I read annoyed me. I wanted more Rhev in Rhev’s book, and the one before, oh great forget the guy’s name. Cos it bored me :/
But at least no freaking babypoweder peeps anymore
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Great review Missie, glad you liked it. I still have to red the latest one, but am waiting for the paperback edition. Some books are better than others, but she is the only author that can get away with all the swearing and cursing and stuff.
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Glad to see you’re back on board, querida! The Brothers are a special lot, and I love them all! You got to listen to JF read the female parts in this book…I got to listen to my Kindle female voice read them. My Kindle male voice creeps me out. Looking forward to Qhuinn and Blay’s book, too. She’s run that substory long enough — I’m glad they finally get the spotlight!
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Someday, I will read these books. I was just talking to a fellow blogger who was giving away most of her books, even signed ones, because she had too many. But she picked up one of Ward’s books and said emphatically, “But I will NEVER, EVER give away these books. I’ll hang onto them until I die.” So now with your review – I am very curious as I have never been before.
Plus, the Pretty Woman reference got me going too
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I really needed a break form this series. The multiple POV’s (up to 5 for each book) is wearing me down. And the Qhuay drama may kill me. I’m so glad their book is next but I’m so pissed at everything leading up to it…..grrrr.
I think I need to be more like you and just lighten up lol Not sure I’m at that place yet. This is the last book I read and about the only thing I enjoyed was the BoB. They brought some much needed humor and tension back imo. Does anyone even read the Lesser parts??
Oddly enough I think I’m one of the only people who likes Jane. The ghost stuff is stupid but I always liked her & V.
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Doncha worry none, Miss Missie! BDB members always go back, LOL-specaking from experience. I still remember my first one Whoa! Where’d the time go and who in the heck drooled on my LT AND had the nerve to wipe it on my face, AS IF!!!!
That’s it, this has been happening way to often! I have a stalker and I’m going to start turning on the alarm system during the day!
Imagine! They do some hocus pocus to me and then have the nerve to drool on my LT, wipe it on my face as if I, a grown up would do something so, so… well, you know what I mean! Its SCANDALOUS I say!
Now, where was I, oh yes my first BDB book….. Well, I’ll be tied to a wild hog! It happened again! That’s it! I have to leave to search the house for the PERVERT who’s doing this.
(Hopefully, I won’t pass any mirrors)
LOL, Missy-You’ll keep going back to them ruh-roh, drool’s a startin’ again! You never forget who the characters are, either. I like that part of it!
‘Kay, really gotta shashay!
Huggles your entire face and family, too! I’m off to find the perv!
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Aww, I so feel I’ve let myself forget how truly awesome this series is myself. I absolutely LOVED the first three and yet I haven’t gone back to it. This summer, I’m gonna dedicate some time with these steamy vamps, that’s for sure. Great review!
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I put this series down after the third (?) book. I loved it. I have NO idea why I stopped reading them other than I was in my have-to-read-ALL-the-books stage instead of taking my time and reading what I want.
I’m trying REALLY hard to find that balance and this review made me realize that I need to pick these back up and not give up on them again.
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I’m embarrased to say that I’ve only read book 1 of this series. It just didn’t really hook me but I have the next three on my bookshelf. You want me to take another look.
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Huh, I am kind of surprised to hear that it seems like this series still holds some steam. I usually expect series that have this many books to go downhill in quality eventually. I am intrigued. Perhaps even enough to give this series a go despite it not being my kind of read at all? I really have been seriously considering trying an adult PNR, after all…
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I just finished this book myself, review up at the end of the week. I was excited to see what you thought and agree wholeheartedly to your review. I had this on my shelf for a while and after finishing it I kick myself for not reading it sooner. It was a great new fresh add to the series!
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