The King by J.R. Ward
Black Dagger Brotherhood #12
Release Date: March 25th, 2014
(source: JR Ward Facebook)
Lover At Last
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #11
Author: J.R. Ward
SUMMARY
(From Goodreads)
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.
MY THOUGHTS
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!! You have been warned!
Lover At Last is the 11th book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by author J.R. Ward. The main characters are Qhuinn and Blaylock with previous characters in the series make appearance’s.
Holy. Freaking. HECK! I would have cursed with that last statement, but I think I used all of them up in the course of reading this novel. Instead of a basic review like I usually do, I am going to mix it up and discuss the different story lines that are featured in this book.
BLAY / QHUINN
I don’t even know where to start with these two characters. After everything they have gone through, I knew we were still going to be dragged through the angst filled river before these two would hook up. I laughed. I cried. I was frustrated with actions and words. I was eager for the sexy times. Qhuinn had some major sucking up to do (no pun intended) and can I say that this man can grovel. Blay even grew in this book for me. His backbone and strength were in your face and I loved that he was so Alpha like in this book. With that being said though, I still wanted to throttle Blay at times when he wouldn’t accept our emo Qhuinn and ‘get it on’ sooner! Their sex was hot, but their ending to me was a little cheesy. I can’t decide if I am in love with that last line of the book or if I want to roll my eyes. I also keeping thinking about that lamp and the couch.
Even though there was no eye contact between them, Qhuinn felt compelled to say something.
“What’s…” He didn’t finish the “doing” part of the sentence. Why bother? The guy stalked past him like he wasn’t there. “I’m great,” Qhuinn muttered as he resumed trudging through the ice pack. “Doin’ awesome, thanks for asking — oh, you having probs with Saxton? Really? How’d you like to go out and get a drink and talk about it? Yeah? Perfect. I’ll be your after-diner mint–“
“You are perfect the way you are.” Blay’s voice was strong. “There is nothing wrong with who and what you have always been.I’m proud of you. And I love you. Now… and always.”
LAYLA
The girl grew a spine people! I can honestly say that Layla has became a character I am thrilled to read about. Verily.
Before, I couldn’t stand her. Now she is one who deserves a happily ever after. I really would love to see her with Xcor! That car scene near the end of the book had me swooning.
“He was the father of my young, and he will be accorded all the rights and privileges of that station.” “If any harm shall befall him, I will come after you, and find you where you sleep. I do not care where you lay your head or who with, my vengeance shall rain upon you until you drown.”
XCOR / BAND OF BASTARDS
I am begging and groveling that this male will be redeemed and get his HEA. He is the bad guy that makes you feel so good. Not only can he lead a bunch of bastards, but he can spout sweet words to his Chosen. Even if his book isn’t next –because it may be too soon for it — but I can still hope and pray it is soon. Plus I would love some more page time with Throe!
“You are in my dreams,” he murmured. “Every day, you haunt me. Your scent, your voice, your eyes…this mouth.”
“I cannae believe you let me touch you.” His voice grew hoarse. “I shall remember this for all my nights.”
TREZ / iAM
Many people haven’t been a huge supporter of this story. I can agree when it comes to Trez. That Shadow is just plain boring and selfish. But I will jump up and say that I am all for learning more about iAm. When that man finally cracked and made his first joke, I laughed and instantly wanted to read more of him. He is trying to guide Trez and protect him at the same time. Please Ms.Ward, bring me more of him!
ASSAIL / SOLA (Marisol)
I am in the opposite camp as most people on this one as well. I wasn’t a huge fan of Rhev, so it is no surprise that I wasn’t a big fan of Assail. Yes he has some sex appeal and there is chemistry between him and Sola, but I have only a slight interest in their story. Plus, does anyone else think that Benloise is the one who kidnapped her? I think Benloise has a deeper story in this one.
MISC
I really hope that Ward will bring us a story for Saxton and give Lassiter one as well. Saxton really grew on me with this book and he deserves a male of worth as well. There is also some pining for a young by Beth in this book — especially with it playing a HUGE role in Xcor’s revenge plans. I also loved how the previous brothers were included in this book. While I wish they could have been featured just a wee bit more, I understand that they had their time in previous books. This just gives me an excuse to reread them again.
Z’s voice was a surprise. And so was the Brother’s arm shooting up and shoving Rhage to the side.
“Will you get off me!”
“But I’m giving you CPR–“
“I will die before kissing you Hollywood.” Z tried to sit up, his breathing heavy. “Don’t even think about it.”
MY RATING
Very Good! I would recommend this book!
Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights forthcoming titles that we absolutely can’t wait to read.
LOVER UNLEASHED
Black Dagger Brotherhood #9
Author: J.R. Ward
Release Date: March 29th, 2011
SUMMARY:
Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, seductive cloth as her brother. Imprisoned for eons by their mother, the Scribe Virgin, she finally frees herself–only to face a devastating injury. Manuel Manello, M.D., is drafted by the Brotherhood to save her as only he can–but when the human surgeon and the vampire warrior meet, their two worlds collide in the face of their undeniable passion. With so much working against them, can love prove stronger than the birthright and the biology that separates them?
Why I Can’t Wait:
It’s the Black Dagger Brotherhood!!! If you have read this series already, need I say more??!! If you haven’t read any of this series yet, what planet are you on people??!!
LOVER MINE
Black Dagger Brotherhood #8
Author: J R Ward
Source: Purchased at store
- Hardcover: 528 pages
- Publisher: NAL Hardcover; 1st edition (April 27, 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0451229851
- ISBN-13: 978-0451229854
SYNOPSIS:
In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other – vampire warriors, defenders of their race…John Matthew has been through his vampire transition and taken to the life of the Brotherhood with a vengeance, but he still can’t shake the nightmare of his past and is unsure of his future as a warrior hero. He’s made a promise to honour the Brotherhood and their fight with the slayers at all costs, until the love of his life is kidnapped and he is forced to make a choice that could change his life and the Brotherhood’s forever…
MY THOUGHTS:
I was so excited when this finally released! I ran to the store on release day and waited until they finally unloaded it onto the shelf. I snagged it and ran as fast as I could to the checkout. Yes, that is how addicted I am to this series. I was anxious to find out how John Matthew and Xhex were going to come together and if John Matthew was going to finally figure out his past! Now that I have finished the book, I was a little disappointed in it.
First the good of the book. I loved how we got to see the King Wrath and Payne together on the Far Side. I loved their fighting and eventually their friendship. Without trying to give away a spoiler, I loved how at the end of the book, Payne finally laid eyes upon someone she thought was long ago dead. I look forward to the interaction between the two now. I loved the tender moments between John Matthew and Xhex as well. They made the couple more of a romantic couple instead of all sex and no love. It gave them depth for their relationship that they both needed. The reconnection between John Matthew and Tohr was also very touching. I was glad to see the two finally work through the problems of the past and come together like Father and Son again. It just goes to show that the past may have happened, but the future can become bright again. I loved the back story of Darius and Tohr that the author threw in to the mix. At first you wonder why we were having to read about it, but in the end, it makes perfect sense. The tension between Blay and Qhuinn also struck a new high in this book. WOW. It makes me even more anxious for their book to come out. Go Team Qhuay!
Now for the bad of the book. Where do I begin? For one thing, Xhex has always been a strong female with a smart mouth and take no shit kind of girl. She didn’t dress up, never wore makeup and sure as hell never cried. This book we see the tender side of her, and frankly, that was out of character for her. I didn’t like how the author made her sappy. I liked her strength and take charge attitude from the previous books. I was also disappointed in not getting the closure of John Matthew’s back story. We have read about him from book one and now we have to continue to wait. Enough is enough. I know authors like to stretch it out, but to me it is getting a little frustrating. The paranormal investigators were out there. They just didn’t fit into the story and it made little impact for the book. I understand it was used to set up plot for another character we will see in the future, but to me, it just didn’t fit in this book. I hated how we didn’t get to see much of the brothers either. We get to see little glances of them throughout the book, but since they have helped guide him into the man John Matthew is now, you would think we would have seen more of them through this book.
Overall, this book just didn’t live up to the excitement and anticipation I was hoping for. I, of course, will still keep reading the series and buying more of the books, but I hope the author gets her momentum back and give us more of what her loyal readers are asking for. I hope she quits torturing us, and get the action, love and speed of the first in the series back for book number nine!
MY RATING:
Very Good! I would recommend this book!
CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Redemption isn’t a word Jim Heron knows much about-his specialty is revenge, and to him, sin is all relative. But everything changes when he becomes a fallen angel and is charge with saving the souls of seven people from the seven deadly sins. And failure is not an option. Vin DiPietro long ago sold his soul to his business, and he’s good with that-until fate intervenes in the form of a tough- talking, Harley-riding, self-professed savior. But then he meets a woman who will make him question his destiny, his sanity, and his heart-and he has to work with a fallen angel to win her over and redeem his own soul.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
I have 1 new paperback copy to giveaway!
USA and CANADA only please.
I have 1 new paperback copy to giveaway!
USA and CANADA only please.
To enter you must be a follower.
Just click here on my entry form to enter!
This contest will end Wednesday, October 7th, 2009 at 9am.
I will post the winner here on my blog and you will have 48 hours to respond or I will have to pick a new winner.
Good Luck!!!