Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5)
by J.R. Ward
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Book Summary Information
Author: J.R. WardEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-09-25
ISBN: 0451222350
Number of pages: 528
Publisher: Signet
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780451222350
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5)
Book Review: 4.5 Stars
Summary: 4 Stars
At first I was worried about reading V's book. I just could not relate to him and I had little interest in him as a character. But I'm glad that I read Lover Unbound and Vishous is no longer my least favorite character.
Unlike the first four books where you just see V's actions and hear his words, in Lover Unbound you finally get into his head. The reader learns that just because V hates emotions, both his and others, he still has them. He is still able to feel guilt and hurt and sympathy, he just hates it.
It is so difficult to provide a summary for any Black Dagger Brotherhood book as everything that happens is the result of spoilers. Lover Unbound is also long but I will try to provide a short summary without revealing too much.
Vishous is fighting lessers when he is severely injured. He is rescued by humans and is operated on in a human hospital. When V regains consciousness he has an instant connection to his surgeon, Jane. When his brothers come to take him home, he demands that she go with him.
What follows is a tough revelation for V as he realizes that he has fallen completely in love with his surgeon. Unfortunately, his destiny has no room for Jane. He is set to become the one that is responsible for increasing the numbers of the Brotherhood by copulating with the Chosen.
When an opening is finally revealed that allows V to be with Jane the reader is given some form of relief for the couple...but it doesn't last long. Ward keeps her world edgy and exciting. It definitely is not an easy road for our hero and heroine.
I found Jane and V's romance very believable and smooth flowing. The reader could tell there was love and affection there and I was glad that V had no problem showing it.
Jane had the perfect balance of possessing strength and intelligence without being overly stubborn and annoying. She was a wonderful and refreshing character. She and V are great together and, I must admit, pretty cute, too.
Readers are also familiar with V's little "unconventional interests". I was glad that the extreme side of his bondage was not detailed and only mentioned in Lover Unbound. His need to have that dominance stems from his horrible past. Ward allows the reader to see and understand V's ways while keeping her books top quality.
There is a scene where Vishouls feels that he needs to repay Jane for what she has given him and it has become one of my favorite scenes in the book. If you are reluctant to read this book because of V's sex life then let me assure you, Love Unbound is not dominated by dominance. V will steal your heart, I promise.
Readers of the series are also familiar with V and his relationship with Butch. In previous books the issue of their relationship was very lightly mentioned but in Lover Unbound it is bluntly addressed. There were a few moments when I had to roll my eyes at Ward's compulsion to add PC dialog to the characters (you know, the "not that there's anything wrong with it!" type of lines). Butch and V are so close that I did not think they needed to even to say the assuring words to each other, it should have been understood. It did not fit with the character's personality at all. But I think Ward added the lines the reader's sake since some may not have understood the relationship. Butch and V know each other too well to even question the other's loyalty.
Lover Unbound does require a bit of openness about the human mind from readers. Vishous had never felt anything for anyone, so naturally what he would feel for his first best friend would be confusing to him. Butch's attitude about it all was great, though. The two really do care about each other and Butch was so understanding. V was finally able to resolve and understand his feelings. Some readers might find it uncomfortable, though.
V has a certain insecurity about himself that I think will surprise fans. It is definitely unique to the romance genre and something I am glad Ward feels confident in addressing. V has always been the smart, strong, and calm member of the Brotherhood, which makes his awkwardness even more touching.
There are sub plots that keep the reader informed on other characters. Z and John Matthew have some great moments together... though JM's attractions to another character are a bit disturbing (eww!). It was also really interesting (and heartbreaking) to see Z and Phury 'switch places' where Z tries to look out for Phury. Phury will definitely break your heart while making you want to yell at him at the same time. He's going downhill fast....
Yes, the slang is still there and the author has some strange desire to name the brand name of nearly every single object in existence. I was just waiting for her to say the brand name of the character's socks. It felt like I was reading a catalog sometimes but it is easy to overlook those petty issues. It didn't affect my rating.
A few things did disappoint me, though. I think Ward is striving a little too hard for the shock value. What went on in the warrior camp was horrendous and, while I my heart broke for V, there was a page in the book that I had a great deal of trouble swallowing. It was something that other authors are smart enough to avoid. Even though it was the culture of the camp, I felt as if Ward pushed the envelope too far. It was hard not to let that one page ruin the book for me. I understood it, sure, but I did not like it.
The biggest disapointment I have is the end with Jane. Something happens to her and the outcome was just too much of stretch for me. I cannot help but feel as if Ward is striving too hard to dispel all predictability that the results are sometimes impractical. I am going to have a hard time accepting it.
While all the other wonderful surprises the author gives us overshadow these minor flaws, they were just enough to keep me from rounding up to a 5 star rating.
Right now Ward is at the pivotal moment where authors start slipping in their skill. They fall into slapstick comedy and create horrible characters. So far Ward has avoided that with her fifth book and what is meant to be funny in Lover Unbound really is funny. I actually laughed out loud during some of the moments. Ward has a great talent for transition and a very wonderful writing style.
Ward has some very rabid fans now so I encourage those reading the reviews to take notice of that.
I also strongly recommend readers to prepare themselves for this book. Quite a bit goes on with the BDB world and so far LU tops the list.
Overall, Lover Unbound was a great addition to the Brotherhood books and one I definitely recommend. It is better than Butch's book and it will definitely let readers see a great side of a complex character.
Summary of Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5)
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