Shelia R. (MamaDragon3) -
Helpful Score: 5
I guess I'm the sole voice of dissent so far, as I was somewhat disappointed with this book. I had been looking forward to this storyline for so long! It was an opportunity to see how a mainstream author and series handled a gay relationship. As a reader of m/m books, I didn't want J. R. Ward to chicken out on the emotional and physical aspects of a gay romance, but I think she did just that.
Like many of Ward's other books, the side characters were almost as dominant as the person the book is supposed to be about. I felt there was almost too much of Trez, Assail, and Xcor and not enough of Qhuinn and Blay. It was difficult to wade through some of the side stories to get to the Qhuinn and Blay parts, and there certainly were not enough of those for me.
As for the relationship between Qhuinn and Blay, it seemed very neat. Sure, there were difficulties to overcome, but they resolved themselves predictably. Other than the first time Qhuinn and Blay are together sexually (where they destroy the room), there is not enough detail about the sex. In Ward's other books in this series, the sex scenes were always smoking hot--and I feel she held back a lot with the sex scenes between Qhuinn and Blay.
I also was not a fan of having to wait until the very end of the book for the two of them to get their heads out of their arses and get together for real. The "wedding" scene at the end was too rushed, and not well thought out, in my opinion.
Overall, I liked it, but it could have been so much better. I am still a dedicated fan of the series, but this book was not my favorite.
Like many of Ward's other books, the side characters were almost as dominant as the person the book is supposed to be about. I felt there was almost too much of Trez, Assail, and Xcor and not enough of Qhuinn and Blay. It was difficult to wade through some of the side stories to get to the Qhuinn and Blay parts, and there certainly were not enough of those for me.
As for the relationship between Qhuinn and Blay, it seemed very neat. Sure, there were difficulties to overcome, but they resolved themselves predictably. Other than the first time Qhuinn and Blay are together sexually (where they destroy the room), there is not enough detail about the sex. In Ward's other books in this series, the sex scenes were always smoking hot--and I feel she held back a lot with the sex scenes between Qhuinn and Blay.
I also was not a fan of having to wait until the very end of the book for the two of them to get their heads out of their arses and get together for real. The "wedding" scene at the end was too rushed, and not well thought out, in my opinion.
Overall, I liked it, but it could have been so much better. I am still a dedicated fan of the series, but this book was not my favorite.
Robin M. (robinmy) -
Helpful Score: 4
Qhuinn and Blaylock have been friends since childhood; growing up together, going through their transitions together, and fighting with the Brotherhood together. But when Blay admitted his feelings for Qhuinn, they started to drift apart. After years of unrequited love, Blay found another relationship and tried to move on. Now Qhuinn has realized his feelings for Blay. But his impending fatherhood, emotional baggage and Blay's relationship with Qhuinn's cousin is standing in the way.
With all of the build up of Blay and Qhuinn's relationship over the last five books, I wasn't sure if Ward could pull off a believable relationship for them. Well, I was far from disappointed. Ward writes a beautiful and intense love story that I couldn't put down. Blay is a guy who has been rejected once, and doesn't know if he can risk his heart again. Showing Qhuinn's backstory helps us understand his character and shows us how he has evolved since he was introduced early in the series.
As usual with the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, there is lots going on. Layla, who is having difficulties with her pregnancy, now shows independence and confidence. In the past I was never a big fan of this character, but I've really come to appreciate her and want to see more of her and her fascination with Xcor. Xcor is another character in this series that is growing on me. He's not a cut and dried villain. I can't wait to see if Layla can turn him around.
Assail is the intriguing druglord who was introduced in the last book. While trying to stay far away from the Glymera and their politics, he finds that a human woman is spying on him and wants to know why. This part of the book was almost as interesting as the Qhuinn/Blay story. We also spend time with Trez and iAm, the shadow brothers, and find that since birth Trez has been destined to mate with his Queen's oldest daughter and is not dealing well with the situation. Another plot we will see more of in the future.
This is the eleventh book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Ward does not give a lot of background information on how we've got to this point in the series. So, if you're interested in jumping into these books, start with book 1. I would have liked to have seen a subplot revisiting some of the past characters in the series, but it still doesn't stop me from giving this book 5 Stars.
With all of the build up of Blay and Qhuinn's relationship over the last five books, I wasn't sure if Ward could pull off a believable relationship for them. Well, I was far from disappointed. Ward writes a beautiful and intense love story that I couldn't put down. Blay is a guy who has been rejected once, and doesn't know if he can risk his heart again. Showing Qhuinn's backstory helps us understand his character and shows us how he has evolved since he was introduced early in the series.
As usual with the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, there is lots going on. Layla, who is having difficulties with her pregnancy, now shows independence and confidence. In the past I was never a big fan of this character, but I've really come to appreciate her and want to see more of her and her fascination with Xcor. Xcor is another character in this series that is growing on me. He's not a cut and dried villain. I can't wait to see if Layla can turn him around.
Assail is the intriguing druglord who was introduced in the last book. While trying to stay far away from the Glymera and their politics, he finds that a human woman is spying on him and wants to know why. This part of the book was almost as interesting as the Qhuinn/Blay story. We also spend time with Trez and iAm, the shadow brothers, and find that since birth Trez has been destined to mate with his Queen's oldest daughter and is not dealing well with the situation. Another plot we will see more of in the future.
This is the eleventh book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Ward does not give a lot of background information on how we've got to this point in the series. So, if you're interested in jumping into these books, start with book 1. I would have liked to have seen a subplot revisiting some of the past characters in the series, but it still doesn't stop me from giving this book 5 Stars.
Cindy D. (ladybird) reviewed Lover at Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Bk 11) on + 44 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Wow, did not disappoint! Only the Warden could have done this story justice and made this non-traditional relationship work as the focus for a non-erotic genre book, and come off as totally hot too! Everyone reading this series wants Qhuinn and Blay to get their HEA. But I wondered how it would work as the focus of a full length novel. I had no reservations and complete confidence that Ms. Ward would make it work. And she did...in spades! Anyone with concerns about reading this book should put them away immediately. Especially if they are a fan of the series. The Warden keeps true to the characters, their past, their history together, (their total hotness!), and I loved seeing clips of all my boys (some more than others). Also is a key book in the developing storyline with Assail and Xcor. I can't decide who to like or dislike!
Alice J. (ASJ) -
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed the book. Was it too long?yup, did I care about all the new characters? not all. so what did I like about the book? I love the brotherhood and how they have each others back, I like the caring for the young, the intimacy between mates. Well written love seens. Main characters are still interesting and you want to know what is going on in their lives. Looking forward to the next one.
Valerie (IDOLFAN) -
Helpful Score: 1
Awesome!!! Love it!! Lots of things going on in this one. It's Great.
