Willy W. reviewed on 4/7/2011 + 503 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 5

Kind of disappointed.

Overall, this was an OK contribution to the BDB compendium. There was a LOT of story about Vishous and Jane, for half the book overtaking the Payne/Manny story. I'm not complaining. One thing I really like about JR Ward is that she continues the stories of the other Brothers even after their main story is over.

The best thing about this book was the lack of story about Lessers. Hooray. Thank you JR Ward for finally realizing the Lesser-breaks were just wasting paper. But instead of Lessers, now we read about some guy named Veck who, at the end of the book, never had one single thing to do with the BDB or the overall story being told. I read that Veck is to be a character in another series. It is understandable that Ward wants crossover to get us interested in her other series, but I felt like she was wasting my time.

And speaking of time-wasters, does anyone else cringe every time Layla enters the scene? I wish the un-mated females in this series were as strong as the males. They're either almost-men or completely subservient spineless people with no real compelling character traits. I get that Ward likes her boys, but love stories only work if we love both characters.

Manny and Payne are a good match, the story was good although not as angst-ridden as other BDB books. I was kind of expecting Payne to be Xhex part 2 but she was more like Marissa part 2. OK but a bit too simpering, which is a weird thing to say about someone who can kick the king's ass. And the love scenes between M&P get short shrift, that is a disappointment. Hot scene between hooker and two random males, but pretty much just a shower for Payne and Manny. And there is a break-up between them toward the end that seems contrived, not really character-driven, just to create an excuse to separate them. But I liked their chemistry and Manny is a good addition to their world.

The biggest disappointment was the lack of progress in the Qhuinn/Blaylock story. I guess I was the only person believing this book would finally put them together. I read online now that Ward will supposedly write a novella about them but there is no publication date. I would say that means the publisher is reluctant to publish a "gay" story. Ward even includes this "vision" had by Qhuinn that would strongly suggest that he winds up with Layla! It makes you wonder if Ward's taking too much flack from her publisher or bigoted readers and caving in to a more "traditional" story.

3.5 stars

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