Tahnee B. (tahneeb) reviewed on 4/22/2011 + 5 more book reviews

Lover Unleashed provides plenty of fodder to provoke emotionally if you are a regular BDB reader. I basically stopped reading this book in public due my excessive reactions and ridiculous facial expressions. That being said, this installment felt weak and mellow compared to previous ones. The beginning was tight, with JR Ward in fighting form but then she lost it and the story got "flabby". The latter part of the book seemed rushed with nodding acknowledgements to what you knew was suppposed to happen and quick resolutions to other story lines. These instances also felt like general narration and Ward's usual depth and passion seemed lacking.

As an example - Payne & Manny's "moment" was like only a page or so. (Remember Zsadist & Bella?) Xcor/Payne situation finally started but was resolved all too briefly.

I kinda had a "WTF" moment during the scene of the "popcorn party" towards the end, like Ward needed something to fill the book. Which was weird since she could have fleshed it out the other two important instances mentioned above (or the serial killer/DelVecchio angle, the massive increase of lessers etc.) this would easily move the arc of the story forward.

I chalked it up to "life with the Brothers", an experience of what life would be like living with them on a daily basis. I'll let it slide.

A few other observations off the top:

Payne - Many seemed to think she was subservient or debtutante like, I did not get that at all. She had the perfect balance of strength while retaining her regal dietific heritage. Not every strong woman need be a ballbuster. But I agree we could have seen her in action a bit more.

Manny - At first hot, then pussified towards the end with his wig out over looking 10 years younger, paranoid of becoming like Benjamin Buttons and whining about his mama. He changes over to the hardcore brother speech, obnoxiously fast once he is in the house. annoying.

The general narration started to bleed over in the brotherhood lingo ie: "He sooo was this, that or whatever - started to make me think JR Ward was getting a bit lazy.

Vishous & Jane take over the majority of the book. Though I love me some Vishous (my favvvvvorite Brother lover), I am always somewhat bored with this pairing, sexually. which leads to...

Vishous & Butch: I should have known...Although V needed a "workout", Ward doesn't blur the lines by taking it any further. ok. I'm happy for the new Mr. Nice V but I like my boy on edge.

As for the spice, the best scene was that hotel scene with Xcor & Throe. Holy Machrus! Just about the only time I have ever fantasized about being a lady of the night. good good good!

Qhuinn & Blay - Where did this story line go? Started then and then literally walked off the pages when Qhuinn jumps on a treadmill for like 230 pages of the book. (wasn't you heart in pieces with that dang vision?? God in Heaven, please no.) And Yes, I do cringe every time Layla comes around.

Overall, Lover Unleashed was still thoroughly enjoyable and I give it four solid stars. JR Ward sets the bar high and my comments are made accordingly. I still LOVE IT!!! Bottom line is there is nothing out there that compares and I will never give up this series.

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