Lover Unbound by JR Ward

Title: Lover Unbound
Author: JR Ward
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: paranormal romance
Rating: HOT

As always, JR Ward delivers a magnificent story and endearing characters in her latest Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Taking a unique spin on vampire lore and making it her own, Ward weaves wonderful stories about the vampires in the Brotherhood--a group of elite warriors whose purpose is to protect civilian vamps from the evil lessers.

As a fan of her series, I've found that each book has revealed more and more about the brothers--not only the hero of the book but the supporting group as well. As her fifth novel in the series, we see a development that continues in both story and characters. The introduction of new people and the important transition phases also provide this book with so many ways to follow up.

From the publisher:

The ruthless and brilliant brother Vishous possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of a human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time-until a destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that does not include her...

Some problems: the deux et machina. I wasn't too satisfied with how Jane and V ended up together. Though caught by surprise by one incident in the book, I felt maybe I didn't connect to the heroine like I was supposed to and didn't really mourn her. However, I did feel for V and his loss, but the solution to their ending was too contrived, too simple. In any case, I think this might have been my only issue with the story.

The interaction between Jane and Vishous is delightful. From reluctant attraction and amusing arguments to the passionate and surprisingly easy love between the two, one does wonder at the simplicity of it. Sure, you can add a bunch of plot twists and such, but the ease at which both come to realize their true feelings is a bit, well--easy. I think the best part of this novel wasn't necessarily the love story, though that was good, was the stories of the other characters that are revealed: a different side of the Scribe Virgin, John's transition into a mature vamp, the introduction of a possible new Brother--Manny, Xhexh, and of course V's fraternal twin sister--Payne. Phury's role in the Brotherhood and his own personality take on an evolution and could it be that his heroine is finally introduced? Overall, I loved this book.

rating: HOT