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Review: Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward (Black Dagger Brotherhood #5)

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Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward (Black Dagger Brotherhood #5)Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood #5)
J.R. Ward

Published: 2007 (Signet)
Purchase at: Book Depository or Amazon

Rating (out of 5): 3.5 stars

Note: No spoilers in this review, but if you haven’t read any of the Black Dagger Brotherhood novels yet, we’d suggest checking out our review of the first novel Dark Lover.

The series takes a bit of a turn in Lover Unbound. Yes, you’re still getting the Brothers. Yes, one is still dealing with the ramifications of love. But this one feels more like a transition book. J.R. Ward sets us up for more on Phury and John Matthew. And we want more from them. This novel focuses on Brotherhood warrior Vishous.

Don’t get us wrong; we love V. He’s aggressive, brilliant and focused. And he meets a human woman who can go toe-to-toe with him in Jane. He’s never given up control, but this doctor isn’t one to be pushed around either. In the development of feelings for Jane, Vishous has to finally deal with his connection and undesired interest in Butch. It’s not really a love triangle, but requires V to do some admissions about who he is and how he interacts with others. His growth with Jane — and that scene in the bathroom together — are highlights of Lover Unbound.

The big change in this fifth novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series is the big pull back on the presence of the lessers (the members of a society of sociopaths set to kill vampires). In all previous novels we spent time reading from the points of view of lessers, and a good deal of hunting, fighting and dealing with the dangers of this eternal war. There is none of that in this book. There are two fight scenes with the baby powder smelling fools, but those don’t present a threat to love interests or the Brothers, but do play into character growth.

Because Ward is so good at writing paranormal romance, we still had a good time reading Lover Unbound. There are certainly standout moments in the novel, but really it just left us ready to get on to the other Brothers’ stories. So much groundwork is laid in this one that things are going to get complicated and wonderful. We can feel it.

Sexual content: Graphic sex scenes, masturbation, rape references in flashback

9 Responses to “Review: Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward (Black Dagger Brotherhood #5)”

  1. Sara says:

    This was my least favourite of the series–> I loved V and was excited to read his story, and this one let me down. But the bathroom scene. Whew.

    Thanks for the review/

  2. Evie says:

    I love this series, but must admit that this was not one of my fave’s. I just didn’t connect to this one the way I did the others.

    Zsadist book has been my absolute favorite of the series! I also can’t wait to read about Thor!

  3. Alexa says:

    Aw I’m sad that you didn’t like V’s story as much as the other books. I really love V and his book is my favorite out of all of them. Z although a great character himself just feels like he has been done so many times. There is always a character similar to Z in all great romantic series and that is why V stands out more for me. Plus how doesn’t love that bathroom scene. I’m happy that V’s sister is the focus for the next book because we might see more V. 🙂

  4. srbastian says:

    V is my fave brother! I didn’t love this book, but I didn’t dislike it either. The bathroom scene is hot! Didn’t really care for how Jane ends up. Still hoping for some Butch & V action!

  5. I loved Vishous’s story as well, I agree though, there should have been a little more fighting and all, but I still love this one. I don’t think Zsadist’s story was something we heard before though, Vishous’ story was as tragic as Zsadist’s. Sad about the relationship between him and Butch though, they would have been cute together.

  6. @srbastian – Agreed. What happened to Jane wasn’t cool. Loved the question that John brought up though. Why Jane and not Wellsie? Maybe because we know about Tohr and all, but still.

  7. marina says:

    Well I do think that we could all agree that we LOVE Vishious!!! but the love story let me down a little. I like that a strong man like V may actually like another guy and Butch is a man worth to be loved by women as much as men. But the whole “Jane” thing got me very frustrated. I didn’t like the ending at all it, was very surreal. But what is missing from the love story is gained in the sideplots. Just relax and enjoy it! I will also highlight the “Bathroom scene”!!!!!

  8. VLover says:

    That book was a bunch of crap.

    V is my fave character but he got shafted.

    Casper is the worst character ever created, she’s a cold arrogant bitch. There is zero chemistry, love or sexual tension between her and V. Not to mention he is totally OOC (but then we later were told by Ward herself that she glossed him over in this book and in LUnl she completely changed the story we know – just shows that is one big fat lie)!

    The bathroom scene was not hot. Like I said when there is no chemistry, a sex scene can’t be steamy. V might be hot, the coffin dodger is as far from sexy and sexual as possible! Urgh! V fu**ing a blow-up doll would be hotter than that!

    Add to that the fact that V is in love with Butch and that those two actually have chemistry and you have a mess.

    Such a shame Ward can’t deal with the real V!

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