Darlene's Book Nook: #Audiobook #Review: 4 out of 5 stars for Lover at Last by J.R. Ward @JRWard1 @PRHAudio

Thursday, September 15, 2016

#Audiobook #Review: 4 out of 5 stars for Lover at Last by J.R. Ward @JRWard1 @PRHAudio

SERIES: Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book #11
AUTHOR: J.R. Ward

NARRATOR: Jim Frangione
PUBLISHER: Penguin Audio
PUBLICATION DATE: March 26, 2013

FORMAT: Unabridged audiobook
LENGTH: 22 hrs and 22 mins
GENRE: Romance/Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

"The hottest collection of studs in romance" (New York Times best-selling author Angela Knight) returns as number-one New York Times best-selling author J. R. Ward brings together two of the most beloved people in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world - at last...

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another...

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it's about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young - just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It's hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he's learned firsthand.

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions...but as the battle over the race's throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together...finally become one.

MY REVIEW:

This is the installment that many fans of the BDB series have been waiting for: Qhuinn's and Blay’s story. The book closely follows where the last one ended off, after Layla’s needing and the ramifications of Qhuinn servicing her. I have to be totally honest: During the first chapter of the book, I was not feeling it! It was a very slow start for me, and I did not enjoy how the book opened. If I was not already familiar and in love with the BDB series, I may not have continued past that first chapter! However, thankfully, the book finally developed into familiar territory.

I have always like Qhuinn . It always seemed to me that he covered up his vulnerability with his piercings and penchant for casual encounters. He changed a lot over the span of one year, as he tried to come to terms with his past and his feelings for Blay. He proves his loyalty and devotion to the BDB over and over again, first with Wrath and then with Zsadist, putting his own life at risk to save theirs. No one is more deserving than Qhuinn to be inducted into the BDB, and I loved that Qhuinn finally got what he always wanted which was a place to belong and be accepted for who he is.

On the other hand, Blay is supposed to be this stand-up guy, and I really didn’t care for his blatant dishonesty regarding his relationship with Saxton! He let Qhuinn believe that he was still with Saxton, even though they had broken up. I am surprised, actually, that this wasn’t more of an issue for Qhuinn! When Quinn Qhuinn tries to open himself up emotionally and reveal his tender side to Blay, he gets shut down. My heart broke for the guy! I am still not sure whether Blay deserves Qhuinn, but I love the support of Blay’s parents.

I really like Layla’s and Qhuinn's close relationship. Their bond is very genuine, even though they are not in love with one another. I hope that they can continue to be that way, even after the baby is born.

I find myself also rooting for Xcor, even though he is an enemy of the BDB. His feelings for Layla show that he is capable of putting someone before himself, and perhaps there will be a transformation in the future! It will be interesting to see how his character develops. Ward has a way of making me fall for the flawed ones, like Qhuinn and Xcor, who feel that they are not worthy of someone’s love.

We were introduced to Assail in Lover Reborn, and I find his character very intriguing. I look forward to hearing more about him, and his relationship with Marisol.

As always, Jim Frangione is the perfect narrator for the BDB series. He holds me in rapt attention, and I have really missed listening to him.

MY RATING: