Lover Unleashed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #9)

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Lover Unleashed (Black Dagger Brotherhood #9)

4.25 of 5 stars 4.25 · rating details · 37,722 ratings · 2,742 reviews

#1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward's thrilling new novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.

Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, seductive cloth as her brother. Imprisoned for eons by their mother, the Scribe Virgin, she finally frees herself-only to face a devastating injury. Manuel Manello, M.D., is drafted by the Brotherhood to sa

...more

Paperback, Large Print, 512 pages

Published March 1st 2011 by Piatkus Books

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Apr 14, 2011 Mel rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, e-book

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Lover Unleashed is the tenth book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood universe and it’s about Payne and Manny finding love. To me, it’s also… a huge disappointment.
Why? Because I feel that the loyal fans got screwed over. The way Ward just blatantly rewrites history, disregards her own world's rules and has characters act completely out of character... It's insulting really!

I’ve been looking forward to this book like crazy. Eventhough I wasn’t interested in Payne and Manny’s story at all. In fact:...more

180 likes · like · see review

Apr 01, 2013 Blacky *Mistress of doom* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-paranormal, favorites, of-course, 4-stars-for-quality, 5-stars-for-enjoyment, favorite-pnr

"You're the one who's Payne's."
No hesitation on that. No hesitation on his reply either: "Yeah. I am."

This was such a romantic book, I must say I loved Manny and Payne's story <3
What made it even better was a side-story concerning Vishous! Fantastic :))
The new bad guys are irritating as hell and I had the same urge to skip them as I do the lessers :(
But overall, I loved this one <3

The story

This one picks up right after Lover Mine.
Payne is at the Brotherhood compound, injured and frust...more

69 likes · like · see review

May 17, 2011 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-reads, 5-stars-or-higher, author-jr-ward, series-black-dagger-brotherhood-war, starts-with-i-thru-l, animal-plays-big-part, horses-horse-racing, format-kindle-or-kindle-compatible, format-hard-cover, mind-candy, reviewed-by-me

This book is just all kinds of amazing!

**Fear thee not, spoilers are hidden**

There are so many things to love about Lover Unleashed, the 9th installment of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I’ve come to expect truly great stories with complex characters and lots of emotion, and this book didn’t disappoint. In fact, it ranks right up there with my favorite book in the series, Lover Awakened.

What makes this so amazing, you ask? Well, important things were resolved, new things were revealed and...more

87 likes · like · see review

Dec 26, 2012 Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: BDB fans and paranormal romance fans

Shelves: pnr, tortured-bad-boys, vampires, warriors, books-i-go-rabid-over, author-j-r-ward, covers-to-covet, my-hottie-harem, favorites, books-i-own, signed-by-author, keep-a-spare-pair-of-knickers, read-in-2011, the-hymen-club, wraith-or-ghosts, king-of-the-harem, dont-make-me-beg-bdsm, bondage, drinks-on-me, lgbt, menage-a-trois

Reading about the Black Dagger Brotherhood is like catching up with old friends. I can’t express how much I love this entire series! It’s #1 in my eyes and will forever stay that way!

Lover Unleashed is Payne and Manny’s book and although I would have liked to see more romance between the two, I found that I really enjoyed both of them! Manny wasn’t exactly my favourite character in Lover Unbound only because he was competition for V, but I found myself falling for the hot doctor. He had big sh...more

57 likes · like · see review

Mar 25, 2012 Buggy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: top, ghosts, paranormal-rom, scars-r-sexy, shelf-11, vampalicious, tortured-hero, re-read, shelf-12, multiple-pov

Opening Line: "Xcor saw his father killed when he was but five years past his transition."
**Spoiler Free**
Ah yes, how sweet it is to be back with the Black Dagger Brotherhood. It was with some anticipation (understatement) that I cracked open the 489 pages I’d waited almost a year on, and it was with baited breathe that I began. Wondering exactly what direction JR Ward was going to take this 9th instalment in? Well I can tell you that with this one she does not disappoint, giving us fans exactly...more

38 likes · like · see review

Jun 09, 2012 katerina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The ninth book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, titled Lover Unleashed, is about Payne, blooded daughter of the Bloodletter, and Manuel Manello, MD.

Payne has just been revealed to everyone as V’s sister and you might remember Manello as Jane’s boss at the human hospital, who V thought the word ‘Brother’ about. (Bear in mind that it was a single-word sentence, so it could be either Brother as in a warrior in the Brotherhood or brother as in family, so yes, it does make a difference.) man i...more

19 likes · like · see review

Mar 18, 2011 Katie(babs) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Spoilage! Enter at your own risk...

Decided between a C+ or B-. This is not the strongest book in this series and smacks of Phury's book, who is MIA all the time. I wonder why? BTW I hate Phury's book and this is a close second with my feelings toward it.

Payne + Manny = ZZZZanye and their bonding over a horse, and no they don't have hot sex on a horse, and even if they did, that wouldn't make their relationship steamy or otherwise. Also Manny channels his inner BDB language to the point I want to...more

46 likes · like · see review

Aug 11, 2011 DarienMoya rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-reads, fave-books-of-2011, favorites, let-the-tears-flow, piss-of-books-of-2011, vampires, otherness

^^WHAT AN UNLEASHING IT WAS!^^

*Hardly any spoilers, but damn most of you read it anyways*

Another BDB book has come and gone, and what a book it was. I will say honestly, I was not in love with this book. Totally boning for the characters, but not all weak in the knees for the story. I always love to be reacquainted with the men of the brotherhood, but it seems there is an added brother I did not know about (will discuss later). I will have to break this one down cus there is just so much to fre...more

36 likes · like · see review

Apr 20, 2011 Shawna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of BDB series, PNR, & UF

Shelves: favorite-romance-series, jr-ward-jessica-bird, pnr-vampires, series-black-dagger-brotherhood, hh-warrior, doctor-or-nurse-in-the-house-shrink, brothers-sisters-cousins-family, animals-matter, heroine-naïve-virgin-like-a-virgin, heroine-kickass-spirited-strong, hero-stud-mantel-hall-of-fame, hero-stalk-me-baby-possessive, angsty-dark-heavy-lotsa-drama, hero-or-heroine-italian, hero-alpha‎, hero-abused-scarred-tortured-angst, hero-walking-hardon, heroine-abused-traumatic-past-rape, married-couples-married-convenience, psychic-special-abilities-powers, sizable-packages, tattoos-piercings-body-art, star-crossed-lovers, bdsm-kink, badasses-hunks-in-leather, hh-limp-paraplegic-wheelchair, hh-disfigured-injured-scarred-ill, 2011-reads, assassin, best-faves-of-2011, best-top-favorites, favorite-romance-couple-hh-pairings, favorites, hero-bad-boy-playboy, hero-brooding, hero-expert-skilled-voracious-lover, hero-i-wanna-marry, hero-im-gaga-over, hero-or-heroine-illegitimate, heroine-beautiful-bombshell, heroine-i-adore, heroine-tomboy-lady-in-pants, hh-aristocracy-nobility-royalty, hh-sweet-nice-paired-vs-gruff-cynic, i-read-library, made-me-cry, steam-3-hot, satisfying-secondary-romance, 5-stars-or-higher, menage-multiple-partners, hero-attractive-handsome-heartthrob, hero-cold-cruelbrute-dark-dangerous, hero-dom, heroine-badgirl-improper-scandalous, steam-4-smokin, hero-too-yummy-perfect-to-be-true, hero-besotted-so-smitten-its-sexy, controversial-memorable-event-scene, ending-abrupt-poor-epilogue-needed, best-secondary-characters-ensemble, best-friendships, hero-hot-car-sexy-costly-ride, hero-sharp-dressed-man

WOW! Lover Unleashed is a fantastic installment to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, and I especially loved the romance this time!

Here’s a checklist rundown of some of my favorite highpoints:

*More romance between main H/H? – Check!

Manny and Payne were amazing characters, and I absolutely loved, loved, luvvved them together! They were such a sweet, sexy couple with a strong emotional connection and explosive chemistry. In fact, their sensual, evocative romance was possibly my favorite since Lover E

...more

42 likes · like · see review

Mar 25, 2011 Sophia (FV) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Originally posted at Fiction Vixen.

Each time a new release for the Black Dagger Brotherhood series is on the horizon I find myself becoming more and more excited as each day passes to the countdown to the big day. Time and time again J.R. Ward has wow’d me with this series of books with only the occasional disappointment. While I’m not completely disappointed in Lover Unleashed it was not all that I’d hoped it would be.

The romance between Payne and Manny–while semi-sweet– basically fell flat. Th...more

22 likes · like · see review

Mar 16, 2012 Suzanne the Mighty ~Satin Seductress~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: author-goddess-j-r-ward, paranormal-romance, va-va-voom-vampires, 1-series-i-am-rabid-about, 1-top-5-bestest-series, fugly-cover, hero-i-wanna-hug, hot-male-in-my-harem, why-is-the-us-cover-always-better

Where to start, where to start! I normally do a synopsis here, but if you have got this far into the series then I seriously doubt you need one! Buuuuuuuuut I can't help myself so here is a little one: Payne gets hurt, Jane gets Manny to help, Manny falls for Payne, Payne falls for Manny, mean while Jane and V have a lovers tiff, renegade vampires show up. Hmmm a bit too simplistic but you probably know what has happened anyways.

As always I LOVED this book, and it only took me to the end of the...more Where to start, where to start! I normally do a synopsis here, but if you have got this far into the series then I seriously doubt you need one! Buuuuuuuuut I can't help myself so here is a little one: Payne gets hurt, Jane gets Manny to help, Manny falls for Payne, Payne falls for Manny, mean while Jane and V have a lovers tiff, renegade vampires show up. Hmmm a bit too simplistic but you probably know what has happened anyways.

As always I LOVED this book, and it only took me to the end of the prologue before I knew I would be giving this 5 stars. I loved the introduction of Xcor and his merry gang of bastards, and I love that I can't work out exactly how much of an enemy they are going to be, but I find myself really hoping that they become main characters with books of their own. Especially Xcor and Throe, I never thought I would be jealous of a prostitute, but I wouldn't have minded being the filling in that sandwich!

This book also read a bit like Lover Unbound part II, a god 30% of this book had to be about Jane and V's relationship. In one sense I didn't like it as I wanted to have more time with Payne and Manny, but on the other hand, I don't think Lover Unbound had the same romantic feel that the other books have and I didn't really ever feel the connection between the two like I have with the other couples. Which, is why I liked this, I felt like they had finally come together properly and fully opened up to each other. Also although I wasn't a Jane-Hater, I was more indifferent rather then anything else, I think this book will warm people up to her a bit more, she was too tough and arrogant to be truly likable in Lover Unbound; she never had Mary's "I am not okay" moment, but I think showing a little vulnrability made me like her more. Am I over analysing this? Yes I think I am! Do I care? NO!

On to the Qhuin-Blay-Layla-Saxton love square! There wasn't enough! I wanted more Qhuin and Blay but you didn't see much and Blay only had one scene in which he spoke! But I still can't wait to see what happens there, and I am glad that FINALLY Layla gets some sympathy! That someone has acknowledged how much she is being used, they all slurp on her like a slush puppy without any regard for her as a person. I know she thinks that is her purpose, but seriously that poor chick has been brainwashed!

Finally Manny and Payne, they were just so dang cute! There story was relatively straight forward and perhaps didn't have the real depth that say JM and Xhex's had, mainly I think because they hadn't gone through as much together, and really who has as much back story as JM and Xhex anyway!? So there HEA wasn't as intense say as some of the others, but like I said it was sweet. I really like Payne she managed to combine being feminine and being a warrior really well. As for Manny he was hot, not as good as my hellren Wrath but I liked him. And we were all so wrong! he wasn't a werewolf! Although did anyone else notice the mention of wolfen in the prologue?

So I loved this book and I can never get enough, the only thing I didn't like was that we didn't see enough of the other members of the Brotherhood, they all were kind of there in the background, but I am hoping we will get some more slices of life from some of the earlier couples. But, apart from that I thought this was great and is it really a another year until the next one?! DAMN!(less)

15 likes · like · see review

May 21, 2011 Lora rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of the BDB series; Vishous lovers

Shelves: pr-uf-crossbreed, lib-read

This one is very hard for me to rate and review. I absolutely love this series to pieces; however, for me, Lover Unleashed was tantamount to Lover Enshrined: way too many side stories, therefore way too many interruptions in the main storyline.
Basically, in my opinion, Lover Unleashed is a complete 180 from the previous installment, Lover Mine. Before Lover Mine, there was a lot of build up in past installments as well as character development for John and Xhex's story. But with Lover Unleashed,...more

17 likes · like · see review

Apr 01, 2011 ~V~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance

I'm actually NOT going to write up a lengthy review for this one because everyone who's read it has pretty much written novels about it..a lot of recapping and fav and least fav moments. The only thing i do want to say is that i caved and read a few early reviews for the book right before it came out and they were NOT complimentary to the book at all...which had me quite worried. I was so afraid this book was going to end up being like Phury's book...I liked Phury's book just fine...but i though...more

11 likes · like · see review

Mar 24, 2011 Mandi Schreiner rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Lover Unleashed, book nine in my beloved Black Dagger Brotherhood series is Manny and Payne’s book – or so we were told. But honestly, this book is Vishous’s. True? Vishous steals the show. Manny and Payne have a romance, but their story is nothing compared to V’s. Nothing. There is also no way this one can be read as a stand alone – you need V’s backstory throughout the entire series to get anything from this book.

I was definitely disappointed with the ending of V’s book Lover Unbound, when Jan...more

38 likes · like · see review

Apr 01, 2011 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: black-dagger-brotherhood, pararnormal-romance

I feel like I've been waiting ages for this latest installment and now that I'm finished reading it, I feel... dissatisfied. It wasn't bad. It felt like it was a transition book. Like JR Ward ran out of stories linked to our core cast of characters and is setting up the characters for the next cluster of books.

Obviously, we've run out of Brothers, so we need new warriors. Enter Xcor and his five "bastards." They're hardcore killers, who fight dirty. They kill Lessers and live in the old-ways. H...more I feel like I've been waiting ages for this latest installment and now that I'm finished reading it, I feel... dissatisfied. It wasn't bad. It felt like it was a transition book. Like JR Ward ran out of stories linked to our core cast of characters and is setting up the characters for the next cluster of books.

Obviously, we've run out of Brothers, so we need new warriors. Enter Xcor and his five "bastards." They're hardcore killers, who fight dirty. They kill Lessers and live in the old-ways. Hey, look: There's a pretty aristocratic one, a scarred one... Maybe we'll hit the jackpot and one of them will go blind or develop a BDSM predeliction. But I digress.

This book is supposedly about V's sister Payne. She was paralyzed at the end of Lover Mine and only Dr Manny, Jane's old friend, can save her. Let me say, it takes freaking-forever before Manny and Payne even meet. It was nearly a quarter of the way into the book before they lay eyes on each other. The beginning of the book really dragged for me. When our couple finally did meet, there were hardly the fireworks I usually feel for a couple in this series. There was nothing particularly wrong with either character. Verily (snicker), I liked them both. But by the time they got together, their relationship (for lack of a better word) was rushed. And frankly, not much to speak of.

There is actually much more going on between V and Jane. Payne's arrival and injury really tweaks her brother out. And he goes on a downward spiral that causes grave problems in his relationship. And he slips back into his S&M bag-o-tricks to help him deal. I was disturbed by his coping strategies. And saddened for Jane at how some of it played out.

If I'm being honest, I spent most of the book scooping up the crumbs Ward sprinkled in on my beloved Qhuinn and Blay storyline. Yes, our boys are in there. But not very much. Most of the soul-searching and pining about this relationship has been from Blay's perspective. What we get here is almost all Qhuinn. And it's just so sad. For everyone involved: Qhuinn, Blay, Saxton, and Layla. God, maybe I need some Lagavulin. It seems to work for everyone else.

I can see why there are such mixed reviews out on this one. I wasn't thrilled with it, but it wasn't bad. It was just missing some of the heart that the series usually has. Maybe it's because John Matthew has provided such a consistent and emotionally resonant b-story in so many previous books --and that is noteably absent. Q & B's scenes were too few and far between to fill the gap. The new warriors are too, well, new to care about. And I don't know what the serial killer storyline was even doing in the book. So like I said earlier, it's a transition book. Hopefully the next installment will have a little more heart. --Oh yeah, and some more sex.

3 1/2 stars.
(less)

18 likes · like · see review

Apr 27, 2011 Camilla ~ ♥Qhuay At Last♥ ~ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, read-and-sent-to-j

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Read from March 29 to 30, 2011

Wow, I really didnt expect to love this book as much as I did.. The only reason its not a 5 star rating is because I doubt I'll ever be able to give a new BDB book 5 stars, before I get my Qhuay HEA.. But more on that later..

This book was about ~~Vishous~~ Payne and Manny.. I really really liked their story. I'd read a lot of reviews beforehand, and they were saying it wasnt as hot a story, and I agree, but I loved the sweetness in Payne, and the fierceness in Manny.. A...more

13 likes · like · see review

Apr 07, 2011 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: EVERYONE!

Shelves: favorites, scorching-hot

Preparing to read this book was like preparing for the first day of school all over again. I couldn't sleep, was sick to my stomach, and couldn't decide what to wear. LOL!
Saying that reading this book was worth the wait would be a HUGE understatement.
At times I thought I would go insane waiting for March 29 to get here, then I was pissed at the Barnes and Noble E-book charge of 14.99 and absolutely refused to pay for it (really that is just absurd), and finally I was estatic when my amazing hus...more Preparing to read this book was like preparing for the first day of school all over again. I couldn't sleep, was sick to my stomach, and couldn't decide what to wear. LOL!
Saying that reading this book was worth the wait would be a HUGE understatement.
At times I thought I would go insane waiting for March 29 to get here, then I was pissed at the Barnes and Noble E-book charge of 14.99 and absolutely refused to pay for it (really that is just absurd), and finally I was estatic when my amazing husband, be jealous, went to the library on his own to obtain one of the first available copies for moi! :)
At first, I was reluctant to start reading it because I knew I wouldn't have anything additional to read on the brothers after I was finished and that just upsets me. When I finally picked it up, like so many others on here, I couldn't put it down and never at one minute wanted to. I absofreakinlutely loved every page of this book and it ranks right up there with "Lover Awakened" as my favorite in the entire series.
I was immediately grasped by the story of Manny and Payne. I loved how he was so taken with her and she with him. While the two of them were falling inlove with eachother, I was falling inlove with him. YUM! The sensuality between them is simply delicious and erotic. The scenes between the two of them were setting the pages, and me, on fire.
Many people feel as though this story focused more on V/Jane than on Manny/Payne. I have to disagree on this. True, Vishous is featured quite a bit in this book (not that I am complaining, because he's my favorite), but as it's pointed out in the story, having Payne in his world now, along with coming to terms on his tragic past, gets him to the point he's at at the end of the book. I didn't think it was possible to love V more, but after reading this I do times ten. Also, after reading "Lover Unbound", I was left feeling a little let down with the way that things worked out between V and Jane. I wanted more of a HEA for the two of them and couldn't really see it with the outcome that Jane had. Reading Lover Unleashed opened my eyes to how things really are for Jane and, without giving away anything, that was really satisfying.
I would've loved to have read more about Qhuinn and Blay and am still holding out for that story. Qhuinn finally coming to terms with how he feels for Blay could only lead uphill from here, except for that vision towards the end, what was that all about?
One of my favorite scenes in this book was the scene where all the brothers are brought back to the medical facility of the compound after some fighting.Manny and Jane really take charge and take care of everyone and I was just breathless with the intesity of it. I loved the energy throughout that scene and felt like I was watching BDB on Grey's Anatomy or E.R. LOL!
This book is full of sexy, hot, erotic scenes that I read over and over again. Good Gracious! There are several scenes between V and Jane that are highly erotic! Loved it.
As always, it was great to read the WARDen's fantastic one liners and cracks from the brothers. These are a few of my favorite's

"Pulse was slow and uneven, like a drum section made up of white boys."

"Butch tightened his grip on his cell and wished there were an app that let you reach through a phone and bitch slap someone."

"Payne's twin put his head into the room. "What the hell is that noise?"Like somone had decided to speak in tongues. Or maybe bust out some Justin Bieber."

The only thing I didn't like about this book is that it was over too quick. Can't wait to read more from my #1 author! Five PLUS HUGE Stars!!!(less)

13 likes · like · see review

Oct 11, 2011 Kirsty~Vhixen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, vampires, books

I thought giving myself half a day would help with the review...that's not happening. i still feel emotionally drained and this is my least favourite BDB book... and that say's a lot!

Lets start with the bad things....i skimmed over most of the police stuff (later having been told that Veck was the hero of the new Fallen Angels book i'll have to read it when my real book comes hopefully this weekend!)

V didn't feel right to me...the things he said mostly. i know he had to shatter to peice himself...more

11 likes · like · see review

Mar 31, 2011 UKSandy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: march-2011

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Was this book worth the wait? HELL YEAH IT WAS!

I always knew I was going to like the next BDB book, goes without saying really and I wasn't really looking forward to Payne's book as much as the others but oh deary me how wrong was I! I wasn't really that fussed about Manny either but I JUST LOVE HIM, he is soooooo much more than I expected. He is loving, caring, considerate,HOT and that man has some talents of his own going on!

I loved the fact there were no lessers - What a result!!! I normally...more

22 likes · like · see review

Apr 11, 2011 Kasey rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: series, hardcover, pnr-uf, contemporary

Oh, my.

What to say?

Ummm...in all honesty? It tanked for me.

I found the storyline weak and Payne, who should've been a kick-ass heroine (ala Xhex, perhaps, but sexier?) was everything BUT. I also found Manny's and (LORD-PLEASE-FORGIVE-ME-FOR-TYPING-THIS) Vishous' story lines to be too neatly wrapped up and tied off with a pretty bow. Furthermore, Qhuinn's premonition? Uh, perhaps I don't recall, but I thought that the only one who could see into the future was V. That felt kind of like it came o...more

31 likes · like · see review

Jun 14, 2011 Danica Midlil rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

Come on Ward! Where is the Blay/Qhuinn book? I know it would be a little unorthodox to have a gay pair be the focus of a main stream romance series, but YOU can do it! If Anyone could pull it off, it's you! It would be such a wonderful book! PLEASE write it!

Okay, after reading this book, I'm guessing that the next book will be about Qhuinn and Blaylock's relationship so I am still hopeful.

11 likes · like · see review

Mar 30, 2011 Emanuela ~plastic duck~ rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. It's not easy to say what I'm thinking. I should probably let a day go by. I think there's something missing. I don't know what.

The chapters with De La Cruz, Butch's old buddy in the police, are page fillers. Sorry. His new colleague is a guy who'll be the protagonist of the next book in the Fallen Angels series. I.Don't.Like.That. The plot was intertwined with the band of Xcor's merry bastards from the Old Country, but it seemed lame. I really thought the initial recognition of Butch by De la...more It's not easy to say what I'm thinking. I should probably let a day go by. I think there's something missing. I don't know what.

The chapters with De La Cruz, Butch's old buddy in the police, are page fillers. Sorry. His new colleague is a guy who'll be the protagonist of the next book in the Fallen Angels series. I.Don't.Like.That. The plot was intertwined with the band of Xcor's merry bastards from the Old Country, but it seemed lame. I really thought the initial recognition of Butch by De la Cruz would bring something different. I think this detracted pages from the new vampires. They're pretty powerful. Xcor is scheming against Wrath, but he is a male of worth, ruthless but with a code of honor. Xcor and his warriors are less refined than the Brothers, they live like centuries ago, with little comforts, they are death machines. I wanted to know so much more about them. Throe is already very promising, more sophisticated than the others, with a personal mission. Handsome. I liked Xcor's sign of respect to Payne. And that threesome with Throe and the prostitute was hooooot! Since Xcor is disfigured, I hope we won't have Zsadist #2, that Ward will be able to make him someone different.

Manny and Payne. They were two total new characters and Ward had a lot of leeway to play with them. Manny is a good character, a different kind of Butch in so many ways. I liked the ER moments, I like medical series. He is very generous and loving and has all the typical traits of all the BDB males. Payne is a strong woman, but she doesn't have Xhex's hard edge. I was expecting more anger from her. Maybe it's because she speaks this formal language, she always seemed so polite and kind of sweet. What I think missed in the main couple's (???? more about that later) romance is passion. I kept thinking about Butch and Marissa, I think it's the closest comparison: there's was something desperate in both Butch and Marissa and that made their story richer, more intense. The conflicts in Manny and Payne's relationship are overcome in an easier way, that's why I felt their story wasn't memorable. They didn't even had the hottest moments in the book.

This is V's book. In my opinion it wasn't even V and Jane's book, but V's only. He goes through a lot in this book, he faces all his past and his present. At the beginning I think Jane treats V in a very bad way. She doesn't realize he's in distress and she sends him away, telling him clearly he's a nuisance. When V finds himself alone, he can't keep it together. Everything goes downhill. Jane doesn't know how to handle him, she almost does something stupid (with the best intentions), I resented her asking V if he had been with someone else, and in all this mess how does V react? Nothing. He shuts himself in his pain and anger and risks of losing everything he has. It's so bad between V and Jane that it's Butch that intervenes and in a very dramatic session he works V in his apartment making him relieve all the pain and misery of his castration. Well, I am not ashamed of saying that Butch's aftercare made me cry. It's a turning point for V and it was his best friend who helped him. So, for the second time, V and Jane's relationship doesn't satisfy me. It's like V is a big mess in Ward's story and his true nature is slipping away. He's bigger than life, more complicated than any other character. It surpasses even Zsadist's complexity, because Zsadist let himself be cured by Bella's love. Eventually Vishous decides to open himself to Jane, but it seems more goodwill than a true change of heart. I'm still not convinced.

Qhuinn and Blay. Qhuinn is on a self-destructive path. What is he thinking???? He loves Blay, he admits it to himself, he says this same thing to Layla, he doesn't deny it when he talks to Saxton. But he won't act on it because he's already fucked with Blay's feelings and he wants to set him free because he loves him. He's convinced himself that Blay doesn't want him. So he shaves his hair, he takes away his piercings, he starves himself, I don't like him in this self-pity state. He tries to take control of his life of excesses but there's such a mess in his head. I wish he found someone to talk to, I wish JM were there for him, that he understood how Qhuinn feels. And Blay? Blay is still in love with Qhuinn, but he's so afraid of being hurt again that he settles with Saxton. Second best. Everybody knows this is not right, Q thinks about B, B thinks about Q while having sex with Saxton and Saxton tells Q B is in love with him and vice versa, whatever that implies, and they are apart.

I am not talking about Qhuinn's so-called premonition and Layla. Not going there.

The slang was pretty heavy in this book and there was a lot of this old language antics and it was annoying at times. There were a few things that were ridiculous. But I'm still addicted to the series because of Qhuinn and Blay. And now this new vampires. I hope they'll bring something new, fresh blood, fresh passions.(less)

12 likes · like · see review

view all 30 comments

Emanuela ~plastic duck~ Either something terrible happens against vampires as a race and they must all unite under Wrath's leadership against this big threat or they must mak...more
Oct 25, 2011 07:11am

Winnie Emanuela ~plastic duck~ wrote: "Either something terrible happens against vampires as a race and they must all unite under Wrath's leadership against...more
updated Oct 25, 2011 08:17am

May 07, 2011 Pamela / SpazP rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Originally posted at WickedLilPixie Reviews

Spaz and WLP DISCUSS:
Shall we discuss? First, if you haven’t read the book: STEP AWAY FROM THE BLOG NOW. Go, RUN ALONG. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, so CLOSE THIS NOW!

My Rating:

3.5

Okay. Complaints first.

I swear to god if I read the word Verily ONE MORE TIME, I was gonna shank a bitch. Geezus, you can say fuck but somehow you still manage to throw in verily? DURING SEX AHHHH.

Spaz: I would like to see Wrath pass a new law, effective immediately: T...more

22 likes · like · see review

Mar 21, 2013 Kellie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bdb

March 2013
Still agree with what I wrote and still don't particularly like Manny or Payne...

April 2012
I like it but didn’t love it, as it only as it had one reference JM and not enough Qhuinn time… and do not get me started on the ONE appearance of Z! “He came down with Bella and the Nalla and the rest of the brothers”…

WTF is with that?! Ugh I can't review this...

The end.

No just joking!
=====>as normal spoilers and swearing involved! SORRY!<=======

“For shit’s sake, it wasn’t
like there...more

7 likes · like · see review

May 02, 2011 Tara rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: vampires, doctor-emt-paramedic-etc, read-in-2011, paranormal-romance

This review is SPOILER FREE. Spoilers are marked with the spoiler tag.

This was a 3.2 star book for me which I figured out by rating all the little things and then rounding them. (See the end of my review).

It has taken me a half a day to think about this book before I could start writing a review or even rate it. I realized that on the large scale I just didn't enjoy this book. For me it felt like a lot of this book was an attempt to make everyone happy and/or to try to change popular opinions of...more

7 likes · like · see review

Sep 04, 2011 Jessica `~Blahyze~` rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own, black-dagger-brotherhood-series, favourites, j-r-ward

I don't understand the mixed reviews with this one. Questions left idle from the last book were answered and challenges were faced. Payne is strong and decisive by nature but is left badly broken, her world in crumbing around her and the news that her mother, The Scribe Virgin kept the truth that her twin brother is in fact alive angers her. Vishous isn’t handling the news well, in truth he is flipping out, Jane doesn’t know what to do to reach him, so she turns to Butch for help. Jane isn’t spe...more I don't understand the mixed reviews with this one. Questions left idle from the last book were answered and challenges were faced. Payne is strong and decisive by nature but is left badly broken, her world in crumbing around her and the news that her mother, The Scribe Virgin kept the truth that her twin brother is in fact alive angers her. Vishous isn’t handling the news well, in truth he is flipping out, Jane doesn’t know what to do to reach him, so she turns to Butch for help. Jane isn’t specialised enough to try and fix Payne spinal injury but she’s knows someone from her past who can, Dr. Manny Manello. When Jane, who Manny expects to be dead, which in fact is half true, turns up to get him, Manny gets the shock of his life;

“Under any other circumstances, the response would have been a laugh riot. He wheeled around, then shouted out, tripped over her headstone, and landed flat on his ass.
“What the...hell...are you doing here?” he gasped. The expression on his face started as horror, but shifted quickly to utter disbelief.”

When Manny gets back to the clinic and sets his eyes on his patient, Payne, the urge that she is his overpowers him, Payne herself is also intrigued by him which turned out to be the cure and healing that Payne needs to overcome her injuries. The issues between Vishous and Jane come to crisis point, both knowing they love each other but having trouble trusting each other and Vishous past coming between them, Butch helps Vishous let go in the style V is accustom to and needs;

“He screamed for all he had lost...screamed for the half male he was...screamed for Jane...screamed for who his parents were and what he wished for his sister...screamed for what he had forced his best friend to do...he screamed and screamed until there was no breath, no consciousness, no nothing,
No past or present.
Not even himself anymore.
And in the midst of the chaos, in the strangest way, he became free.”

When the connection between Manny and Butch as revealed, that was a shocker and good news for Payne. Qhuinn finally admits to himself that he is in love with Blay in this book and that he is the one he wants, but he still hasn’t manned up and spoken to Blaylock about it, only confiding in Layla. I’m relieved that V and Jane sorted out their problems; I was really worried there in a few parts that they weren’t going to make it.
(less)

6 likes · like · see review

Feb 26, 2011 ValerieC rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: j-r-ward-jessica-bird, black-dagger-brotherhood, vampires

RANT I am already PO'd about this book and a few others published by PENGUIN PUBLISHING because they (apparently) think that charging $14.99 for a Kindle version and only $7.99 for their paperback will kill off ebooks. What idiots. Instead, I will just not buy this thing for a long time until the price goes down or I can get a used paperback someplace for a buck or two.

I checked the prices for ebooks at all the big 3 and they are all selling the ebook for about twice what a paperback costs.

Get t...more

8 likes · like · see review

Apr 15, 2011 Michelle, the Bookshelf Stalker rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Yes, only 3 stars even though I loved the book. Why? Because it is really only a filler book. The book is designed to introduce new characters, set up potential future relationships, and to introduce the action that will come in later books.

The book is very mellow action-wise. It is wonderful character-wise. I really fell in love (again) with Butch. I thought Payne was wonderful. I won't even begin on my lustfest for Qhuinn and Blay. V and Jane played major roles in this book and it was well, e...more

16 likes · like · see review

Apr 03, 2011 Smokinhotbooks K.C. rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Read Full Review Here

We’re baaaaaaaaack! After the birth of baby KC what book could we not wait to get our hands on…Lover Unleashed! Hell, I almost planned my c-section around this release date. Kidding, only a little bit. So, in-between late night feedings – learning to nurse with one hand and read my ipad in the other; to say I was excited to read the next BDB book is an understatement.

Oh Lover Unleashed where to begin with you.

LU starts off Xcor witnessing the Bloodletter’s (Vishous and Payne...more

6 likes · like · see review

Jun 19, 2010 I heart MOLDY APPLES added it · review of another edition

Shelves: vampires, need-to-read-now, my-precious, adult

Oh hell yes!!!! I was hoping for another bok in this series! cant wait!
Im going to be drooling the minute it comes out!!

6 likes · like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
J. R. Ward (BLACK...: Lover Unleashed (Book 9)	1999	948	Apr 29, 2013 02:10pm
J. R. Ward (BLACK...: Lover Unleashed Group Reread Jan 1-31, 2013	67	205	Jan 31, 2013 10:15pm
Now we wait... Any suggestion on a series similar to BDB?	36	441	Oct 20, 2012 06:50pm
Scent	8	53	May 18, 2012 04:06am

combine
Other Editions (22)

More editions...

Videos About This Book

Add a comment

Add a comment

Genres

Romance > Paranormal Romance

891 users

Paranormal > Vampires

814 users

Fantasy > Paranormal

748 users

Romance

677 users

Fantasy

250 users

Fantasy > Urban Fantasy

186 users

Adult

139 users

Adult Fiction > Erotica

73 users

Fantasy > Supernatural

68 users

Contemporary

31 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About J.R. Ward

J.R. Ward is a New York Times and USA Today Best Selling author of erotic paranormal romance. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. After graduating from law school, she began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. Writing has always been her passi...more

More about J.R. Ward...

Books by J.R. Ward

Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #1)

Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #3)

Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #2)

Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #5)

Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #4)

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Lover Unleashed

13 trivia questions
1 quiz

More quizzes & trivia...

Quotes from Lover Unleashed

“One more thing."
"What."
"I think we're dating now." As V barked out a laugh, the cop shrugged. "Come on....I got you naked. You wore a damn corset. And don't get me started about the sponge bath afterward."
"Fucker."
"To the end.” — 370 people liked it

“Butch tightened his grip on his cell and wished there were an app that let you reach through a phone and bitch slap someone.” — 230 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Lover Unleashed
avg rating	preview: Lover Unleashed Goodreads rating: 4.25 (37722 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8723009-lover-unleashed?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327878067l/8723009.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8723009-lover-unleashed?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward[/url]

Lover Unleashed (Black Dagger Brotherhood #9)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website