Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward
Series Name: Black Dagger Brotherhood
Volume Number: 5
Genres: Contemporary, Erotica, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Urban, Vampires
Intended Age Group: Adult
Publisher: Signet/Penguin Group (USA)
Edition: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-451-22235-0
Rating: 3/5
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Description from the Book
In Caldwell, New York, war rages between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers – six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Now the cold heart of a cunning predator will be warmed against its will….
Ruthless and brilliant, Vishous, son of the Bloodletter possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a pretrans growing up in his father’s war camp, he was tormented and abused. 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 cannot include her….
Personal & Info
I like this one, but I don’t think it’s as good as two through four. Like the others, I read this about a year ago. My notes for this volume are practically nonexistent, so I’ll do my best with skimming and memory.
Content Warnings
I’m just keeping a running list of content warnings that have been in the series so far, from what I can remember. If you’re reading the series, or considering reading the series, and you have sensitivities, you might want to know these. The list so far: abuse, attempted rape, drugs, kidnapping, sexual themes, rape, and violence.
Characters
Vishous is the lead Brother in this volume, which I think is a good thing, because Butch was the book before this one. I’m glad V doesn’t have to wait a long time after Butch to find happiness.
Dr. Jane Whitcomb, or Doc Jane, as everyone will come to call her, is the love interest. She experienced a family tragedy when she was young that encouraged her to become a doctor. Her personal ethics as a medical professional are strong.
Butch, can’t have a V story without Butch. He may have found his own love, but the bromance lives on.
John Matthew will likely be important in every book until his own novel. He’s not usually plot heavy important, but the build up of his story is likely important. Qhuinn and Blay, too, because the three of them are like a packaged deal.
Phury’s book is next so he’s getting more plot building. Phury plot stuff means more Zsadist plot stuff. Phury still pines after Bella while Z’s relationship with her just keeps getting better.
Cormia is the chosen of the Chosen. She is supposed to be the first mate to the Primale of the vampire species, but she doesn’t want the job. I won’t say more about what any of that means to avoid possible spoilers.
Story & Thoughts
There were only one or two tiny encounters with the Lessers. It’s like this book was a complete break from the usual villains being involved in anything. Every book before this one had significant Lesser activities throughout. It seemed odd with it missing.
The Brotherhood, and Vishous’ backstory are the primary focus for this volume. As with Lover Awakened, this volume has some heavier abuse themes. V did not have a good time in his father’s camp.
The pacing of romantic and erotic events seem a bit fast. I think Stockholm syndrome plays a big part in it.
Ever since John was introduced, a mass sprinkling of details and plot building for him has been going on in the background. His sections are some of my favorite parts. I love how Z takes the time to go for walks with John and talk with him. It’s very adoptive dad of him.
I’m baffled by the constant mentioning of the need for more warriors, yet the members of the Brotherhood are constantly given permission to have Shellans who can’t bare children. It’s not all of them. Wrath and Beth, for example, could feasibly have children. But it seems like most, if not all of the Brothers, don’t have any living family, so they are all the last of their lines. It makes me wonder if they should, or will, take more than one mate in the future. I doubt it, but the lore says males can do that. It seems a shame to let their lines die out if they are so important.