Book Review: Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

Published March 26th, 2013
NAL Hardcover
591 pages (Hardcover)

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. (From Goodreads)

My love for the Black Dagger Brotherhood novels is no secret.  They have found their way onto almost every top ten list ever.  When I found out book 11 was going to finally be about Blay and Qhuinn, I was pumped.

I hate to have to admit how disappointed I was with this book.

I know that Ward was trying to set up for the next few books, but Lover At Last felt like it was lacking in pretty much everything.

I want to make it clear that my opinion has nothing to do with the fact that this romance involves two males.  I'm all for it, and had been anxiously awaiting this story.  There has been so much build up to this story, and I don't think that hype helped at all.

The book lacked action, which is what the series is built on.  It somehow tried to follow more of a dramatic path, but stumbled a lot.  There were also way too many plot lines going on.  You've got Blay and Qhuinn's story, plus everthing going on with Qhuinn and Layla.  Then add a new plot involving the shadow Trez (which left a lot of questions, and I would suspect a future book).  Plus Assail is still around, now with his very own stalker/assassin.  And don't forget Xcor and the Band of Bastards.  There was just too much happening, but nothing happening at the same time, if that makes sense.

While Lover At Last didn't meet my expectations, I still love this series and will still recommend it to everyone.  It's clear Ward has some good stuff planned for the future, and you know I will be devouring it.

Much love, Samantha
PS. It was announced that book 12, The King, would be another book about Wrath and Beth.  I could not be happier about this.  Expected publication is March 25th, 2014.