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Black Dagger Brotherhood #10
Lover Reborn
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Romance (2012)Ever since the death of his shellan, Tohrment has been unrecognizable from the vampire leader he once was. Physically emaciated and heartbroken beyond despair, he has been brought back to the Brotherhood by a self-serving fallen angel. Now, fighting once again with ruthless vengeance, he is unprepared to face a new kind of tragedy.
When Tohr begins to see his beloved in his dreams—trapped in a cold, isolated netherworld far from the peace and tranquillity of the Fade—he turns to the angel in hopes of saving the one he has lost. But because Lassiter tells him he must learn to love another to free his former mate, Tohr knows they are all doomed....
Except then a female with a shadowed history begins to get through to him. Against the backdrop of the raging war with the lessers, and with a new clan of vampires vying for the Blind King’s throne, Tohr struggles between the buried past and a very hot, passion-filled future…but can his heart let go and set all of them free?
When Tohr begins to see his beloved in his dreams—trapped in a cold, isolated netherworld far from the peace and tranquillity of the Fade—he turns to the angel in hopes of saving the one he has lost. But because Lassiter tells him he must learn to love another to free his former mate, Tohr knows they are all doomed....
Except then a female with a shadowed history begins to get through to him. Against the backdrop of the raging war with the lessers, and with a new clan of vampires vying for the Blind King’s throne, Tohr struggles between the buried past and a very hot, passion-filled future…but can his heart let go and set all of them free?
572 pages, Hardcover
First published March 27, 2012
About the author
J.R. Ward
219 books50.7k followersJ.R. Ward is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. She lives in the South her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,017 reviews
April 2, 2012
Verily, Ward, you hath redeemed thyself in mine eyes.
Lover Unleashed was disappointing for me on several levels. But I knew that, if Ward did it right, Tohrment's book had the potential to be the best installment to the series in a long time. I've wanted him to find peace and healing ever since that fateful scene at the end of Lover Awakened, but I knew it would take time. And now that his time has finally come, I'm pleased to say that Ward doesn't disappoint.
Tohrment & No'One:
I know a lot of people aren't happy that Tohrment doesn't get Wellsie back. I'm not happy about it, either. But save for getting Wellsie back, I believe Tohr was dealt the best hand possible in Lover Reborn.
Let me be frank: I had very little faith that Ward could pull a romance like this off. Seriously, Tohrment and Wellsie? Probably one of the most romantic couples I've ever come across in the PNR/UF genre. Their back story, the glimpses we see of their relationship in the first three books . . . how can you possibly follow an act like that?
Some of the sentences in this are like an assault to the solar plexus. There were scenes where I felt like I was chopping onions. Suffice it to say I cried a lot while reading Tohr's story. Man, Tohrment . . . he just . . . tears me apart. Truly.
As Tohr says himself, No'One could never replace Wellsie; but the emotional — and physical — connection between Tohr and No'One is undeniable. Tohr and No'One have a lot in common (each has been through a tremendous ordeal in their lifetime), they've meant in the past and spent an entire year in each other's company, and No'One is incredibly understanding and supportive of Tohr and his situation. I don't think any other female could've brought him back from the brink the way No'One did.
I didn't expect to like No'One as much as I did — I've never really liked the Chosen women, and although No'One isn't a Chosen, she's very similar to them. But she is humble, kind, and, underneath the shield she's erected to protect herself, passionate. Ward has surprised me before, and she definitely did in the case of No'One's character.
The best part about the romance in this is how slow it builds. One year passes from beginning to end of this installment, and Tohr doesn't give himself over to the possibility of loving another easily. It isn't until near the end that he truly opens his heart to No'One.
John & Xhex:
Just as there was a lot of Vishous in Payne's book (for obvious reasons), there is a lot of John and, naturally, Xhex in Tohr's book. Their relationship gets tested and, similarly to Vishous and Jane in Lover Unleashed, they go through a real rough patch. One of the things I like most about Ward's couples is that, when their book is over, their story isn't. There'll always be new trials and new developments in her characters' lives.
There are some really emotional — and erotic (seriously, they get twice as many sex scenes as the main couple) — scenes with John and Xhex in this. Fans of theirs should be very happy.
And for John and Xhex, I'm sure the trials aren't over. When Murhder finally gets into the series full-time, I'm sure he'll shake things up quite a bit for them, as he is Xhex's former lover. Can you say cohntehst?
Qhuinn & Blay a.k.a. Qhuay (& Saxton and Layla, or as I like to think of them, The Third & Fourth Wheels): There isn't much Qhuinn and Blay in this. :( Neither of them get much page time, because John and Xhex and the Bastardshog it all take up the majority of the side story's time. Still, there are some good scenes with them — both together and individually --- and they do say absence makes the heart grow fonder. (Although I don't see how I could get any more fond of those two . . .) On the plus side, there aren't any lesser POVs!
Given the way chapter seventy-six ends . . . Qhuay's story must be soon. Very soon. Whether it will be a novella or a full installment remains to be seen. All I can say is, if it turns out to be the former, it sure as hell better be tome-ish, anyway.
Oh, Saxton . . . Ward has hinted as to what will become of him in a future installment, and I'm pretty sure I know what it is and that all of his fans (including myself) will not like it. Especially since in Lover Reborn it becomes pretty clear that Saxton has fallen for Blay.
As for Layla . . . well, I won't give it away, but it is now very clear who Layla's HEA is. And despite the fact that I've never been a big fan of Layla . . . I'm very much looking forward to her story. (This is really because of the male she ends up with. He is all kinds of hot.)
Favorite Quotes:
"The quick and the dead are all the same. Everyone's just looking for home."
"She wished for Qhuinn this soldier. She truly did."
"Then again, he supposed the healing process, in contrast to trauma, was gentle and slow . . .
The soft closing of a door, rather than a slam."
"Our future has come."
In short, I enjoyed this installment very much and I'm happy that Tohr is finally happy.
Note: After I wrote my review, Ward announced who the next book will be about. If you want to know, click the spoiler.
Lover Unleashed was disappointing for me on several levels. But I knew that, if Ward did it right, Tohrment's book had the potential to be the best installment to the series in a long time. I've wanted him to find peace and healing ever since that fateful scene at the end of Lover Awakened, but I knew it would take time. And now that his time has finally come, I'm pleased to say that Ward doesn't disappoint.
Tohrment & No'One:
I know a lot of people aren't happy that Tohrment doesn't get Wellsie back. I'm not happy about it, either. But save for getting Wellsie back, I believe Tohr was dealt the best hand possible in Lover Reborn.
Let me be frank: I had very little faith that Ward could pull a romance like this off. Seriously, Tohrment and Wellsie? Probably one of the most romantic couples I've ever come across in the PNR/UF genre. Their back story, the glimpses we see of their relationship in the first three books . . . how can you possibly follow an act like that?
Some of the sentences in this are like an assault to the solar plexus. There were scenes where I felt like I was chopping onions. Suffice it to say I cried a lot while reading Tohr's story. Man, Tohrment . . . he just . . . tears me apart. Truly.
As Tohr says himself, No'One could never replace Wellsie; but the emotional — and physical — connection between Tohr and No'One is undeniable. Tohr and No'One have a lot in common (each has been through a tremendous ordeal in their lifetime), they've meant in the past and spent an entire year in each other's company, and No'One is incredibly understanding and supportive of Tohr and his situation. I don't think any other female could've brought him back from the brink the way No'One did.
I didn't expect to like No'One as much as I did — I've never really liked the Chosen women, and although No'One isn't a Chosen, she's very similar to them. But she is humble, kind, and, underneath the shield she's erected to protect herself, passionate. Ward has surprised me before, and she definitely did in the case of No'One's character.
The best part about the romance in this is how slow it builds. One year passes from beginning to end of this installment, and Tohr doesn't give himself over to the possibility of loving another easily. It isn't until near the end that he truly opens his heart to No'One.
Lassiter:
Can somebody get me a bib? Seriously, you can have all of the Brothers (except Z, of course; I got dibs on him a long time ago), just give me Lassiter! God, he just gets more interesting — and sexy — with each book. And when his own book is finally released, I'll be one of the first ones at the bookstore ready to trample over the other shoppers to get my copy.
And something tells me his book is going to be very similar to Tohr's and maybe even equally sad. If you're observant and you've read Hello, Old Friend and Book Order in the Brothers on the Board section of the insider's guide, then you know that Lassiter had a woman he loved who is now either missing or dead. There is also some hinting of that in this book. I don't know if Ward will have him get her back, or have him end up with someone else. Since Ward seems to enjoy torturing her fans, it'll probably be the latter.
John & Xhex:
Just as there was a lot of Vishous in Payne's book (for obvious reasons), there is a lot of John and, naturally, Xhex in Tohr's book. Their relationship gets tested and, similarly to Vishous and Jane in Lover Unleashed, they go through a real rough patch. One of the things I like most about Ward's couples is that, when their book is over, their story isn't. There'll always be new trials and new developments in her characters' lives.
There are some really emotional — and erotic (seriously, they get twice as many sex scenes as the main couple) — scenes with John and Xhex in this. Fans of theirs should be very happy.
And for John and Xhex, I'm sure the trials aren't over. When Murhder finally gets into the series full-time, I'm sure he'll shake things up quite a bit for them, as he is Xhex's former lover. Can you say cohntehst?
Qhuinn & Blay a.k.a. Qhuay (& Saxton and Layla, or as I like to think of them, The Third & Fourth Wheels): There isn't much Qhuinn and Blay in this. :( Neither of them get much page time, because John and Xhex and the Bastards
Given the way chapter seventy-six ends . . . Qhuay's story must be soon. Very soon. Whether it will be a novella or a full installment remains to be seen. All I can say is, if it turns out to be the former, it sure as hell better be tome-ish, anyway.
Oh, Saxton . . . Ward has hinted as to what will become of him in a future installment, and I'm pretty sure I know what it is and that all of his fans (including myself) will not like it. Especially since in Lover Reborn it becomes pretty clear that Saxton has fallen for Blay.
As for Layla . . . well, I won't give it away, but it is now very clear who Layla's HEA is. And despite the fact that I've never been a big fan of Layla . . . I'm very much looking forward to her story. (This is really because of the male she ends up with. He is all kinds of hot.)
Band of Bastards:
I predicted in my review of Lover Unleashed that the B.o.B. (Band of Bastards) would most likely end up becoming good and each member would get their own book. Now . . . I still say that will happen, but I think it's going to take a while. I think it would be a good idea, because without them Ward doesn't have very many possibilities for future books. I think if it were ever to go in that direction, it would be a long time from now and a lot would have to happen in order for any of them to be ready for their own book. Ward actually talks about the B.o.B. in a YouTube video (specifically Xcor), which you can watch here. (Turn up the volume if you wanna hear what she says)
Favorite Quotes:
"The quick and the dead are all the same. Everyone's just looking for home."
"She wished for Qhuinn this soldier. She truly did."
"Then again, he supposed the healing process, in contrast to trauma, was gentle and slow . . .
The soft closing of a door, rather than a slam."
"Our future has come."
In short, I enjoyed this installment very much and I'm happy that Tohr is finally happy.
Note: After I wrote my review, Ward announced who the next book will be about. If you want to know, click the spoiler.
My reviews of other titles in this series:
Lover Unleashed
February 25, 2018
Just a fair warning: This book buttfucked me raw without lube (~*spoiler*~ pun intended) and destroyed my heart and sanity. My feelings are all over the place and I need to vent. Cursing, spoilers and inappropriate gifs ahead.
TORH/NO'ONE
Summary: SEXSEXSEXSEXSEXSEXANGSTANGSTANGSTANGST
A year ago when Ward announced Tohr was next, I got so mad. It was too soon for him, it felt rushed, he wasn't ready, she was fucking him up, etc. And sadly, I still stand on that.
And on that note, let me clarify something: One thing is to accept someone you love died and to move on with your life and another is finding a new partner. You don't need to fuck/love someone else to move on in a healthy way. I disagree completely with Ward here. Tohr needed to find himself again, move on naturally, accept Wellsie was death AND THEN find someone else. Not do both things at the same time.
And honestly, Tohr was a douchebag to her for the most part. He treated No'One with no respect, insulted her and used her. Grieving doesn't give you the right to act like that. And also: TOO MUCH SEX! If you know me, you know that coming from me is huge.
The whole seasons thing was a weak plot device to be able to squeeze a whole year worth development into one book, when each book usually covers like two weeks top. We've been getting Qhuay little by little over 5 books now, when that's exactly what Ward should have done with Tohr/Autumn. Reading their developtment in 4-5 different books and then getting their own book would have worked better and more smoothly, IMO.
But I guess Ward ran out of characters we currently care enough about to give a shit about a book with them as main characters. She's got, what? The Shadows, the BoB, Muhrder, Lassiter (who she already stated needs to happen AFTER Tohr) and, oh yeah... Qhuay. But I guess 4 books were not enough built up for them...
JM/XHEX
First of all, you need to know I'm completely biased when it comes to these two. They are my favorite m/f couple. Xhex can do no wrong in my eyes, I'm her bitch and will always be. I stan them so hard they shouldfucking adopt me.
I read spoilers before reading the book and knew they had some problems. At first I thought, so soon?! WTF. But it made total sense. In fact, I'm glad this happened because someone had to make these warriors see women are more than soft, obliging creatures they own.
I still believe John is the worst and most selfish BFF someone could have, but he's one of the best boyfrands from the bunch of mated dudes we have in the series, IMO. I have a love/hate relationship with the handsome son of a bitch.
XHEX (and the oppresion of men)
Xhex was amazing, perfect, flaw free, better than your fave, best bias you can bias and the ultimate HBIC in this book AGAIN.
She stand in front of the whole Brotherhood and called them an "anachronistic group of misogynists", and very rightly so!
She is greatly needed in this misogynist vamp society. You're mated and suddenly all the males look at your mate for approval to let you do shit?! Horrible dejá vù of women not being allowed to open their own bank accounts for example without their husband's signed permission. *shudders* I love the Brothers but they need to work on their close-minded view of females ASAP.
Btw, during all her ordeal against the oppression of testosterone, where the fuck was Payne?
AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO NOTICED THIS BS?
The only female (Xhex) who seems to EVEN care about this general chauvinist behavior is constantly described as manly and masculine. Why can't feminine women notice this and FIGHT AGAINST IT, too??
Are Marissa, Mary, Ehlhenhah, Cormia, Bella or Beth grateful and content their mates let them get outta the mansion and do appropriate work for women?!
Marissa thinking "I'm so lucky, Butch is old fashioned but he never complained about me working" made me want to punch her in the face. You may not see it, but that's classic fucked up thinking for women in regards of their rights in society according to men. She is grateful her husband allows her to do as she pleases? Bitch, please. That thought should not exist in the first fucking place!
And don't get me started on the needing bullshit. "Servicing", my ass.
LAYLA
J. R. Ward has ruined this character for me, verily. I can no longer stand to see her getting any kind of attention from any male, at all. My blood literally boils and I want to smack her. It's irrational at this point.
She possesses not a single redeeming quality IMO. You may be thinking, but she's selfless and lives to service the warriors! If that is the case, let me direct you to my previous point. Layla is the worse example of women embracing chauvinism. Examples:
"Providing blood to males of worth was all that was left of her calling. All that she had in her life."
"Let us do what we must. For the future."
Those are just a few of the little pearls of wisdom she presented us with in this book.
Qhuinn has been "educating" her for months to see life is much more than just servicing men and wanting cock, and yet she's still thinking exactly the same? Qhuinn, sts but yo wasting yor time, bud.
Plus, is she dumb? No, seriously. I'm actually asking this for real. She's been in the mansion for a few years now, right? She must know everyone who lives there, right? Plus, she's been hunting for a mate so she must know all the males, right? And yet, she mistakes Xcor and Throe for BDB Warriors...? She didn't notice anything shaddy when Throe called her in the middle of no fucking where? Or when she never saw them in the mansion after weeks of waiting? She so conviently never asked anyone about the warrior she had fed, either.
And then, when she finds out who they truly are she faints, she is in distress, she can't believe they fooled her... Oh poor, poor victim of the cruel system. Note my sarcasm, please.
She's already started to bond with Xcor (pretty hardcorely, too) and the first backbone she shows is to betray him and help them TO KILL HIM?! She's so worried about getting her servicing "job" taken from her, she's ready to sell her mum if needed. Not even once did she try to convince them of some way out for the male she's already fallen for.
I'm sorry, I can't respect her. She's selfish, she wants wants wants and doesn't think of consecuences or other people's needs/feelings. She's so selfish she wants a baby to feel better, FFS!!!
Conclusion:
XCOR/BoB/LAYLA
Mostly: Meh. I'm sad Ward is going to use this pontentially awesome HEA storyline in Xcor and Layla, tbh.
The BoB started a bit zzZZzz but after Xcor betrayed Throe things picked up pace and turned interesting.
The gay undertones between Xcor/Throe, Zypher/Throe, everyone/Throe were greatly appreciated. Throe is the glue keeping the Bastards together, everyone is his bitch! :D
I'm also thinking ex-Aristocrat Throe and Super-Aristocra Saxton could be fun to read!
QHUINN
During the first half of the book, Qhuinn's angst was so beautiful my heart ached for him. I'm not ashamed to admit I ugly cried when he got recognition from the Brothers.
He is, however, a fucking dumbass. Can't deny the truth. I love him, and bless his heart but he duuuumb. He needs to grow so much to be able to reach Blay. And don't get me started on what a coward he is.
Honestly, I'm mad at JRW for doing this to Qhuay. Not with Qhuinn.
She made Qhuinn hold back his feelings because he thought he was not good enough for so long, and then she made him have a kid on a whim and change his mind about holding back with Blay on another.
She spent 4 books building up his character, layer after layer, and it was so good!! And then idk, she went on crack? And ruined it all in a 30 secs decision. Just... WTF?
Plus, maybe this is just me but... Since he is aware of his feelings for Blay now, shouldn't he be more concerned about not hurting him? Sure, he believes Blay has moved on and no longer cares about him (convenient plot device nº56730367) but when you love someone you obsess over silly things, such as, oh idk, "I know Blay has moved on, but I used to hurt him with my whoring around. Maybe this still bothers him even when he's happily mated with someone else and I should do something about it"??
Talk about not knowing how to properly pine for a person. Talk about dumbasses plot devices.
QHUINN & LAYLA BFFs
Whenever Qhuinn called Layla "baby girl" or touched her in any way, I got so mad at some point I realized I was projecting on Blay and getting all jealous and possessive. If I were Blay, after being mated, I couldn't stand the thought of that bitch anywhere near us. Sorry, could never work for me... Even when Blay is a fucking saint, I can't see it realistic for him to accept her in the middle of their marriage, especially after being hurt by Qhuinn's slutty behavior for years. Blay is flaw free, but his confidence is touching rock bottom when it comes to Qhuinn. There has to be an issue about this between them or I call BS.
But back at the unpleasant subject that are Qhuinn and Layla. I guess Ward was aiming at "awww they are BFFs, how qt is that?!" but sorry, couldn't go there with them. Even Layla thinking she was over him sounded hollow and fake to my ears. It just didn't make sense with the rest of her behavior. She's pretty much the same after months of ~discovering the world~ and yet she has realized her feelings for Qhuinn weren't real? Bitch please anyone else?
THE BIG OH NO, YOU DIDN'T
HDY JRW HFDY doesn't even start covering it. She went there. She fucking went there.
Already-bonded Layla and Bonded-for-3-Books-at-least Qhuinn decided the solution to all their issues was to have a kid together! Bringing a child to the world like it is a business transaction is not right.
The way she manipulated him into this was disturbing, too.
“You’re my only hope, and I yours. … ”
For someone playing so dumb about certain things (such as traitors) she was verily must cunning in convincing Qhuinn. She knew exactly what to say to use his issues and weak points against him.
"Let us do what we must. For the future."
Oh yeah, the whole vampire race depends on you two! Now go populate the earth!
I knew Qhuinn was a weak coward (see his relationship with Blay for examples) but my god, he went from "I will NEVER have sex with her to prevent that Fade vision to happen" to "A child sounds like a fantastic idea and that Face vision assures it will happen!" in less than 0.30 secs. *blinks a few times in confusion*
Also: 1) No'One could barely talk when the needing hit her while Layla had a whole conversation with Qhuinn??? 2) Layla had been to the other side but not enough to get a free pass on the needing triggering??? 3) She decided to risk it and not freak out like the rest of the females *just in case*??? Pfff please.
And hey, WHERE THE FUCK WAS PHURY WHEN THIS TRAIN WRECH HAPPENED?!
They had isolated No'One and still, it seemed a porn movie was being filmed in the mansion while she was through her needing. And yet, when Qhuinn takes needing!Layla to his room, no one seems to notice or care enough to says "OH WAIT SOMEONE IS DEFLOWERING A MOST VERILY SACRED CHOOSEN DURING HER NEEDING, DANGER, DANGER, PREGGO TIMES, DANGER."
In vampire age, Qhuinn is a fucking kid. How come no one stopped them from making this huuuuge mistake?! Even Qhuinn thought Phury was going to kill him and yet, Phury was no where to be seeing. Not before, not during, not after. Perhaps Ward is holding those ~precious moment~ for the next book?
I should have been glad they were awkward as fuck after it and clearly not ~in lurv~, but my god, this is such a huge mess I can't even rejoice in the little mercies. And I'm assuming some people will be mad at Qhuinn for caring so much about her after it, but come on, IF this had to happen, he'd be an even bigger asshole if he didn't act like this now, tbh.
I still don't undertand WHY Ward went there. I can't see anyone being pleased with this. Qhuinn/Layla fans? (Legit question: Do they really exist?) "Oh so romantic, they share a kid while they mate someone else." FRUSTRATED AND PISSED. Layla stans? "My girl deserves respect and a male who worshippes only her!" FRUSTRATED AND PISSED. Qhuay fans? Oh please, do I have to explain this one? FRUSTRATED AND ROYALLY PISSED.
Conclusion:
FUTURE DAUGHTER
Xhex: "But why would they want a young? That shit was crazy town"
(There's a good reason why Xhex is my fave!)
^^^ Only shade of light in this mess is how IMO Ward showed the whole thing as something negative. The undertone was something along the lines of "look at these two lost souls making a decision for the most fucked up of reasons". That's the only tiny positive thing on all this.
This child is going to come to this world and be taken care of by a girl who lives in a fantasy world, unable to take care of herself, selfish and delusional and with a daddy so full of his own issues he's nowhere near ready for any kind of responsability.
And hey, congrats! Your step-dad is Xcor! Woohoo!
I wish the kid wouldn't exist... Well, scratch that. I wish Layla and her needing didn't exist. But Qhuinn's daughter? Sorry to say, I'm the biggest fucking sap in the world and I already love her. She's fault-free and part of Qhuinn. #noregrets #comeatmebro
BLAY
Blaylock is, with Xhex, my favorite character. At this point I'm only invested in his happiness and fuck the world. He deserves only the very best, and maybe at this point some people believe Qhuinn doesn't match that description (big surprise here), but Blay wants him and I want Blay to be happy, so I'm still pinning hard for Qhuay to happen.
“I’m surprised … ” At how awful this felt.
"As that fucking chandelier twinkled overhead, Blay said roughly, “I’m still in love with him.”
(GPOY of me while reading this scene)
He broke my heart so much I don't think I'll ever recover from it. He is my most dearest character ever. And what's happening to him is so unfair, in so many levels. Maybe he's the character with the least tragic past or lesser issues, but my god, life is fucking him up royally over and over. When is it going to be enough for Ward's standard of tortured men?! Even when he gets his man, he'll have to share him with someone else. How fucking fair is that? For him, for Layla or for us.
"If he’d been able to, he’d have jumped up and torn that goddamn cocksucking light fixture off the goddamn cocksucking ceiling."
If that didn't cover perfectly well the general sentiment I don't know what could. Blay losing it was so liberating. It was like I was losing it with him. About fucking time, too!
SAXTON
Saxton is a fucking saint. My creys. This male of worth deserves a good,long, thick cock handsome, flawless male to service him for life.
The fact that it was him who suggested Qhuinn should get some recognition for his brave actions was such a neat move. I can't wait for Saxton and Qhuinn to have a stronger family bond. #sap
And yet... Why the fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu- did he stop Blay when he tried to storm out the room? Maybe he was headed to Qhuinn's room to stop that madness from happening!!!!!! Am I the only one who yelled NOOOOOOOOO?
BLAY/SAXTON
BLAY BUTT-FUCKED SAXTON WITHOUT LUBE!!!!!!!
Sorry, I *had* to say it. For a moment it was like reading a yaoi comic, where men always have self-lubricating bottoms. Hopefully this was an out of the moment thing and Ward knows this is not the norm for future references. Or maybe she pulls a "gay vamps can self-lubricate themselves at will *poker face*"…? You never know!
Still, not enough details. I know, none HEAs don't get sex screen time, but hey, someone remembers that sympath bitch and Rehv? Hmmm... yeah.
MY DEAREST QHUAY *CHEST HURTS*
I'm actually so disappointed in Ward. I used to believe in her. I trusted her. 100% But she's been dragging out their story for too long and adding ridiculous plot devices to hold them back. Don't bullshit me anymore with "they aren't ready". They are and they were. You made Torh be ready and stuffed a whole year into a book to make it happen, so STFU and give us Qhuay already!
Onto more fangirling comments: Qhuinn's physical reaction when his stare met Blay's was so intense I forgot to breath for a moment.
And I guess we're going for full circles here. First Blay told Qhuinn he loved him and Qhuinn didn't hear him (very convenient) and now Qhuinn told Blay he loved him, and very conveniently again, Ward used John's self-centered character to mistake the tone and who Qhuinn was talking to, to cockblock Qhuay ONCE AGAIN.
There has been so much cock-blocking between these two, I'm glad they are both males or they wouldn't know what a penis looks like anymore at this point.
When Qhuinn was injured, they were so heartbreaking, so clearly in pain and longing for each other. It's exaclty what I needed. But then, Blay believes that angsty tear is because Qhuinn is in pain and is about to leave, Qhuinn calls his name and he ignores him?! You love someone, and no matter how much that person rejected you, if they call you like that in a moment of need/being hurt, you turn around and see what they want. No, seriously, stop with the stupid cock-blocking!!!!
And yet, when Jane is like wtf at Blay, another cock-block happens with Saxton holding him back outside the room. Can we please be done with the delay already? Those are just weak, weak, weak excuses. And I'm tired of them.
I've seen lots of people discussing what those two things that had to happen for Qhuay to be ready were, and my two cents are: Blay's reaction to Qhuinn/Layla during her needing, and Qhuinn realizing life is too short and you can lose your loved ones in a moment.
WHO IS NEXT
Duh:
"As Blay started to straighten, like a message had been received, Qhuinn thought 'That's right, buddy. Our future has come…'"
Side Note: Qhuinn, you stupid fuck, you just got a girl pregnant and NOW you decide to go after Blay?!!?!
EDIT: March 31 2012 "THEIR TIME HAS COME. 2013- NEXT BDB HARDCOVER…..BLAY & QHUINN!!!!"
Note: The gifs posted here keep getting exceeded bandwidth with too many views. omg guise… What are y'all doing? :__)
TORH/NO'ONE
Summary: SEXSEXSEXSEXSEXSEXANGSTANGSTANGSTANGST
A year ago when Ward announced Tohr was next, I got so mad. It was too soon for him, it felt rushed, he wasn't ready, she was fucking him up, etc. And sadly, I still stand on that.
And on that note, let me clarify something: One thing is to accept someone you love died and to move on with your life and another is finding a new partner. You don't need to fuck/love someone else to move on in a healthy way. I disagree completely with Ward here. Tohr needed to find himself again, move on naturally, accept Wellsie was death AND THEN find someone else. Not do both things at the same time.
And honestly, Tohr was a douchebag to her for the most part. He treated No'One with no respect, insulted her and used her. Grieving doesn't give you the right to act like that. And also: TOO MUCH SEX! If you know me, you know that coming from me is huge.
The whole seasons thing was a weak plot device to be able to squeeze a whole year worth development into one book, when each book usually covers like two weeks top. We've been getting Qhuay little by little over 5 books now, when that's exactly what Ward should have done with Tohr/Autumn. Reading their developtment in 4-5 different books and then getting their own book would have worked better and more smoothly, IMO.
But I guess Ward ran out of characters we currently care enough about to give a shit about a book with them as main characters. She's got, what? The Shadows, the BoB, Muhrder, Lassiter (who she already stated needs to happen AFTER Tohr) and, oh yeah... Qhuay. But I guess 4 books were not enough built up for them...
JM/XHEX
First of all, you need to know I'm completely biased when it comes to these two. They are my favorite m/f couple. Xhex can do no wrong in my eyes, I'm her bitch and will always be. I stan them so hard they should
I read spoilers before reading the book and knew they had some problems. At first I thought, so soon?! WTF. But it made total sense. In fact, I'm glad this happened because someone had to make these warriors see women are more than soft, obliging creatures they own.
I still believe John is the worst and most selfish BFF someone could have, but he's one of the best boyfrands from the bunch of mated dudes we have in the series, IMO. I have a love/hate relationship with the handsome son of a bitch.
XHEX (and the oppresion of men)
Xhex was amazing, perfect, flaw free, better than your fave, best bias you can bias and the ultimate HBIC in this book AGAIN.
She stand in front of the whole Brotherhood and called them an "anachronistic group of misogynists", and very rightly so!
She is greatly needed in this misogynist vamp society. You're mated and suddenly all the males look at your mate for approval to let you do shit?! Horrible dejá vù of women not being allowed to open their own bank accounts for example without their husband's signed permission. *shudders* I love the Brothers but they need to work on their close-minded view of females ASAP.
Btw, during all her ordeal against the oppression of testosterone, where the fuck was Payne?
AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO NOTICED THIS BS?
The only female (Xhex) who seems to EVEN care about this general chauvinist behavior is constantly described as manly and masculine. Why can't feminine women notice this and FIGHT AGAINST IT, too??
Are Marissa, Mary, Ehlhenhah, Cormia, Bella or Beth grateful and content their mates let them get outta the mansion and do appropriate work for women?!
Marissa thinking "I'm so lucky, Butch is old fashioned but he never complained about me working" made me want to punch her in the face. You may not see it, but that's classic fucked up thinking for women in regards of their rights in society according to men. She is grateful her husband allows her to do as she pleases? Bitch, please. That thought should not exist in the first fucking place!
And don't get me started on the needing bullshit. "Servicing", my ass.
LAYLA
J. R. Ward has ruined this character for me, verily. I can no longer stand to see her getting any kind of attention from any male, at all. My blood literally boils and I want to smack her. It's irrational at this point.
She possesses not a single redeeming quality IMO. You may be thinking, but she's selfless and lives to service the warriors! If that is the case, let me direct you to my previous point. Layla is the worse example of women embracing chauvinism. Examples:
"Providing blood to males of worth was all that was left of her calling. All that she had in her life."
"Let us do what we must. For the future."
Those are just a few of the little pearls of wisdom she presented us with in this book.
Qhuinn has been "educating" her for months to see life is much more than just servicing men and wanting cock, and yet she's still thinking exactly the same? Qhuinn, sts but yo wasting yor time, bud.
Plus, is she dumb? No, seriously. I'm actually asking this for real. She's been in the mansion for a few years now, right? She must know everyone who lives there, right? Plus, she's been hunting for a mate so she must know all the males, right? And yet, she mistakes Xcor and Throe for BDB Warriors...? She didn't notice anything shaddy when Throe called her in the middle of no fucking where? Or when she never saw them in the mansion after weeks of waiting? She so conviently never asked anyone about the warrior she had fed, either.
And then, when she finds out who they truly are she faints, she is in distress, she can't believe they fooled her... Oh poor, poor victim of the cruel system. Note my sarcasm, please.
She's already started to bond with Xcor (pretty hardcorely, too) and the first backbone she shows is to betray him and help them TO KILL HIM?! She's so worried about getting her servicing "job" taken from her, she's ready to sell her mum if needed. Not even once did she try to convince them of some way out for the male she's already fallen for.
I'm sorry, I can't respect her. She's selfish, she wants wants wants and doesn't think of consecuences or other people's needs/feelings. She's so selfish she wants a baby to feel better, FFS!!!
Conclusion:
XCOR/BoB/LAYLA
Mostly: Meh. I'm sad Ward is going to use this pontentially awesome HEA storyline in Xcor and Layla, tbh.
The BoB started a bit zzZZzz but after Xcor betrayed Throe things picked up pace and turned interesting.
The gay undertones between Xcor/Throe, Zypher/Throe, everyone/Throe were greatly appreciated. Throe is the glue keeping the Bastards together, everyone is his bitch! :D
I'm also thinking ex-Aristocrat Throe and Super-Aristocra Saxton could be fun to read!
QHUINN
During the first half of the book, Qhuinn's angst was so beautiful my heart ached for him. I'm not ashamed to admit I ugly cried when he got recognition from the Brothers.
He is, however, a fucking dumbass. Can't deny the truth. I love him, and bless his heart but he duuuumb. He needs to grow so much to be able to reach Blay. And don't get me started on what a coward he is.
Honestly, I'm mad at JRW for doing this to Qhuay. Not with Qhuinn.
She made Qhuinn hold back his feelings because he thought he was not good enough for so long, and then she made him have a kid on a whim and change his mind about holding back with Blay on another.
She spent 4 books building up his character, layer after layer, and it was so good!! And then idk, she went on crack? And ruined it all in a 30 secs decision. Just... WTF?
Plus, maybe this is just me but... Since he is aware of his feelings for Blay now, shouldn't he be more concerned about not hurting him? Sure, he believes Blay has moved on and no longer cares about him (convenient plot device nº56730367) but when you love someone you obsess over silly things, such as, oh idk, "I know Blay has moved on, but I used to hurt him with my whoring around. Maybe this still bothers him even when he's happily mated with someone else and I should do something about it"??
Talk about not knowing how to properly pine for a person. Talk about dumbasses plot devices.
QHUINN & LAYLA BFFs
Whenever Qhuinn called Layla "baby girl" or touched her in any way, I got so mad at some point I realized I was projecting on Blay and getting all jealous and possessive. If I were Blay, after being mated, I couldn't stand the thought of that bitch anywhere near us. Sorry, could never work for me... Even when Blay is a fucking saint, I can't see it realistic for him to accept her in the middle of their marriage, especially after being hurt by Qhuinn's slutty behavior for years. Blay is flaw free, but his confidence is touching rock bottom when it comes to Qhuinn. There has to be an issue about this between them or I call BS.
But back at the unpleasant subject that are Qhuinn and Layla. I guess Ward was aiming at "awww they are BFFs, how qt is that?!" but sorry, couldn't go there with them. Even Layla thinking she was over him sounded hollow and fake to my ears. It just didn't make sense with the rest of her behavior. She's pretty much the same after months of ~discovering the world~ and yet she has realized her feelings for Qhuinn weren't real? Bitch please anyone else?
THE BIG OH NO, YOU DIDN'T
HDY JRW HFDY doesn't even start covering it. She went there. She fucking went there.
Already-bonded Layla and Bonded-for-3-Books-at-least Qhuinn decided the solution to all their issues was to have a kid together! Bringing a child to the world like it is a business transaction is not right.
The way she manipulated him into this was disturbing, too.
“You’re my only hope, and I yours. … ”
For someone playing so dumb about certain things (such as traitors) she was verily must cunning in convincing Qhuinn. She knew exactly what to say to use his issues and weak points against him.
"Let us do what we must. For the future."
Oh yeah, the whole vampire race depends on you two! Now go populate the earth!
I knew Qhuinn was a weak coward (see his relationship with Blay for examples) but my god, he went from "I will NEVER have sex with her to prevent that Fade vision to happen" to "A child sounds like a fantastic idea and that Face vision assures it will happen!" in less than 0.30 secs. *blinks a few times in confusion*
Also: 1) No'One could barely talk when the needing hit her while Layla had a whole conversation with Qhuinn??? 2) Layla had been to the other side but not enough to get a free pass on the needing triggering??? 3) She decided to risk it and not freak out like the rest of the females *just in case*??? Pfff please.
And hey, WHERE THE FUCK WAS PHURY WHEN THIS TRAIN WRECH HAPPENED?!
They had isolated No'One and still, it seemed a porn movie was being filmed in the mansion while she was through her needing. And yet, when Qhuinn takes needing!Layla to his room, no one seems to notice or care enough to says "OH WAIT SOMEONE IS DEFLOWERING A MOST VERILY SACRED CHOOSEN DURING HER NEEDING, DANGER, DANGER, PREGGO TIMES, DANGER."
In vampire age, Qhuinn is a fucking kid. How come no one stopped them from making this huuuuge mistake?! Even Qhuinn thought Phury was going to kill him and yet, Phury was no where to be seeing. Not before, not during, not after. Perhaps Ward is holding those ~precious moment~ for the next book?
I should have been glad they were awkward as fuck after it and clearly not ~in lurv~, but my god, this is such a huge mess I can't even rejoice in the little mercies. And I'm assuming some people will be mad at Qhuinn for caring so much about her after it, but come on, IF this had to happen, he'd be an even bigger asshole if he didn't act like this now, tbh.
I still don't undertand WHY Ward went there. I can't see anyone being pleased with this. Qhuinn/Layla fans? (Legit question: Do they really exist?) "Oh so romantic, they share a kid while they mate someone else." FRUSTRATED AND PISSED. Layla stans? "My girl deserves respect and a male who worshippes only her!" FRUSTRATED AND PISSED. Qhuay fans? Oh please, do I have to explain this one? FRUSTRATED AND ROYALLY PISSED.
Conclusion:
FUTURE DAUGHTER
Xhex: "But why would they want a young? That shit was crazy town"
(There's a good reason why Xhex is my fave!)
^^^ Only shade of light in this mess is how IMO Ward showed the whole thing as something negative. The undertone was something along the lines of "look at these two lost souls making a decision for the most fucked up of reasons". That's the only tiny positive thing on all this.
This child is going to come to this world and be taken care of by a girl who lives in a fantasy world, unable to take care of herself, selfish and delusional and with a daddy so full of his own issues he's nowhere near ready for any kind of responsability.
And hey, congrats! Your step-dad is Xcor! Woohoo!
I wish the kid wouldn't exist... Well, scratch that. I wish Layla and her needing didn't exist. But Qhuinn's daughter? Sorry to say, I'm the biggest fucking sap in the world and I already love her. She's fault-free and part of Qhuinn. #noregrets #comeatmebro
BLAY
Blaylock is, with Xhex, my favorite character. At this point I'm only invested in his happiness and fuck the world. He deserves only the very best, and maybe at this point some people believe Qhuinn doesn't match that description (big surprise here), but Blay wants him and I want Blay to be happy, so I'm still pinning hard for Qhuay to happen.
“I’m surprised … ” At how awful this felt.
"As that fucking chandelier twinkled overhead, Blay said roughly, “I’m still in love with him.”
(GPOY of me while reading this scene)
He broke my heart so much I don't think I'll ever recover from it. He is my most dearest character ever. And what's happening to him is so unfair, in so many levels. Maybe he's the character with the least tragic past or lesser issues, but my god, life is fucking him up royally over and over. When is it going to be enough for Ward's standard of tortured men?! Even when he gets his man, he'll have to share him with someone else. How fucking fair is that? For him, for Layla or for us.
"If he’d been able to, he’d have jumped up and torn that goddamn cocksucking light fixture off the goddamn cocksucking ceiling."
If that didn't cover perfectly well the general sentiment I don't know what could. Blay losing it was so liberating. It was like I was losing it with him. About fucking time, too!
SAXTON
Saxton is a fucking saint. My creys. This male of worth deserves a good,
The fact that it was him who suggested Qhuinn should get some recognition for his brave actions was such a neat move. I can't wait for Saxton and Qhuinn to have a stronger family bond. #sap
And yet... Why the fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu- did he stop Blay when he tried to storm out the room? Maybe he was headed to Qhuinn's room to stop that madness from happening!!!!!! Am I the only one who yelled NOOOOOOOOO?
BLAY/SAXTON
BLAY BUTT-FUCKED SAXTON WITHOUT LUBE!!!!!!!
Sorry, I *had* to say it. For a moment it was like reading a yaoi comic, where men always have self-lubricating bottoms. Hopefully this was an out of the moment thing and Ward knows this is not the norm for future references. Or maybe she pulls a "gay vamps can self-lubricate themselves at will *poker face*"…? You never know!
Still, not enough details. I know, none HEAs don't get sex screen time, but hey, someone remembers that sympath bitch and Rehv? Hmmm... yeah.
MY DEAREST QHUAY *CHEST HURTS*
I'm actually so disappointed in Ward. I used to believe in her. I trusted her. 100% But she's been dragging out their story for too long and adding ridiculous plot devices to hold them back. Don't bullshit me anymore with "they aren't ready". They are and they were. You made Torh be ready and stuffed a whole year into a book to make it happen, so STFU and give us Qhuay already!
Onto more fangirling comments: Qhuinn's physical reaction when his stare met Blay's was so intense I forgot to breath for a moment.
And I guess we're going for full circles here. First Blay told Qhuinn he loved him and Qhuinn didn't hear him (very convenient) and now Qhuinn told Blay he loved him, and very conveniently again, Ward used John's self-centered character to mistake the tone and who Qhuinn was talking to, to cockblock Qhuay ONCE AGAIN.
There has been so much cock-blocking between these two, I'm glad they are both males or they wouldn't know what a penis looks like anymore at this point.
When Qhuinn was injured, they were so heartbreaking, so clearly in pain and longing for each other. It's exaclty what I needed. But then, Blay believes that angsty tear is because Qhuinn is in pain and is about to leave, Qhuinn calls his name and he ignores him?! You love someone, and no matter how much that person rejected you, if they call you like that in a moment of need/being hurt, you turn around and see what they want. No, seriously, stop with the stupid cock-blocking!!!!
And yet, when Jane is like wtf at Blay, another cock-block happens with Saxton holding him back outside the room. Can we please be done with the delay already? Those are just weak, weak, weak excuses. And I'm tired of them.
I've seen lots of people discussing what those two things that had to happen for Qhuay to be ready were, and my two cents are: Blay's reaction to Qhuinn/Layla during her needing, and Qhuinn realizing life is too short and you can lose your loved ones in a moment.
WHO IS NEXT
Duh:
"As Blay started to straighten, like a message had been received, Qhuinn thought 'That's right, buddy. Our future has come…'"
Side Note: Qhuinn, you stupid fuck, you just got a girl pregnant and NOW you decide to go after Blay?!!?!
EDIT: March 31 2012 "THEIR TIME HAS COME. 2013- NEXT BDB HARDCOVER…..BLAY & QHUINN!!!!"
Note: The gifs posted here keep getting exceeded bandwidth with too many views. omg guise… What are y'all doing? :__)
November 20, 2015
(Spoilers are hidden)
“The quick and the dead are all the same.
Everyone’s just looking for home.” - LASSITER
Hear ye! Hear ye!
Leteth it be known that on this day, March 31st, 2012, I solemnly vow that I shall never doubt the WARDen again!
So, now that that's out of the way, my thoughts on the book...
I wasn’t sure she could do it. Pffffft! Silly me.
I didn't think she could pull it off. *sigh* Whatever was I thinking?
And had I had actually considered skipping this book and not reading it at all? Yes, yes I had. *hangs head in shame*
In fact, I've spent the past year angsting and fretting and worried and crying and angry… and over what? That Wellsie would be replaced? That the whole ‘Wellsie can’t move on until you do…’ storyline would feel too contrived? That I'd have to sit through more Qhuay drama than any human being should be forced to endure? Yes, in fact, I worried about all of those things and much, much more, but like I told my Goodreads friends in the JR WARD BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD GROUP, never, ever, will I doubt the WARDen again!
Okay, let's get down to business...spoiler thoughts:
Tohr and Autumn and their story:
John Matthew and Xhex:
The Band of Bastards:
Assail:
Qhuinn and Blay:
Layla:
The epilogue:
What made this book all kinds of brilliant...
The entire message of this book is summed up by Qhuinn, in one of the best, most poignant scenes of any Black Dagger Brotherhood book ever, and had me throwing fist punches and shouting, “YES!!!” -
And the future doesn't get better than that!
One final thought...
And in closing, I feel the need to point out that I'm thrilled that I am not the one who has to change the sheets in the Brothers' rooms at the Mansion. You couldn't pay me enough.
Just sayin'....
January 12, 2015
5 stars – Paranormal/Vampire/UF Romance
Thoughts Before Reading:
When will the WARDen give us Qhuinn’s/Blaylock’s story, dammit?!?!? I don’t give a @*#&$ about Tohr!? I want Qhuay!!!!
Thoughts After Reading:
This is me coughing up feathers after eating crow because Lover Reborn was sooo much better than I expected. It’s an emotional read that had me shedding serious tears and an a+wesome installment to the series!
And now that the Warden has officially announced on Facebook that Blay and Qhuinn are the next BDB hardcover release slated for 2013?!?! *faints* Seriously, somebody better have a stash of smelling salts handy!
Thoughts Before Reading:
When will the WARDen give us Qhuinn’s/Blaylock’s story, dammit?!?!? I don’t give a @*#&$ about Tohr!? I want Qhuay!!!!
Thoughts After Reading:
This is me coughing up feathers after eating crow because Lover Reborn was sooo much better than I expected. It’s an emotional read that had me shedding serious tears and an a+wesome installment to the series!
And now that the Warden has officially announced on Facebook that Blay and Qhuinn are the next BDB hardcover release slated for 2013?!?! *faints* Seriously, somebody better have a stash of smelling salts handy!
April 6, 2012
With Lover Reborn, Ward partly redeems herself for last book. I can't say she's back to her old level though. To me, the book was a 4 star start and a 2 star finish. There were lots of okay moments, some very beautiful moments and some seriously contrived, idiotic and redundant moments. So I ended up with 3 stars.
Despite this I think this book came too soon and didn't do justice to Tohr, his needs, and his relationship with neither Wellsie or No'One. More on that later, I'm going to start with the good.
The fab:
The first 50% of the book. Honestly: I was pleasantly surprised. After the disappointment that was Lover Unleashed, I wasn't expecting much, so I started reading with a “you better show me what you've got”- attitude. But my reserve and cynicism slowly but surely changed to interest. Then engagement. And then finally I was back to where I was with the old BDB books: holding my breath, ooh-ing and aah-ing and giggling.
Contrary to my expectations: Ward excelled in the low action parts. The quiet moments, the beautiful scenes of (platonic) intimacy, the gradual change in the feelings of characters... It was all wonderfully done. I never expected for Ward to make Tohr and No'One even remotely interesting but she did more than that: she made it so that -for the first half of the book- I didn't doubt their connection. Those two just worked together. The way their relationship evolved in the first half of the book: from hostility to truce, to acknowledging their similarities, to tentative companionship, to a true connection... it just made sense. Tohr and No'One together made sense. Without taking anything away from what Tohr had with Wellsie. Tohr's feelings of guilt and remorse, his contradictory thoughts and physical responses... there were some beautiful scenes in there.
Lassiter and Qhuinn. Each time I got to read a POV of one of these boys, I got a smile on my face.
The interesting:
Assail. Ward dubbed him Tha Shit so my expectations were high. I can't say he met them, but his story line is certainly promising.
The Band of Bastards. After the sap out in last book, I was dreading more Xcor and BoB scenes, but turns out they're still interesting and edgy. Of course, it's clear that all them bad boys are just darlings inside, but for now I'm resolved to enjoy their moral ambiguity. Oh, and I'm really curious about those unnamed cousins!
The missed opportunity:
Xhex and No'One's relationship. There was one scene of importance between Xhex and No'One. And, beautiful as it was, it wasn't enough. Not only do I think that one conversation can't rekindle a mother/daughter relationship (especially for two people who have never had a normal relationship in their lives), but the fact is: here we have two strong, smart females, with a difficult past who are going to difficult times and this is what we get? Such a waste!
The meh:
The second half of the book. There were just too many obvious plot devices (Tohr having to come to talk to No'One while in her needing), inconsistencies (two needings being handled completely differently) and huh-moments (Qhuinn and Xcor fist fighting while fully armed, Payne's magic hand being completely overlooked in heavy medical situations). I know it's little things but it adds up to being very annoying. I don't want to feel like my intelligence is insulted while I'm reading a book.
The JM/Xhex story line. I was afraid those two would become for Lover Reborn what V and Jane were for Lover Unleashed: a contrived story line with out of character actions, solely created to add to the drama.
Well: it wasn't that bad. First of all it was wonderful to be in JM's head again, and the sex was HOT. Furthermore: especially in the beginning, I could relate to both characters; both to their rational and irrational behavior. But as their story line progressed, the way Xhex and JM handled their problems made no sense at all.
Also: as annoying as the V/Jane, subplot was, at least it weaved into the main plot. It wasn't the case for JM and Xhex. To me, this made that -at a certain point- their story line not only felt silly, but also completely redundant.
The second part of the Tohr/No'One story line:
The first half of the love plot was so beautifully done that I was rooting for them despite my initial reservations. They had an undeniable connection which was based as much on their current dynamics as their shared history together. I was really curious how this connection would gradually grow into full blown love. Well: it didn't. I felt like their relationship made a huge leap, which wasn't founded in the way interacted. Everything which made their connection promising in the first half, was gone in the most part of the second. Tohr and No'One's relationship was based on openness. They talked. They related. That's what brought them together: they were friends before lovers. That companionship was absent in the last part. I understand the need for drama and angst, but it didn't make the falling in love-part believable.
The bad:
The premise of the love plot: Wellsie being stuck in the In Between didn't make sense at all. Not only did it go against everything Ward has said and published about Wellsie (on her old boards, there used to be a scene of Wellsie talking to Tohr about being in the Fade), but the fact that it was Tohr's task to let her go so she could be at peace goes against the basics of Ward's world. The world in where mated vampires devote their lives to their shellans. Tohr is mated to Wellsie for 200 years and he is supposed to just get over it within 1,5 years? Is he not supposed to mourn?
Also: why was Wellsie sent to the In Between right off the bat if it's a case of 'prolonged mourning that’s not allowed? In that case: Tohr wasn't even allowed a mourning period of a millisecond.
The ugly:
Layla: It almost feels like revenge to combine the words 'Layla' and 'ugly, because if I hear one more time how unearthly beautiful and perfect she is, I'll break something.
This girl must be one of the most annoying characters in PNR history. And no: I'm not just saying that because of her Qhuinn-hang up. She is just poorly characterized. We are supposed to root for her happiness and feel sorry for her sorrow. I just want to knock some sense into her. No she isn't naive and she isn't strong. She is self serving, dumb and pig headed. Her actions in the book spoke volumes. I'm already pissed that she's going to fuck up Xcor's book...
So all in all, Lover Reborn was an okay book, which had the potential to be much better. But I'm happy to say that Ward has restored some of my faith in her. So she better not mess it up next book (finally: Qhuinn and Blay, baby!).
Despite this I think this book came too soon and didn't do justice to Tohr, his needs, and his relationship with neither Wellsie or No'One. More on that later, I'm going to start with the good.
The fab:
The first 50% of the book. Honestly: I was pleasantly surprised. After the disappointment that was Lover Unleashed, I wasn't expecting much, so I started reading with a “you better show me what you've got”- attitude. But my reserve and cynicism slowly but surely changed to interest. Then engagement. And then finally I was back to where I was with the old BDB books: holding my breath, ooh-ing and aah-ing and giggling.
Contrary to my expectations: Ward excelled in the low action parts. The quiet moments, the beautiful scenes of (platonic) intimacy, the gradual change in the feelings of characters... It was all wonderfully done. I never expected for Ward to make Tohr and No'One even remotely interesting but she did more than that: she made it so that -for the first half of the book- I didn't doubt their connection. Those two just worked together. The way their relationship evolved in the first half of the book: from hostility to truce, to acknowledging their similarities, to tentative companionship, to a true connection... it just made sense. Tohr and No'One together made sense. Without taking anything away from what Tohr had with Wellsie. Tohr's feelings of guilt and remorse, his contradictory thoughts and physical responses... there were some beautiful scenes in there.
Lassiter and Qhuinn. Each time I got to read a POV of one of these boys, I got a smile on my face.
The interesting:
Assail. Ward dubbed him Tha Shit so my expectations were high. I can't say he met them, but his story line is certainly promising.
The Band of Bastards. After the sap out in last book, I was dreading more Xcor and BoB scenes, but turns out they're still interesting and edgy. Of course, it's clear that all them bad boys are just darlings inside, but for now I'm resolved to enjoy their moral ambiguity. Oh, and I'm really curious about those unnamed cousins!
The missed opportunity:
Xhex and No'One's relationship. There was one scene of importance between Xhex and No'One. And, beautiful as it was, it wasn't enough. Not only do I think that one conversation can't rekindle a mother/daughter relationship (especially for two people who have never had a normal relationship in their lives), but the fact is: here we have two strong, smart females, with a difficult past who are going to difficult times and this is what we get? Such a waste!
The meh:
The second half of the book. There were just too many obvious plot devices (Tohr having to come to talk to No'One while in her needing), inconsistencies (two needings being handled completely differently) and huh-moments (Qhuinn and Xcor fist fighting while fully armed, Payne's magic hand being completely overlooked in heavy medical situations). I know it's little things but it adds up to being very annoying. I don't want to feel like my intelligence is insulted while I'm reading a book.
The JM/Xhex story line. I was afraid those two would become for Lover Reborn what V and Jane were for Lover Unleashed: a contrived story line with out of character actions, solely created to add to the drama.
Well: it wasn't that bad. First of all it was wonderful to be in JM's head again, and the sex was HOT. Furthermore: especially in the beginning, I could relate to both characters; both to their rational and irrational behavior. But as their story line progressed, the way Xhex and JM handled their problems made no sense at all.
Also: as annoying as the V/Jane, subplot was, at least it weaved into the main plot. It wasn't the case for JM and Xhex. To me, this made that -at a certain point- their story line not only felt silly, but also completely redundant.
The second part of the Tohr/No'One story line:
The first half of the love plot was so beautifully done that I was rooting for them despite my initial reservations. They had an undeniable connection which was based as much on their current dynamics as their shared history together. I was really curious how this connection would gradually grow into full blown love. Well: it didn't. I felt like their relationship made a huge leap, which wasn't founded in the way interacted. Everything which made their connection promising in the first half, was gone in the most part of the second. Tohr and No'One's relationship was based on openness. They talked. They related. That's what brought them together: they were friends before lovers. That companionship was absent in the last part. I understand the need for drama and angst, but it didn't make the falling in love-part believable.
The bad:
The premise of the love plot: Wellsie being stuck in the In Between didn't make sense at all. Not only did it go against everything Ward has said and published about Wellsie (on her old boards, there used to be a scene of Wellsie talking to Tohr about being in the Fade), but the fact that it was Tohr's task to let her go so she could be at peace goes against the basics of Ward's world. The world in where mated vampires devote their lives to their shellans. Tohr is mated to Wellsie for 200 years and he is supposed to just get over it within 1,5 years? Is he not supposed to mourn?
Also: why was Wellsie sent to the In Between right off the bat if it's a case of 'prolonged mourning that’s not allowed? In that case: Tohr wasn't even allowed a mourning period of a millisecond.
The ugly:
Layla: It almost feels like revenge to combine the words 'Layla' and 'ugly, because if I hear one more time how unearthly beautiful and perfect she is, I'll break something.
This girl must be one of the most annoying characters in PNR history. And no: I'm not just saying that because of her Qhuinn-hang up. She is just poorly characterized. We are supposed to root for her happiness and feel sorry for her sorrow. I just want to knock some sense into her. No she isn't naive and she isn't strong. She is self serving, dumb and pig headed. Her actions in the book spoke volumes. I'm already pissed that she's going to fuck up Xcor's book...
So all in all, Lover Reborn was an okay book, which had the potential to be much better. But I'm happy to say that Ward has restored some of my faith in her. So she better not mess it up next book (finally: Qhuinn and Blay, baby!).
April 1, 2023
4 Letting Go Stars
Spoilers
First read 2014
Reread 4/9/2017
reread 2023
"I need this," he said, as if speaking to himself. "Yes, you do. You are so gaunt that I ache for you." Except he was going to stop this, she thought as his stare grew dull. And she knew why. "She is welcome in this space," No'One said. "Bring your shellan unto your mind. Let her take my place."-Tohr and Autumn
Lover Reborn, the 10th book in the BDB series was an emotional read for me. I have loved Tohr since book one. I also loved his mate Wellsie. I thought they were so cute together and that they had a strong connection. So I was very heartbroken when Wellsie got shot and killed while pregnant with Tohr's son. I mean I cried my eyes out when she died. The pain Tohr felt was so realistic that I ached. So when I heard Tohr was getting his own book and a new love I was happy and worried. I was happy that he would get a HEA as he so deserved it, but worried that the new love wouldn't hold a candle to Wellsie or the love him and his dead mate had. I have no problem with widow love stories as long as the new love doesn't feel like a consolation prize.
"I don't want to hurt you," he said, feeling like he wanted to return the favor. "You won't. I know you are still in love with your mate, and I do not blame you. What you had with her is a once-in-a-lifetime love." "What about you?" "I have no need or desire to take her place. And I accept you just as you are, in any fashion you choose to come to me. Or not, if that is the way it must be." Tohr cursed as a part of his pain unexpectedly eased. "That isn't fair to you."-Tohr and Autumn
"You feel something for me," she said, kicking her chin up. "I know it's not love, but you feel - " "I feel sorry for you. That's where I'm at. Because you're just a victim. You're no one but a victim who likes to suffer. Even if I could fall in love with you, there's nothing about you to get truly attached to. You're just a ghost who's not really here... any more than I am. And in our case, two wrongs do not make a right."-Autumn and Tohr
In this book I had mixed feelings about Tohr and Autumn(No'One). While Tohr suffered and I felt bad for him I felt worst for Autumn. It was horrible that he was pushed into moving on. I understand that if Torh didn't let go of Wellsie, she would be stuck in the "In between" but forcing Tohr into a relationship felt wrong. Most of the time I felt like Tohr was using Autumn. For months he would sleep in bed with her but not under the covers and he wouldn't hold her. He would touch her and get her off and jack off but wouldn't let her touch him. He never wanted to see her naked, and he didn't ever really spend time with her or talk to her. Then when he moved on to full sex he still held himself back. Not as bad as before the sex and there were times when he would let his walls down letting Autumn in a little. It was still painful to read. I felt that Autumn was second place to his dead mate. Hell at one point he told Autumn that he was using her to get Wellsie to the Fade and that he still loves his dead mate.
"Oh, yeah? Well, brace yourself, you're really not going to like my next conclusion. I'm beginning to think you're with me to punish yourself." She recoiled so sharply, her neck cracked again. "I most certainly am not - " "What better way to steep yourself in misery than to be with a male who loves someone else." "That is not why I'm with you." "How would you know, Autumn. You've been making a martyr out of yourself for centuries. You've been a servant, a maid, a laundress - and you've been fucking me for the last few months - which brings us back to my point about clinical insanity - " "How dare you judge my inner convictions," she hissed. "You know nothing of what I think or feel!" "Bullshit. You're in love with me." He pivoted to face her and put up his palm to stop her commenting. "Don't bother denying it - you tell me in your sleep every day. So let's build a case. You clearly like to punish yourself. And you know damn well the only reason I'm with you is to get Wellsie out of the In Between. So don't I just fit your pattern to a T - "-Tohr and Autumn
"You got that right. I've been using you, and the only person it's working for is you - God knows it's gotten me nowhere. The good news is that this whole thing" - he gestured back and forth between them - "is going to give you a terrific excuse to torture yourself even longer - Oh, don't bother with the denials. That symphath was your fault. I'm your fault. The weight of the world is all your fault, because you enjoy being the victim - tohr and Autumn
As much as I loved Tohr I felt he did Autumn wrong for a lot of their relationship. Maybe J. R. Ward should have waited until Tohr had mourned longer before he moved on with someone else. I tried to be understanding because Tohr and Wellsie had such a strong love, and were mated for 200 years, but I felt like Autumn really got kicked around. Then I felt so bad for Tohr being forced to move on when he loved his dead mate so much that I couldn't even be mad at him for being a dick. But here is the thing Tohr had moments with Autumn where I felt he may have really been falling for her. Those moments were almost at the end of the book so I kinda wished we would have got to see more of that for me to know if Autumn is second place or truly loved. I guess I will just have to see how their relationship plays out in future books. I know this much as far as I could tell he never bonded with Autumn. There was no talk of bonding scent, no super possessiveness. I just don't know.... I wanted more for Tohr who suffered so damn much.
"This isn't an apology. This is about waking up and reaching for you and wishing you were next to me. It's about ordering extra food for you, and then remembering that you're not around to feed it to. It's about the fact that even as I was packing up my dead mate's clothes, I had you in my mind, too. It wasn't just Wellsie, Autumn, and I think I knew that after your needing and that's why I snapped. I spent a day and a half sitting on my ass, staring into the dark, trying to figure this all out - and I don't know... I guess I finally found the courage to be really fucking honest with myself. Because it's hard when you've loved one person with everything you've got, and she's gone, and someone else comes and treads all over her territory in your heart." He put his hand up to his chest and struck at his sternum. "This was hers and hers alone. Forevermore. Or at least so I thought... but shit didn't work out that way, and then you came along... and circle be damned, I don't want to be finished with you."-Tohr
Tohr started to weep properly, his sobs exploding out of his chest. Reaching for Autumn, he held his hand forward, beckoning to her, because in this moment of letting go, after this seemingly endless, painful journey, along which she and she alone had joined him, he'd never felt closer to anyone.... Even his Wellsie.-Tohr
John and Xhex were having some issues in this book. I hated them going through that. I love John and Xhex as a couple and it made me sad for them. Although I knew they would make it their love was to strong not too. I loved Lassiter in this book. I felt he really shined. Wrath got shot in this book and almost died and I was losing my shit. I was so pissed at Xcor in this book, but then he turned around and did some growing and I started to like him again. I don't know what it is about Xcor that draws me in. If anyone else would have tried to kill my Wrath I would have hated them for life. But with Xcor I found myself forgiving him. I loved Layla and Xcor's response to meeting each other. Qhuinn and Blay's book is next and I don't know how I feel about it. I love Blay but I have always been a little mad at Qhuinn for being a coward and not being with Blay.
“Man, this angel crap… it’s so fucking hard to influence anything. I’ve never had a problem with free will before, but for shit’s sake, I wish I could just I Dream of Jeannie you to where you need to be.” As Tohr winced, the angel muttered, “It’s okay, though. We’ll get you there somehow—” “Actually, I’m cringing at the vision of you in a pink harem costume.” “Hey, I have a great ass, I’ll have you know.”-Lassiter and Tohr
“Wow,” she breathed. “I know, right? Hung like a horse." “If you’re really nice—and you live through this—I’ll promise not to tell V.” “About my size.” She laughed a little. “No, that you assumed I’d look at you in any fashion other than professionally.”-Jane and Lassiter
Spoilers
First read 2014
Reread 4/9/2017
reread 2023
"I need this," he said, as if speaking to himself. "Yes, you do. You are so gaunt that I ache for you." Except he was going to stop this, she thought as his stare grew dull. And she knew why. "She is welcome in this space," No'One said. "Bring your shellan unto your mind. Let her take my place."-Tohr and Autumn
Lover Reborn, the 10th book in the BDB series was an emotional read for me. I have loved Tohr since book one. I also loved his mate Wellsie. I thought they were so cute together and that they had a strong connection. So I was very heartbroken when Wellsie got shot and killed while pregnant with Tohr's son. I mean I cried my eyes out when she died. The pain Tohr felt was so realistic that I ached. So when I heard Tohr was getting his own book and a new love I was happy and worried. I was happy that he would get a HEA as he so deserved it, but worried that the new love wouldn't hold a candle to Wellsie or the love him and his dead mate had. I have no problem with widow love stories as long as the new love doesn't feel like a consolation prize.
"I don't want to hurt you," he said, feeling like he wanted to return the favor. "You won't. I know you are still in love with your mate, and I do not blame you. What you had with her is a once-in-a-lifetime love." "What about you?" "I have no need or desire to take her place. And I accept you just as you are, in any fashion you choose to come to me. Or not, if that is the way it must be." Tohr cursed as a part of his pain unexpectedly eased. "That isn't fair to you."-Tohr and Autumn
"You feel something for me," she said, kicking her chin up. "I know it's not love, but you feel - " "I feel sorry for you. That's where I'm at. Because you're just a victim. You're no one but a victim who likes to suffer. Even if I could fall in love with you, there's nothing about you to get truly attached to. You're just a ghost who's not really here... any more than I am. And in our case, two wrongs do not make a right."-Autumn and Tohr
In this book I had mixed feelings about Tohr and Autumn(No'One). While Tohr suffered and I felt bad for him I felt worst for Autumn. It was horrible that he was pushed into moving on. I understand that if Torh didn't let go of Wellsie, she would be stuck in the "In between" but forcing Tohr into a relationship felt wrong. Most of the time I felt like Tohr was using Autumn. For months he would sleep in bed with her but not under the covers and he wouldn't hold her. He would touch her and get her off and jack off but wouldn't let her touch him. He never wanted to see her naked, and he didn't ever really spend time with her or talk to her. Then when he moved on to full sex he still held himself back. Not as bad as before the sex and there were times when he would let his walls down letting Autumn in a little. It was still painful to read. I felt that Autumn was second place to his dead mate. Hell at one point he told Autumn that he was using her to get Wellsie to the Fade and that he still loves his dead mate.
"Oh, yeah? Well, brace yourself, you're really not going to like my next conclusion. I'm beginning to think you're with me to punish yourself." She recoiled so sharply, her neck cracked again. "I most certainly am not - " "What better way to steep yourself in misery than to be with a male who loves someone else." "That is not why I'm with you." "How would you know, Autumn. You've been making a martyr out of yourself for centuries. You've been a servant, a maid, a laundress - and you've been fucking me for the last few months - which brings us back to my point about clinical insanity - " "How dare you judge my inner convictions," she hissed. "You know nothing of what I think or feel!" "Bullshit. You're in love with me." He pivoted to face her and put up his palm to stop her commenting. "Don't bother denying it - you tell me in your sleep every day. So let's build a case. You clearly like to punish yourself. And you know damn well the only reason I'm with you is to get Wellsie out of the In Between. So don't I just fit your pattern to a T - "-Tohr and Autumn
"You got that right. I've been using you, and the only person it's working for is you - God knows it's gotten me nowhere. The good news is that this whole thing" - he gestured back and forth between them - "is going to give you a terrific excuse to torture yourself even longer - Oh, don't bother with the denials. That symphath was your fault. I'm your fault. The weight of the world is all your fault, because you enjoy being the victim - tohr and Autumn
As much as I loved Tohr I felt he did Autumn wrong for a lot of their relationship. Maybe J. R. Ward should have waited until Tohr had mourned longer before he moved on with someone else. I tried to be understanding because Tohr and Wellsie had such a strong love, and were mated for 200 years, but I felt like Autumn really got kicked around. Then I felt so bad for Tohr being forced to move on when he loved his dead mate so much that I couldn't even be mad at him for being a dick. But here is the thing Tohr had moments with Autumn where I felt he may have really been falling for her. Those moments were almost at the end of the book so I kinda wished we would have got to see more of that for me to know if Autumn is second place or truly loved. I guess I will just have to see how their relationship plays out in future books. I know this much as far as I could tell he never bonded with Autumn. There was no talk of bonding scent, no super possessiveness. I just don't know.... I wanted more for Tohr who suffered so damn much.
"This isn't an apology. This is about waking up and reaching for you and wishing you were next to me. It's about ordering extra food for you, and then remembering that you're not around to feed it to. It's about the fact that even as I was packing up my dead mate's clothes, I had you in my mind, too. It wasn't just Wellsie, Autumn, and I think I knew that after your needing and that's why I snapped. I spent a day and a half sitting on my ass, staring into the dark, trying to figure this all out - and I don't know... I guess I finally found the courage to be really fucking honest with myself. Because it's hard when you've loved one person with everything you've got, and she's gone, and someone else comes and treads all over her territory in your heart." He put his hand up to his chest and struck at his sternum. "This was hers and hers alone. Forevermore. Or at least so I thought... but shit didn't work out that way, and then you came along... and circle be damned, I don't want to be finished with you."-Tohr
Tohr started to weep properly, his sobs exploding out of his chest. Reaching for Autumn, he held his hand forward, beckoning to her, because in this moment of letting go, after this seemingly endless, painful journey, along which she and she alone had joined him, he'd never felt closer to anyone.... Even his Wellsie.-Tohr
John and Xhex were having some issues in this book. I hated them going through that. I love John and Xhex as a couple and it made me sad for them. Although I knew they would make it their love was to strong not too. I loved Lassiter in this book. I felt he really shined. Wrath got shot in this book and almost died and I was losing my shit. I was so pissed at Xcor in this book, but then he turned around and did some growing and I started to like him again. I don't know what it is about Xcor that draws me in. If anyone else would have tried to kill my Wrath I would have hated them for life. But with Xcor I found myself forgiving him. I loved Layla and Xcor's response to meeting each other. Qhuinn and Blay's book is next and I don't know how I feel about it. I love Blay but I have always been a little mad at Qhuinn for being a coward and not being with Blay.
“Man, this angel crap… it’s so fucking hard to influence anything. I’ve never had a problem with free will before, but for shit’s sake, I wish I could just I Dream of Jeannie you to where you need to be.” As Tohr winced, the angel muttered, “It’s okay, though. We’ll get you there somehow—” “Actually, I’m cringing at the vision of you in a pink harem costume.” “Hey, I have a great ass, I’ll have you know.”-Lassiter and Tohr
“Wow,” she breathed. “I know, right? Hung like a horse." “If you’re really nice—and you live through this—I’ll promise not to tell V.” “About my size.” She laughed a little. “No, that you assumed I’d look at you in any fashion other than professionally.”-Jane and Lassiter
February 18, 2019
Update: lowered to 1 star because I got reminded about how disappointed I am in the wreck that is Tohr's story...
Very disappointed. And I'm a HUGE JR Ward fan. I was really looking forward to Tohr's story. If anyone deserved a happy ending it's Tohr.
BUT.
What the hell????? This book is 2 stars because I love JR's writing style, the other characters that we follow, their continued development. But for the main couple of the story, I'd give this something close to 1 star. It's that bad!
Here are all the things I don't like about this book:
1. Tohr is a complete dick. Not nice at all. I'm not going to argue about whether or not he should have been allowed to fall in love again in the first place (kinda puts in question the whole Bonded Male thing), but if you're gonna fall, then FALL!!!! And know what you want, damn it!
2. The cover - that is NOT how Tohr looks. Not based on all the descriptions in all of the books. I mean, it's a nice looking guy on the cover, but still!
3. The Heroine. Complete waste of space. No-One (yep, that about summarizes her personality). Autumn (huh? don't really know why that would fit). She's totally meh. No wonder Tohr can't decide whether he wants her or not. JR is great at writing compelling heroines. WTF?!!!
4. The interactions/ love story between the not so great H and the really awful h... as you can imagine, there was really nothing there. I don't believe they're in love for a second. And that scene at the end? I don't buy the sudden desperation Tohr has for her. Just can't picture it.
I always pre-order Ms. Ward's books, buy them at full price. $17 down the toilet. This one made me hesitate on buying her books ever after. I now wince and torture myself before clicking the button on any of her work.
I guess even the best authors can trip up. I'm sorry, but I really don't get this one.
Very disappointed. And I'm a HUGE JR Ward fan. I was really looking forward to Tohr's story. If anyone deserved a happy ending it's Tohr.
BUT.
What the hell????? This book is 2 stars because I love JR's writing style, the other characters that we follow, their continued development. But for the main couple of the story, I'd give this something close to 1 star. It's that bad!
Here are all the things I don't like about this book:
1. Tohr is a complete dick. Not nice at all. I'm not going to argue about whether or not he should have been allowed to fall in love again in the first place (kinda puts in question the whole Bonded Male thing), but if you're gonna fall, then FALL!!!! And know what you want, damn it!
2. The cover - that is NOT how Tohr looks. Not based on all the descriptions in all of the books. I mean, it's a nice looking guy on the cover, but still!
3. The Heroine. Complete waste of space. No-One (yep, that about summarizes her personality). Autumn (huh? don't really know why that would fit). She's totally meh. No wonder Tohr can't decide whether he wants her or not. JR is great at writing compelling heroines. WTF?!!!
4. The interactions/ love story between the not so great H and the really awful h... as you can imagine, there was really nothing there. I don't believe they're in love for a second. And that scene at the end? I don't buy the sudden desperation Tohr has for her. Just can't picture it.
I always pre-order Ms. Ward's books, buy them at full price. $17 down the toilet. This one made me hesitate on buying her books ever after. I now wince and torture myself before clicking the button on any of her work.
I guess even the best authors can trip up. I'm sorry, but I really don't get this one.
April 7, 2012
(*big satisfied sigh*)
Well, I was a little worried about how this book (Tohr's story) might play out. Tohr has been in misery over losing his Wellsie for just over 15 months (has it only been 15 months? It seems so much longer...) Anyway, in this book he has to move on and get past his grief because Wellsie is
So that's the main plot going on in Lover Reborn. Tohr reconnects with a woman from his past (before Wellsie)--No 'One. No'One is actually Xhex's mother (I think her past was told in Lover Mine). Tohr is attracted to the pretty, petite blonde No'One but of course doesn't want to be--that would be a betrayal to his beloved Wellsie and he just can't see himself loving another woman after Wellsie. But...the angel Lassiter lets Tohr in on what's happening to Wellsie, how she's and Tohr is appropriately horrified. If Tohr "physically" moves on with another woman, will that be enough to save his beloved?
Tohr...
I think like most BDB fans, I couldn't imagine Tohr with anyone else. I loved Tohr and Wellsie! I mean, it was such a shock when Wellsie was killed off, I grieved along with Tohr. But Tohr really took his grief to the next level...I mean he grieved! And I hated seeing him that lost and miserable, so I was ready to see how J.R. Ward was going to move him forward. And let me tell you, it wasn't easy, but it was oh so satisfying! I loved every minute of it--the reluctance, the angst, the giving in, the passion, the denial of feelings, the cruel truth, and the acceptance...all the stages of grief that he went through. It wasn't about finding a new love to replace Wellsie in his heart, but finding the courage to accept what was and move forward. I just thought the whole plot was beautifully conceived and written.
No'One/Autumn...
I really liked No'One, or Autumn, as she came to be known (after Tohr renamed her in one of the most moving parts of the book). She had her own journey to go through right along with Tohr, had some truths to face about herself too, and it was definitely not all smooth sailing. I thought her love scenes with Tohr were smokin' hot (can Ward write erotica or what?), and wow, the effect her 'needing' had on some other couples...whew!
Well, besides Tohr and No'One, this book had plenty to offer:
*Xhex and John Matthew are having trouble in their marriage. John Matthew doesn't know if he can stand to have Xhex fighting along with the Brothers--what if she gets hurt and he ends up like Tohr? Can they come to some kind of compromise or is their marriage doomed?
I love JM...that's all I'm going to say about this. *sigh*
*The Band of Bastards (led by the cruel and powerful Xcor) are working at dethroning Wrath. Will they be successful?
I'm rather enjoying this storyline. I like how we're finding out more and more about Xcor and what makes him tick, and oh boy, if he ever does connect with , look out!
*Lassiter! He's desperate to help Tohr, at first to help himself get out of the trouble he's in with the Maker, but later...he really does want to help Tohr and No'One
I loved this quirky, TV-lovin' angel! He's so funny, he's got some great lines in the story...every time he showed up the pages came alive. I hope he gets a story soon because I want to find out more about him!
*Qhuinn and Layla. Ooooh, they do something that could have far reaching consequences. Oh yeah. Hmmn...can't wait to see what happens there...
*Qhuinn and Blay. Yesss, get away from Saxton! Sadly, not much happens with them in this book, but... Oh yeah, this is going to heat up soon...
*Cameos from all the Brothers and a few of the shellans. I just love when the Brothers pop in and out of the book. I love seeing them, even if they only have a few words to say. I especially loved the touching scene at the end where each of the Brothers presented Tohr What a scene that was. Brought tears to my eyes. I love these guys.
So yes, Ward left us with some unfinished business, which is fine with me. She wrapped up the main storyline but left us with just enough to keep us hanging and eagerly anticipating the next installment, as we should be. You know, I've never been disappointed with any of the BDB books. Of course I have my favorites, but each story manages to move the series along in the direction Ms. Ward wants to go, and I'm happy to give her free reign and to follow along. Lover Reborn was an immensely satisfying, steamy read, and did right by Tohr. Ward is such a skilled storyteller that I'm eager to immerse myself in her colorful world. Now, when's the next one due out? 5 stars
Well, I was a little worried about how this book (Tohr's story) might play out. Tohr has been in misery over losing his Wellsie for just over 15 months (has it only been 15 months? It seems so much longer...) Anyway, in this book he has to move on and get past his grief because Wellsie is
So that's the main plot going on in Lover Reborn. Tohr reconnects with a woman from his past (before Wellsie)--No 'One. No'One is actually Xhex's mother (I think her past was told in Lover Mine). Tohr is attracted to the pretty, petite blonde No'One but of course doesn't want to be--that would be a betrayal to his beloved Wellsie and he just can't see himself loving another woman after Wellsie. But...the angel Lassiter lets Tohr in on what's happening to Wellsie, how she's and Tohr is appropriately horrified. If Tohr "physically" moves on with another woman, will that be enough to save his beloved?
Tohr...
I think like most BDB fans, I couldn't imagine Tohr with anyone else. I loved Tohr and Wellsie! I mean, it was such a shock when Wellsie was killed off, I grieved along with Tohr. But Tohr really took his grief to the next level...I mean he grieved! And I hated seeing him that lost and miserable, so I was ready to see how J.R. Ward was going to move him forward. And let me tell you, it wasn't easy, but it was oh so satisfying! I loved every minute of it--the reluctance, the angst, the giving in, the passion, the denial of feelings, the cruel truth, and the acceptance...all the stages of grief that he went through. It wasn't about finding a new love to replace Wellsie in his heart, but finding the courage to accept what was and move forward. I just thought the whole plot was beautifully conceived and written.
No'One/Autumn...
I really liked No'One, or Autumn, as she came to be known (after Tohr renamed her in one of the most moving parts of the book). She had her own journey to go through right along with Tohr, had some truths to face about herself too, and it was definitely not all smooth sailing. I thought her love scenes with Tohr were smokin' hot (can Ward write erotica or what?), and wow, the effect her 'needing' had on some other couples...whew!
Well, besides Tohr and No'One, this book had plenty to offer:
*Xhex and John Matthew are having trouble in their marriage. John Matthew doesn't know if he can stand to have Xhex fighting along with the Brothers--what if she gets hurt and he ends up like Tohr? Can they come to some kind of compromise or is their marriage doomed?
I love JM...that's all I'm going to say about this. *sigh*
*The Band of Bastards (led by the cruel and powerful Xcor) are working at dethroning Wrath. Will they be successful?
I'm rather enjoying this storyline. I like how we're finding out more and more about Xcor and what makes him tick, and oh boy, if he ever does connect with , look out!
*Lassiter! He's desperate to help Tohr, at first to help himself get out of the trouble he's in with the Maker, but later...he really does want to help Tohr and No'One
I loved this quirky, TV-lovin' angel! He's so funny, he's got some great lines in the story...every time he showed up the pages came alive. I hope he gets a story soon because I want to find out more about him!
*Qhuinn and Layla. Ooooh, they do something that could have far reaching consequences. Oh yeah. Hmmn...can't wait to see what happens there...
*Qhuinn and Blay. Yesss, get away from Saxton! Sadly, not much happens with them in this book, but... Oh yeah, this is going to heat up soon...
*Cameos from all the Brothers and a few of the shellans. I just love when the Brothers pop in and out of the book. I love seeing them, even if they only have a few words to say. I especially loved the touching scene at the end where each of the Brothers presented Tohr What a scene that was. Brought tears to my eyes. I love these guys.
So yes, Ward left us with some unfinished business, which is fine with me. She wrapped up the main storyline but left us with just enough to keep us hanging and eagerly anticipating the next installment, as we should be. You know, I've never been disappointed with any of the BDB books. Of course I have my favorites, but each story manages to move the series along in the direction Ms. Ward wants to go, and I'm happy to give her free reign and to follow along. Lover Reborn was an immensely satisfying, steamy read, and did right by Tohr. Ward is such a skilled storyteller that I'm eager to immerse myself in her colorful world. Now, when's the next one due out? 5 stars
March 25, 2015
"He waited for his conscience to start screaming.
He prepared himself for an overwhelming desolation that he had been with another female.
He was… ready for something, anything to cough up out of his chest—despair, anger, frustration.
All he got was the sense that what had just happened was the beginning, not an end."
Lover Reborn is a heartbreaking story, even though it has a happy end.
Watching Tohrment and his suffering, trying to let go of Wellsie... It was sad and beautiful at the same time, because of what he found with No'One.
It was a slow romance, full of sadness, but I loved it all the same.
This one definitely goes to one of my favorites from this series!
The story
The only thing keeping Tohr alive is his obsession with avenging his wife's murder. He is focused only on killing lessers, and is getting weaker and weaker as the days go by, because he's stopped eating and feeding.
Lassiter is the only one that can get to Tohr, and he's doing whatever he can to help him, because he's here on a mission to free Wellsie from the In Between.
After seeing how Tohr reacts to No'One, he gets a brilliant idea to get those two together :D
It works, in a way, but at the cost of both Tohr's and No'One's feelings.
They will have to get over their pasts, and make a new future for themselves...
“I don’t want to hurt you,” he said, feeling like he wanted to return the favor.
“You won’t. I know you are still in love with your mate, and I do not blame you. What you had with her is a once-in-a-lifetime love.”
“What about you?”
“I have no need or desire to take her place. And I accept you just as you are, in any fashion you choose to come to me. Or not, if that is the way it must be.”
The story - The previous book was pretty much insta-love, and this one is as far from insta-love as you can get.
Very slow in the romance part, and I prefer it that way, otherwise it wouldn't be believable. It took Tohr a lot of time to find himself again, and that's great, as I said, totally believable :)
This book is really about letting go of the loved ones, and moving on with life, and it was done wonderfully, it was difficult and heartbreaking, so very sad, but beautiful in the end.
There was some action here, but not much. A couple of intense scenes, especially the ambush one.
The characters
*will be spoilerish!!!!!*
Lassiter - He has a big role in this one (yay!!!), an angel sent to Earth to redeem himself, he has to free Wellsie from the In Between, and for that, he has to make Tohr move on with his life and let her go.
Of course, that isn't as easy as it sounds, because Tohr's suffering is too great, he loved her too much to let her go.
Lassiter doesn't really do compassion, he doesn't care about anyone, but he forms a friendship with Tohr, and by the end of it, he's willing to do whatever it takes to see Tohr and No'One have a happy end.
What he did at the end of the book! <3 I knew I loved him for a reason <3 And I can't wait for him to get his own book, I just know that it's going to be amazing <3
Xhex/John - They go through a tough time here, mostly because they didn't know what they got into when they got mated, and it takes more than just being in love to make a life with someone.
John is overprotective of Xhex, and after she gets hurt, he basically forbids her to go out in the field.
Well, I don't have to say anything more about how that turned out :DD
Xhex is a trained killer, she can hold her own, but the Brotherhood stands by John on this one, so she leaves the mansion and goes back to her previous line of work with Trez.
It was really hard to see them unhappy, and I seriously didn't know how it could get better, but I'm glad how it all worked out, and how John realised he has to change his thinking when it comes to Xhex and her fighting with the Brotherhood.
The Band of Bastards - I still don't like them. They are just totally boring to me and I'd rather skip all the scenes with them -.-
BUT ok, what happened with them:
We learn some more about Throe, why exactly did he join the Bastards, and he falls in love in this book. Whatever.
Xcor is making some devious plans on overtaking the throne and killing Wrath. He too falls in love in this book. Whatever.
They have and orgy that I just didn't find sexy to read AT ALL. In fact, I don't think I liked any of the sex scenes from them since they first showed up. No thank you for me. Big no thank you.
Assail - He's the new vampire drug lord. Have no idea if he'll be good or bad, but he's interesting. Doesn't get on my nerves at all and I actually wanted to read scenes with him (good sign!!!)
Layla - Well, she falls in love in this book too. I'd like to care, but I really don't. I shudder to think how I'll get through her book when the time comes. I hope there will be a LOT of side characters. A LOT!!! In fact, I could do with a novella. A very short one. Why torture us with a whole book?? Especially since the main guy is gonna be
Qhuinn/Blay - Not many scenes here but there were a few touching ones, when Qhuinn was hurt in the hospital <3 and that ending!!!
"Our future has come."
<3 Finally!!!!! It took a lot of time for Qhuinn to figure things out, and I'm glad he did it here :)
There was a complication with Layla, that drove Qhuay apart even more.
Don't know how that's going to play out :SSSSS
"He must never know, she thought as she closed her eyes and rested her head on his chest.
He must never, ever know what beat within her heart for him.
It would ruin everything."
No'One has a long history with Tohrment and Darius, a few centuries ago, they saved her from a sympath who raped her and left her pregnant.
After she delivered the baby, she took Tohr's dagger and killed herself. That's how she ended up in the Sanctuary, looking after the Chosen, and redeeming herself in being a servant.
After coming down to the Brotherhood's mansion, she still continues to be a servant, even though it bothers everyone.
She feels she owes a debt to Tohr and wants to repay him, so with Lassiter's little push, she agrees to feed him and make him strong again.
That leads to both of them getting closer, and No'One falling in love, even though she knows it will never be requited.
"His fingers running lightly over her skin were intoxicating, drawing her closer to this flame that she could not see. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to fly far away from any worries or preoccupations, until she knew nothing but the sensations in her body.
Indeed, as she fed him, she was fed herself, a part of her innermost soul nourished for the first time."
As mush as this book might be about Tohr getting over Wellsie, it's about No'One as well, her finally breaking free of her self-punishment, and embracing life with all the good things it brings.
Bit by bit we see her changing, from the totally hooded, robed person, to her becoming Autumn, free to show herself, and enjoying life, and being with Tohr.
I liked her very much, and most of the time I felt sorry for her cause Tohr acted like a jerk to her :((((
She knew he still loved Wellsie, but she wanted to help him get better, and be with him in any way she could.
When Xhex took her in, that scene was great, I was glad to see them getting closer.
After , that was BRUTAL. My heart went out to her and I couldn't believe Thor acted that way.
The ending, when everything was revealed, it was terrible! Just terrible :(( I felt bad for both of them :(
But I'm glad it still ended up a HEA <3 They both deserve it!
“You’re beautiful. Every inch of you. Don’t think for a moment there’s anything wrong with you. We clear?”
“But—”
“Nope. I’m not hearing that.” Bending down, he pressed his lips to her shin, her calf, her ankle, tracing the scars, caressing them. “Beautiful. All of you.”
Having lost his wife and unborn child at the beginning of the series, Tohr has gone through a lot, and has lost the will to live, but unwilling to commit suicide because that would mean he couldn't be with his Wellsie when he dies.
He is focused only on fighting and avenging his dead, and soon it takes his tool on his body, because he hasn't fed from anyone in a long time.
When No'One offers, he knows it's safe, because she could never feel anything for him, nor he for her.
As time goes on, they start to have a relationship, mostly because Tohr thinks he has to do it to let Wellsie go.
Eventually he fears he's betraying his wife for being with another woman, and he can't deal with having any feelings for No'One.
“Autumn is my favorite season of the year,” he said after a time. “It’s not that I’m chicking out or anything… but I like the leaves when they turn red and orange. They’re beautiful in the moonlight, but more to the point, it’s an impossible transformation. The green of spring and summer is just a shadow of the trees’ true identity, and all that color as the nights grow cold is a miracle every stinking time it happens. It’s like they’re making up for the loss of the warmth with all their fire. I like… Autumn.” He stared into her eyes. “You’re like that. You’re beautiful and you burn brightly—and it’s time for you to come out. So I say… Autumn.”
First, it was heartbreaking seeing Tohr mourning his wife. So, so difficult to read :(((
I can't begin to understand what it must be like, and I'm glad this book didn't make it a piece of cake for Tohr to get over it. I took months and months of them going from zero, to being in love at the end of the book. Nothing was easy for them in any part of the book, and it made me love them even more...
So I am very happy with how it all turned out.
Second, Tohr's behavior toward No'One was pretty much terrible. He was a total jerk in a lot of situations, I couldn't believe it, but there it was.
The pool scene when he sees her floating. OMG, could he have been more of a jerk??? I think not! I wanted to kick him in the head!!!
The first feeding was awful. Just terrible, poor No'One.
The sex between them... I liked that, Tohr was nice about it, knowing what she went through, but after a time it got terrible too because he kept shutting her out of his life, feeling like he would cheat on Wellsie if he had sex with No'One.
The second pool scene <3 now that was just wonderful <3
The ... Shoot me now. No, shoot Tohr now! What a moron! I couldn't believe what he did, and then later, what he said to her :((((
He is just lucky she forgave him, very damn lucky!
But even with all the jerkish things he did, that ending was so heartbreaking, I couldn't not forgive him!
I cried like a baby :((((
To have him suffer so much :((((((((((
Terrible. Just terrible :(
So yes, they both definitely deserved a HEA, and I'm glad they got it!
My favorite quotes from other characters:
“This is not about safety—it’s about control.”
Bullshit! You were hurt less than twenty-four hours ago—
“Fine. I have an idea. I want to keep you safe—so how about you stop fighting.” She glared over her shoulder at Wrath. “You gonna back me up, my lord? How about the rest of you fools? Let’s put the skirt and the panty hose on John, shall we? Come on, back my ass up. No? You don’t think that would be ‘fair’?”
John’s temper flared, and he just… He didn’t mean to do what he did. It just happened.
He stomped his boot, creating a thunderous noise, and pointed… directly at Tohr.
Awkward. Horrid. Silence.
---------------------------------------------
I’m giving you your space, but know this: I WILL wait forever for you.
With a groan, he shoved his palms into the shimmering silver pool of blood beneath him, and flopped over like the side of beef he was.
“Wow,” she breathed.
“I know, right? Hung like a horse.”
“If you’re really nice—and you live through this—I’ll promise not to tell V.”
“About my size.”
She laughed a little. “No, that you assumed I’d look at you in any fashion other than professionally.”
“I’m just trying to get through to you.” Lassiter sat down, cracked open a beer, and looked tired. “Man, this angel crap… it’s so fucking hard to influence anything. I’ve never had a problem with free will before, but for shit’s sake, I wish I could just I Dream of Jeannie you to where you need to be.”
--------------------------------
"This… display… across the way? Not sure, not fine, not dandy.
That kind of suffering was a canyon, a purgatory of its own for someone who had not died. And damned if the angel had any clue how to drag the Brother out of it.
Frankly, he was having enough trouble just playing witness."
"And then the king put the hand that bore the black diamond ring of the race to his own chest, right in the middle, directly over his heart… and slowly, gingerly, with the help of his shellan, bent over at the waist.
To bow at Qhuinn.
As all the blood drained out of Qhuinn’s head, and he wondered what the fuck the most important vampire on the planet was doing, someone started clapping slowly.
Clap. Clap. Clap!
Others joined in, until the entire assembly, from Phury and Cormia, to Z and Bella and baby Nalla, to Fritz and his staff… to Vishous and Payne and their mates, to Butch and Marissa and Rehv and Ehlena… were clapping for him with tears unshed in their eyes."
"Blay didn’t look away.
And for the first time… neither did Qhuinn.
He didn’t know whether the emotion was about his cousin—it probably was—but he’d take it: He stared right back at Blaylock and let everything he had in his heart show in his face.
He just let that shit fly."
My future has come, at last!
June 20, 2012
Well Xcor and Layla might be hooking up.and than Quinn and Layla trying 2 get knock up. SMH. Anyways the book was awesome. All of JR Wards books are awesome. When Thor let go of his Wellsie that was so emotional. And opening his heart for Autumn was so beautiful. It had me crying.Can't wait for Quinn and Blay book. It's about time!!!!!! I know one thing John and Xhexania sure did have some very intensive sex. They both out did Thor and Autumn. Lmao!!!!
April 1, 2013
*SPOILER FREE*
Opening Line "The bastard's taking the bridge! He's mine!"
Wow, I honestly don’t know where to begin with this review. To say that this was good is an understatement. To say that it knocked me on my ass and left me a drained, emotional wreck, is far closer to the truth. Yup, LOVER REBORN did me in, talk about your gauntlet of emotions, I mean I expected some angst but jeez! I cried (I mean really cried) I laughed, I sighed, I swore, I groaned and I gasped but in the end I also smiled.
As much as I was anticipating this book it was also with a heavy dose of apprehension; was I ready to see Tohrment find love again? Was he ready? Were any of us really ready to let Wellsie go? And most importantly could Ward make me believe in this new love? The answer is a resounding yes, I think in part because it doesn’t happen quickly (or easily) Reborn has been broken into 4 sections (1 per season) so that this book takes place over the period of a year. And it was over that year and all the shit that goes down (and oh does the shit ever go down) that Ward made me believe.
Starting where Lover Unleashed left off and with her usual flair Ward throws us into “Spring” and right into the action and pain that is Tohr. Chasing down a group of Lessers, Tohr is now relentless in his pursuit of the enemy, basically only drawing breathe to “ahvenge” his murdered wife and son. Tonight’s hunt sees Tohr launching himself off a bridge as John and Qhuinn watch helplessly from below, John issuing a silent scream as Tohr falls. And so it begins. Through 572 pages Ward proceeds to give us everything we want and then some…
Without going into spoiler territory (which is going to be hard) I can tell you of course that this is Tohr and No’one’s story. These two have a long history together and are both equally broken so it makes sense for them to get together. Lassiter is helping to move them along on the love train (in his own way) and as it turns out with a sense of urgency. John and Xhex also play key roles in their story, giving us some absolutely filthy-hot love scenes as well as showing us a marriage in transition.
Xcor and his Band Of Bastards are back and gaining strength in Caldwell. They do things here that… can never be forgiven. Sending one Brother on a mission under a decree of death. New and mysterious characters are introduced (Assail) while others are fleshed out (Throe and Zyphor.) We’re still all mixed up in the whole hot-mess that is Layla/Qhinn/Blay/Saxton; however that’s all about to change:) The Blind King still kicks ass, Ward throws a “needing” (or two) our way and gives us details of a ceremony that absolutely broke my heart. We also bare witness to a battle that gave me heart palpitations for all of its 60 pages and left some Brothers with life threatening injuries.
Somehow through all this Ward also manages to give us time with each and every member of the Brotherhood mansion. We get to see everyone doing their thing, giving us some special moment with each of them and that in itself says something because there are so many characters now. There also aren’t any “lesser” POV’s to suffer through; we don’t travel back to the old country or to the other side to hang with the chosen (verily.) And I have to compliment Ward on toning down the product placement and Wardisms. This book just flowed beautifully.
In fact I would have to say that Ward has hit her pinnacle with Lover Reborn. The balance here is just right; the romance, the action, the surprises and the healing. I honestly never knew where this was going to go and when that happens you’re guaranteed a great ride.
And now for the good news Blay and Qhuinn have been officially announced as book #11! That’s right the wait is over. It looks like Ward has worked a miracle with her publisher because their story was originally to be a novella and now they’re getting their very own Hardcover instalment. Way to go boys. See you Spring 2013
"Thats right, buddy. Our future has come.
287jb5+
Opening Line "The bastard's taking the bridge! He's mine!"
Wow, I honestly don’t know where to begin with this review. To say that this was good is an understatement. To say that it knocked me on my ass and left me a drained, emotional wreck, is far closer to the truth. Yup, LOVER REBORN did me in, talk about your gauntlet of emotions, I mean I expected some angst but jeez! I cried (I mean really cried) I laughed, I sighed, I swore, I groaned and I gasped but in the end I also smiled.
As much as I was anticipating this book it was also with a heavy dose of apprehension; was I ready to see Tohrment find love again? Was he ready? Were any of us really ready to let Wellsie go? And most importantly could Ward make me believe in this new love? The answer is a resounding yes, I think in part because it doesn’t happen quickly (or easily) Reborn has been broken into 4 sections (1 per season) so that this book takes place over the period of a year. And it was over that year and all the shit that goes down (and oh does the shit ever go down) that Ward made me believe.
Starting where Lover Unleashed left off and with her usual flair Ward throws us into “Spring” and right into the action and pain that is Tohr. Chasing down a group of Lessers, Tohr is now relentless in his pursuit of the enemy, basically only drawing breathe to “ahvenge” his murdered wife and son. Tonight’s hunt sees Tohr launching himself off a bridge as John and Qhuinn watch helplessly from below, John issuing a silent scream as Tohr falls. And so it begins. Through 572 pages Ward proceeds to give us everything we want and then some…
Without going into spoiler territory (which is going to be hard) I can tell you of course that this is Tohr and No’one’s story. These two have a long history together and are both equally broken so it makes sense for them to get together. Lassiter is helping to move them along on the love train (in his own way) and as it turns out with a sense of urgency. John and Xhex also play key roles in their story, giving us some absolutely filthy-hot love scenes as well as showing us a marriage in transition.
Xcor and his Band Of Bastards are back and gaining strength in Caldwell. They do things here that… can never be forgiven. Sending one Brother on a mission under a decree of death. New and mysterious characters are introduced (Assail) while others are fleshed out (Throe and Zyphor.) We’re still all mixed up in the whole hot-mess that is Layla/Qhinn/Blay/Saxton; however that’s all about to change:) The Blind King still kicks ass, Ward throws a “needing” (or two) our way and gives us details of a ceremony that absolutely broke my heart. We also bare witness to a battle that gave me heart palpitations for all of its 60 pages and left some Brothers with life threatening injuries.
Somehow through all this Ward also manages to give us time with each and every member of the Brotherhood mansion. We get to see everyone doing their thing, giving us some special moment with each of them and that in itself says something because there are so many characters now. There also aren’t any “lesser” POV’s to suffer through; we don’t travel back to the old country or to the other side to hang with the chosen (verily.) And I have to compliment Ward on toning down the product placement and Wardisms. This book just flowed beautifully.
In fact I would have to say that Ward has hit her pinnacle with Lover Reborn. The balance here is just right; the romance, the action, the surprises and the healing. I honestly never knew where this was going to go and when that happens you’re guaranteed a great ride.
And now for the good news Blay and Qhuinn have been officially announced as book #11! That’s right the wait is over. It looks like Ward has worked a miracle with her publisher because their story was originally to be a novella and now they’re getting their very own Hardcover instalment. Way to go boys. See you Spring 2013
"Thats right, buddy. Our future has come.
287jb5+
March 28, 2012
May 17th 2011
Qhuay! Qhuay! Qhuay! Qhuay! Qhuay! Qhuay! Qhuay! Qhuay! Qhuay!
Tohr who? ;oP
------------------------------
March 27th (finished at 01.30 in the morning, so technically it's the 28th I guess)
Done.. And I dont know what to say really. I should be happy, I should be freaking out, crazy excited, all over the place, considering that last Qhuay scene.. But I'm not.. I'm so fucking not happy right now..
Actual review tomorrow..
------------------------------------------
March 28th
At work the next day, trying to write my actual review..
So what did I think..
I’m trying really hard to not think about the things I didn’t like, cause with as little sleep as I got last night, and the fact that I still feel exhausted, I’m pretty sure I would start bawling my eyes out, and that’s not the best thing to do at work.. Well.. At least that’s what I’ve been told..
I think I should just focus on the things I did like, and then let out all my Qhuayla frustration elsewhere..
I did, in fact, really like No’One.. And holy fuck, that was a big ass surprise for me. The only thing I’ve been waiting for with this book was the Qhuay parts, and I honestly haven’t even given No’One a thought the last year.. So it surprised the hell out of me when she actually made me tear up.. more than once..
This is Tohr’s second love story if you will. He had Wellsie, and this book sees him through a year of his life where he once again comes face to face with No’One, who he once met, and lived with for a year in a cave, while she was preggers. Sadly, she (No’One) had been kidnapped and raped, so after she gave birth to the little girl (who we all know now, was Xhex) she killed herself with Tohr’s black dagger. This happened a long time ago, long before Tohr was mated off to Wellsie.
In this book we find out that Wellsie is stuck in the In Between and to “save” her and their babyboy, Tohr has to let her go and move on. In the land of the BDB “moving on” and “letting go” of your dead mate is apparently fucking someone else… Ok… So not commenting on that one… *rolls eyes*
Anywho.. So yeah, I really, really likedAutumn No’One and her storyline. With Tohr and with Xhex too. I was surprised at how tough she was and how she could talk back to Tohr when he was being an ass, because holy flipping hell, Tohr acted like an ass! I mean, if I had the opportunity to bitch-slap one person in that book, I almost want to pick Tohr over Layla..
Umm.. Ok, no… I want to bitch-slap Layla… Pretty please?!
For the life of me I cannot fathom how JRW can make Qhuinn have sex with Layla..
She KNOWS that his HEA is someone else, another guy for fucks sake.. Why, WHY does he have to sleep with Layla? Put some fucking drugs in her and help her with her needing, don’t put your fucking c*ck in her, you stupid SOB!! Arghhh…
Pheewww
The thing that bothers me the most is the; Why? Why do they need to do this? There is no freaking point to the storyline, if of course, JRW doesn’t plan to bring a Qhuayla baby in to the world.. And after reading this book, I’m actually kinda scared, that that is exactly her plan.. Why else have them screw each other? There is no freaking point!!
Am I too invested in Qhuinn and Blay? Maybe.. Probably.. But I can’t help what I feel. And I feel very, very strongly about these 2 boys, and if she does this.. If she makes Qhuinn be a father to Layla’s baby, she’s fucking up Qhuinn’s story.. and that I will never forgive..
Over all, I liked this book.. I couldn’t give it any stars last night when I finished it, ‘cause I was too exhausted from crying too much, and too numb from worrying about the 2 people I love the most in this series.
After some thought, I think I’ll give it 4 stars. Qhuinn, Layla, and Tohr being a bitch, makes me want to take 1 away, but then I think of No’One and how she made me tear up, and then I’m ok with 4 stars..
Qhuay! Qhuay! Qhuay! Qhuay! Qhuay! Qhuay! Qhuay! Qhuay! Qhuay!
Tohr who? ;oP
------------------------------
March 27th (finished at 01.30 in the morning, so technically it's the 28th I guess)
Done.. And I dont know what to say really. I should be happy, I should be freaking out, crazy excited, all over the place, considering that last Qhuay scene.. But I'm not.. I'm so fucking not happy right now..
Actual review tomorrow..
------------------------------------------
March 28th
At work the next day, trying to write my actual review..
So what did I think..
I’m trying really hard to not think about the things I didn’t like, cause with as little sleep as I got last night, and the fact that I still feel exhausted, I’m pretty sure I would start bawling my eyes out, and that’s not the best thing to do at work.. Well.. At least that’s what I’ve been told..
I think I should just focus on the things I did like, and then let out all my Qhuayla frustration elsewhere..
I did, in fact, really like No’One.. And holy fuck, that was a big ass surprise for me. The only thing I’ve been waiting for with this book was the Qhuay parts, and I honestly haven’t even given No’One a thought the last year.. So it surprised the hell out of me when she actually made me tear up.. more than once..
This is Tohr’s second love story if you will. He had Wellsie, and this book sees him through a year of his life where he once again comes face to face with No’One, who he once met, and lived with for a year in a cave, while she was preggers. Sadly, she (No’One) had been kidnapped and raped, so after she gave birth to the little girl (who we all know now, was Xhex) she killed herself with Tohr’s black dagger. This happened a long time ago, long before Tohr was mated off to Wellsie.
In this book we find out that Wellsie is stuck in the In Between and to “save” her and their babyboy, Tohr has to let her go and move on. In the land of the BDB “moving on” and “letting go” of your dead mate is apparently fucking someone else… Ok… So not commenting on that one… *rolls eyes*
Anywho.. So yeah, I really, really liked
Umm.. Ok, no… I want to bitch-slap Layla… Pretty please?!
For the life of me I cannot fathom how JRW can make Qhuinn have sex with Layla..
She KNOWS that his HEA is someone else, another guy for fucks sake.. Why, WHY does he have to sleep with Layla? Put some fucking drugs in her and help her with her needing, don’t put your fucking c*ck in her, you stupid SOB!! Arghhh…
Pheewww
The thing that bothers me the most is the; Why? Why do they need to do this? There is no freaking point to the storyline, if of course, JRW doesn’t plan to bring a Qhuayla baby in to the world.. And after reading this book, I’m actually kinda scared, that that is exactly her plan.. Why else have them screw each other? There is no freaking point!!
Am I too invested in Qhuinn and Blay? Maybe.. Probably.. But I can’t help what I feel. And I feel very, very strongly about these 2 boys, and if she does this.. If she makes Qhuinn be a father to Layla’s baby, she’s fucking up Qhuinn’s story.. and that I will never forgive..
Over all, I liked this book.. I couldn’t give it any stars last night when I finished it, ‘cause I was too exhausted from crying too much, and too numb from worrying about the 2 people I love the most in this series.
After some thought, I think I’ll give it 4 stars. Qhuinn, Layla, and Tohr being a bitch, makes me want to take 1 away, but then I think of No’One and how she made me tear up, and then I’m ok with 4 stars..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2016
“Life was short, no matter how many days you were granted. And people were precious, each and every one, no matter how many you were lucky enough to have in your life. And love... love was worth dying for.
Worth living for, too.”
This book is tragic. Tohr has to move on and leave his past behind if he want his shellin to rest in peace, it's not easy when she is the only thing he can hold on to even he passed the storms, it still hurts like hell for him. I didn't expected too much about this book. The story was not my cuppa, yet it was engaging and sad at the same time. I loved No'One, her personality was precarious because what she has been through is unbearable for me.
“Aha!" Lassiter pointed at the boob tube. "You motherfucker! I knew you were the father!”
Lover Reborn has the different vibes from the other books, this book consists of joy, sadness, pain and hope. I almost cried for Tohr and No'One; they loses in their own ways and wants to fight for someone they love. The book itself is capable of wrenching my gut, but actually I don't like when Tohr and No'One choose to avoid each other, it frustrated me so much.
“Life’s meant to be lived blind—that’s how you don’t take shit for granted.”
All in all, this book is a real page-turner. Every detail made me interested and wanted to continue until the last page. I hated and loved Tohr. I want to hold him close and tell him that everything is okay, at least for now.
https://goo.gl/zz6ACQ
April 4, 2012
***Bigtime Spoiler Warning. I can’t write this review without them. Sorry!
****Super-duper Long Review Disclaimer! I have so much to say!
When I started reading this series back around 2005 or 2006, I was drawn into the dark, seductive, dangerous world of JR Ward’s vampires, and something took root in me. I knew I would come back for more when I finished Dark Lover, and so I did. Again and again. Every year, I look forward to a new book in this series, and rightfully so. I believed the culmination of my love for this series would be Lover Mine, since John Matthew and Xhex are two of my favorite characters. While that book will always have a special place in my heart, I am happy to say that I still believe this series has more to offer me with every book.
I knew I would enjoy Lover Reborn, but I had some anxieties about it because it’s a pivotal entry, and a difficult storyline to read about (and to write about, from Ward’s perspective). So many expectations! I am happy to say I believe that Ward has stayed true to who she is as a writer with this book.
Tohrment always seemed like the most grounded, stable, mature member of the Brotherhood. When this series began, he was a family man, happily mated to Wellesandra. He was the voice of reason in the Brotherhood, and many looked to him for advice, leadership, and moderation. All that disappeared in a single act of violence, one that tore his beloved shellan and their unborn son away from Tohr, leaving a broken wreck of a male behind.
The opinions are varied. Many feel that it was too soon for Tohr to find another mate. Some believe he never should be mated again. Some want Wellsie to come back. As much as I love Wellsie, the realist in me didn’t expect her to be brought back. I feel that this would be way too fairy tale a resolution for this quite dark series. Personally, I would rather someone who had lost their wife/husband to move on and find love again. If I died, I would want my husband to be happy in this life. I believe Wellsie definitely felt the same way. Although I’m not a widow and I haven’t lost my soulmate, I have lost people that I loved, and grief is a part of life. It hurts like nothing else, and the loss makes a void in one’s life that cannot easily (nor should it be) be filled with anything else. Yet, over time, you feel those horrible claws of loss easing their way out of your soul and psyche, and you feel the healing begin. I for one feel that Ms. Ward did a very good job at portraying this with Tohr’s journey in this book.
There is no question whatsoever that Tohr loved Wellsie. But I loved the message that part of loving her was letting her go, and allowing her to go to her eternal resting place, and moving on and living his life. It felt right to me how the storyline showed that Tohr was actually keeping Wellsie from going to the Fade by his horrible, wrenching, unchanging grief. Although this is fiction, I do believe in the message about healing from grief being so integral to the process. And that felt so real to me.
My other concern was how Tohr and No’One’s relationship would develop. I didn’t want the whole book to be about how No’One would never measure up in his eyes, and that she was just a consolation prize, since Wellsie was gone. On the other hand, I didn’t want Wellsie to be forgotten about like being gone meant she didn’t matter anymore. That makes a very hard path to walk for a writer. For me, there was a lot of symmetry in how Tohr and No’One came together. It was naturalistic to the story, and I was satisfied with the outcome. Like most of the courtships in these books, there was a rocky road; but both Tohr and No’One both learn and grow from the experience.
No’One
Many readers have speculated on her, and how she could end up being Tohr’s mated shellan. In Lover Mine, I learned enough about her to think that there could be a foundation between her and Tohr.
Although Tohr spent many years with Wellsie, and their love was the cornerstone of his life, he also had a very crucial relationship with No’One in his formative years. As a young vampire, he helped to save No’One when she was kidnapped and abused by a sympath male. He nursed and cared for her through her pregnancy, and he buried her when she killed herself, with his dagger. From a spiritual perspective, an unbreakable bond formed between them that is pivotal to the healing that is necessary for both. So it made sense for them to come together for me. She wasn’t just a random female that dropped out of nowhere.
Regardless, Tohr doesn’t make it easy for No’One to claim his heart. He is truly mean to her a couple of times in this book, and I wanted to slap him upside the head. And she hates herself so much, that she doesn’t feel she has the right to be loved. So No’One has to go through a sea change to claim her happiness in this world, this time around. It was painful to see how she hurt herself emotionally, how she denied her right to happiness, but that too was realistic. How often do we blame ourselves for the mistakes we make and the bad things that happen to us in this life, which aren’t our faults? We feel that we have to claim that misfortune and assume that we deserved it. No’One had an elephant’s weight of guilt sitting on her back, and until she divested herself of it, she could be no freer to love than Tohr was. There was balance in that.
Tohr and No’One
Tohr is a really good guy. Despite all the horrible grief he suffered, he still tried to be courteous and to make sure that No’One had what she needed, as far as he could give it. Other than his two freakouts, which were pretty nasty, I think he treated her well. He didn’t make any false promises. I loved how he gave her a new name that he felt was worthy of her because she refused to go by her name when she was a young member of the Glymera. Autumn is a very fitting name, and I loved it. I liked how it tied into the cover so well. And it also ties into the whole storyline. People think of Autumn as the harbinger to the darkest part of the year. Autumn is a time of transition. It has a beauty all its own. It’s the season when the bright beauty of summer edges into the crisp purity of winter. Autumn is like a time of rest for the earth. To me, that is representative of what Tohr is going through. He is learning to live without Wellsie and to find joy and beauty in what had promised to be a very dark future.
The love scenes between Tohr and No’One/Autumn were very good. It showed that although Tohr’s first shellan had died, his heart didn’t have to die with her, nor his body and his capacity to feel desire for another woman. I liked that they eased into it over several months. I also liked how Autumn was able to see that she could have joy in a physical relationship with male. Being kidnapped and assaulted by the sympath male had made her feel disgust for males. With a gentle, loving male like Tohr, she was able to embrace the physical side of being a female. It felt right to me.
No’One and Xhex
I loved the bonding moments between No'One and Xhex. They were able to meet as adults and to see each other outside of the fact that Xhex was conceived in a horrible way for No’One, and she had given up Xhex. Xhex realized how much her mother valued and felt pride in her, even though she didn’t meet the Glymera’s standards for beauty and success for a woman. These bonding moments made me happy because Xhex didn’t have a lot of people in her life to open up with and feel acceptance from, and she was going through a rough time with JM and how the Brothers tended to have a sexist viewpoint of her abilities in the field. They could meet on equal ground as women in love, and be there for each other. Those parts warmed my heart. I’m glad they found each other again.
Tohr and John Matthew
Since Tohr views JM as his son, and vice versa, this was a crucial part of the novel to see them come together again. JM was able to help Tohr with his grief, and Tohr was able to give JM advice on his relationship with Xhex. Together, they faced the unresolved pain of Wellsie’s loss, and those moments affected me deeply. Their relationship is so important to this series, so I’m glad Ward came through in this manner.
Xhex and John Matthew
I was kind of frustrated with the issues in their relationship. They had been through so much, I wanted them to have smooth sailing. Regardless of my discomfort with their relationship troubles in this book, I have to say it made sense. JM had to learn to deal with his issues with his mate going out in the field and risking her life, and how that affected his bonded male emotions. I like that he did get past those issues and respect the fact that the female he’d fallen in love with wasn’t the stay at home type. She was a warrior in her own right (actually for many years before JM). That was why he loved her, because she was a tough, strong, independent woman. Who was he force her to turn her back on that? From Xhex’s standpoint, I don’t think she was being unreasonable. She had the right to be herself, even if she was JM’s mate. And it was annoying how the Brothers and even Rehv weren’t taking her seriously because JM wasn’t dealing well with the idea of her being in danger. I felt bad for her, because she really does love JM, and wants to be with him, but doesn’t want to deny who she is, and she’s been through too much to let go of her sense of identity just because she was in love. I could also understand JM’s fears, especially seeing how Tohr losing Wellsie destroyed him. He didn’t want to go through that by losing Xhex, because she is his life. I’m glad that they were able to get past this. Since they are my favorite couple in this series, I loved seeing a lot more of them, even if there were some troubled times in their relationship.
Band of Bastards
I wasn’t sure how things would go with the new storyline of the BoB. I have to say it was very interesting. I don’t view them as villains. I think that things will turn around for them to be allies with the Brotherhood, but it will be hard going. Xcor is a right b*stard, but he has grown on me. I hurt for him. I hope that he does find a female who finds him worthy, and hopefully that will be Layla. We’ll see. I was glad to get to know the other BoB, who now have names! Throe is still my favorite. He reminds me of Phury, in that he is a courtly male. That ain’t a bad thing at all, since I love me some Phury.
Qhuinn and Blay
Honestly, Qhuinn has gotten on my nerves a time or two, but overall he is a worthy male and I do believe that. In this book, I really liked him. He has matured beautifully. I felt bad for him that he had to see Blay with Saxton, but in some way, the eating his heart out has been good for him. I think now he will fight for what he could have with Blay, and I’m looking forward to that.
Lassiter
He cracks me up! I want to see more of him. I liked how he was a huge influence in getting Tohr and Autumn together and in helping them get past their issues. I want to see what this guy will be up to in the future, so I’m glad he’s sticking around.
Assail
I have a feeling I will like this character. More please!
Where is Murhder???? I need some Murhder!
Now…..If there was one thing I hated about this book…..
Why did Layla and Qhuinn have to sex because she went into her needing? It just felt all kinds of wrong to me. I am really unhappy about this outcome. If Qhuinn is going to be with Blay and Layla might end up with Xcor, what is the point of them having a child together? I just don’t see the blended family scenario working well in this series. I could be wrong. Maybe the WARDen will work it out. As for now, I am very unhappy about this! Sob! (Danielle admits that she thought about this all night‼)
Overall Thoughts
Unlike some fans (and former fans) of the series, I wasn’t worried that this book would suck. I knew I’d enjoy it because I truly love JR Ward’s writing. I feel that she truly wanted to give Tohr a good story, and the end results show it. I’m sure it was a hard book to write, with many emotional struggles for Ms. Ward in the process of putting it on paper. Even though I don’t always like some twists in the stories, the whole package works for me.
This book touched me in so many ways. It had me laughing outrageously. It had me so sad that I couldn’t even cry. It made me happy. It was smoking hot as far as the plentiful love scenes, but it was also romantic. I felt she had given me resolution on some issues that were hanging out there in the air for me. I loved seeing some of my favorite characters who don’t get enough page time, like,….Phury. Too bad I didn’t get to see much of Cormia or Mary. I ain’t gonna lie, I would love more Rehv, but at least he was around in this book. It was great seeing Marissa again. I always feel great when I get to revisit my favorites, but part of me wants more! Heck, I think Ward tries. If she had pages of each of the characters, these books would be 1000 pages long, so I am not hating on her about it. I loved seeing all the Brothers stand up in support of Tohr in his difficult time. That was so necessary to this book. It warmed my heart big time.
So, for this reader, the magic is still there. I am afraid of the book slump I see coming since I have finished this latest BDB book, and the countdown begins for the next book. Next year. I can make it! I know I can!
****Super-duper Long Review Disclaimer! I have so much to say!
When I started reading this series back around 2005 or 2006, I was drawn into the dark, seductive, dangerous world of JR Ward’s vampires, and something took root in me. I knew I would come back for more when I finished Dark Lover, and so I did. Again and again. Every year, I look forward to a new book in this series, and rightfully so. I believed the culmination of my love for this series would be Lover Mine, since John Matthew and Xhex are two of my favorite characters. While that book will always have a special place in my heart, I am happy to say that I still believe this series has more to offer me with every book.
I knew I would enjoy Lover Reborn, but I had some anxieties about it because it’s a pivotal entry, and a difficult storyline to read about (and to write about, from Ward’s perspective). So many expectations! I am happy to say I believe that Ward has stayed true to who she is as a writer with this book.
Tohrment always seemed like the most grounded, stable, mature member of the Brotherhood. When this series began, he was a family man, happily mated to Wellesandra. He was the voice of reason in the Brotherhood, and many looked to him for advice, leadership, and moderation. All that disappeared in a single act of violence, one that tore his beloved shellan and their unborn son away from Tohr, leaving a broken wreck of a male behind.
The opinions are varied. Many feel that it was too soon for Tohr to find another mate. Some believe he never should be mated again. Some want Wellsie to come back. As much as I love Wellsie, the realist in me didn’t expect her to be brought back. I feel that this would be way too fairy tale a resolution for this quite dark series. Personally, I would rather someone who had lost their wife/husband to move on and find love again. If I died, I would want my husband to be happy in this life. I believe Wellsie definitely felt the same way. Although I’m not a widow and I haven’t lost my soulmate, I have lost people that I loved, and grief is a part of life. It hurts like nothing else, and the loss makes a void in one’s life that cannot easily (nor should it be) be filled with anything else. Yet, over time, you feel those horrible claws of loss easing their way out of your soul and psyche, and you feel the healing begin. I for one feel that Ms. Ward did a very good job at portraying this with Tohr’s journey in this book.
There is no question whatsoever that Tohr loved Wellsie. But I loved the message that part of loving her was letting her go, and allowing her to go to her eternal resting place, and moving on and living his life. It felt right to me how the storyline showed that Tohr was actually keeping Wellsie from going to the Fade by his horrible, wrenching, unchanging grief. Although this is fiction, I do believe in the message about healing from grief being so integral to the process. And that felt so real to me.
My other concern was how Tohr and No’One’s relationship would develop. I didn’t want the whole book to be about how No’One would never measure up in his eyes, and that she was just a consolation prize, since Wellsie was gone. On the other hand, I didn’t want Wellsie to be forgotten about like being gone meant she didn’t matter anymore. That makes a very hard path to walk for a writer. For me, there was a lot of symmetry in how Tohr and No’One came together. It was naturalistic to the story, and I was satisfied with the outcome. Like most of the courtships in these books, there was a rocky road; but both Tohr and No’One both learn and grow from the experience.
No’One
Many readers have speculated on her, and how she could end up being Tohr’s mated shellan. In Lover Mine, I learned enough about her to think that there could be a foundation between her and Tohr.
Although Tohr spent many years with Wellsie, and their love was the cornerstone of his life, he also had a very crucial relationship with No’One in his formative years. As a young vampire, he helped to save No’One when she was kidnapped and abused by a sympath male. He nursed and cared for her through her pregnancy, and he buried her when she killed herself, with his dagger. From a spiritual perspective, an unbreakable bond formed between them that is pivotal to the healing that is necessary for both. So it made sense for them to come together for me. She wasn’t just a random female that dropped out of nowhere.
Regardless, Tohr doesn’t make it easy for No’One to claim his heart. He is truly mean to her a couple of times in this book, and I wanted to slap him upside the head. And she hates herself so much, that she doesn’t feel she has the right to be loved. So No’One has to go through a sea change to claim her happiness in this world, this time around. It was painful to see how she hurt herself emotionally, how she denied her right to happiness, but that too was realistic. How often do we blame ourselves for the mistakes we make and the bad things that happen to us in this life, which aren’t our faults? We feel that we have to claim that misfortune and assume that we deserved it. No’One had an elephant’s weight of guilt sitting on her back, and until she divested herself of it, she could be no freer to love than Tohr was. There was balance in that.
Tohr and No’One
Tohr is a really good guy. Despite all the horrible grief he suffered, he still tried to be courteous and to make sure that No’One had what she needed, as far as he could give it. Other than his two freakouts, which were pretty nasty, I think he treated her well. He didn’t make any false promises. I loved how he gave her a new name that he felt was worthy of her because she refused to go by her name when she was a young member of the Glymera. Autumn is a very fitting name, and I loved it. I liked how it tied into the cover so well. And it also ties into the whole storyline. People think of Autumn as the harbinger to the darkest part of the year. Autumn is a time of transition. It has a beauty all its own. It’s the season when the bright beauty of summer edges into the crisp purity of winter. Autumn is like a time of rest for the earth. To me, that is representative of what Tohr is going through. He is learning to live without Wellsie and to find joy and beauty in what had promised to be a very dark future.
The love scenes between Tohr and No’One/Autumn were very good. It showed that although Tohr’s first shellan had died, his heart didn’t have to die with her, nor his body and his capacity to feel desire for another woman. I liked that they eased into it over several months. I also liked how Autumn was able to see that she could have joy in a physical relationship with male. Being kidnapped and assaulted by the sympath male had made her feel disgust for males. With a gentle, loving male like Tohr, she was able to embrace the physical side of being a female. It felt right to me.
No’One and Xhex
I loved the bonding moments between No'One and Xhex. They were able to meet as adults and to see each other outside of the fact that Xhex was conceived in a horrible way for No’One, and she had given up Xhex. Xhex realized how much her mother valued and felt pride in her, even though she didn’t meet the Glymera’s standards for beauty and success for a woman. These bonding moments made me happy because Xhex didn’t have a lot of people in her life to open up with and feel acceptance from, and she was going through a rough time with JM and how the Brothers tended to have a sexist viewpoint of her abilities in the field. They could meet on equal ground as women in love, and be there for each other. Those parts warmed my heart. I’m glad they found each other again.
Tohr and John Matthew
Since Tohr views JM as his son, and vice versa, this was a crucial part of the novel to see them come together again. JM was able to help Tohr with his grief, and Tohr was able to give JM advice on his relationship with Xhex. Together, they faced the unresolved pain of Wellsie’s loss, and those moments affected me deeply. Their relationship is so important to this series, so I’m glad Ward came through in this manner.
Xhex and John Matthew
I was kind of frustrated with the issues in their relationship. They had been through so much, I wanted them to have smooth sailing. Regardless of my discomfort with their relationship troubles in this book, I have to say it made sense. JM had to learn to deal with his issues with his mate going out in the field and risking her life, and how that affected his bonded male emotions. I like that he did get past those issues and respect the fact that the female he’d fallen in love with wasn’t the stay at home type. She was a warrior in her own right (actually for many years before JM). That was why he loved her, because she was a tough, strong, independent woman. Who was he force her to turn her back on that? From Xhex’s standpoint, I don’t think she was being unreasonable. She had the right to be herself, even if she was JM’s mate. And it was annoying how the Brothers and even Rehv weren’t taking her seriously because JM wasn’t dealing well with the idea of her being in danger. I felt bad for her, because she really does love JM, and wants to be with him, but doesn’t want to deny who she is, and she’s been through too much to let go of her sense of identity just because she was in love. I could also understand JM’s fears, especially seeing how Tohr losing Wellsie destroyed him. He didn’t want to go through that by losing Xhex, because she is his life. I’m glad that they were able to get past this. Since they are my favorite couple in this series, I loved seeing a lot more of them, even if there were some troubled times in their relationship.
Band of Bastards
I wasn’t sure how things would go with the new storyline of the BoB. I have to say it was very interesting. I don’t view them as villains. I think that things will turn around for them to be allies with the Brotherhood, but it will be hard going. Xcor is a right b*stard, but he has grown on me. I hurt for him. I hope that he does find a female who finds him worthy, and hopefully that will be Layla. We’ll see. I was glad to get to know the other BoB, who now have names! Throe is still my favorite. He reminds me of Phury, in that he is a courtly male. That ain’t a bad thing at all, since I love me some Phury.
Qhuinn and Blay
Honestly, Qhuinn has gotten on my nerves a time or two, but overall he is a worthy male and I do believe that. In this book, I really liked him. He has matured beautifully. I felt bad for him that he had to see Blay with Saxton, but in some way, the eating his heart out has been good for him. I think now he will fight for what he could have with Blay, and I’m looking forward to that.
Lassiter
He cracks me up! I want to see more of him. I liked how he was a huge influence in getting Tohr and Autumn together and in helping them get past their issues. I want to see what this guy will be up to in the future, so I’m glad he’s sticking around.
Assail
I have a feeling I will like this character. More please!
Where is Murhder???? I need some Murhder!
Now…..If there was one thing I hated about this book…..
Why did Layla and Qhuinn have to sex because she went into her needing? It just felt all kinds of wrong to me. I am really unhappy about this outcome. If Qhuinn is going to be with Blay and Layla might end up with Xcor, what is the point of them having a child together? I just don’t see the blended family scenario working well in this series. I could be wrong. Maybe the WARDen will work it out. As for now, I am very unhappy about this! Sob! (Danielle admits that she thought about this all night‼)
Overall Thoughts
Unlike some fans (and former fans) of the series, I wasn’t worried that this book would suck. I knew I’d enjoy it because I truly love JR Ward’s writing. I feel that she truly wanted to give Tohr a good story, and the end results show it. I’m sure it was a hard book to write, with many emotional struggles for Ms. Ward in the process of putting it on paper. Even though I don’t always like some twists in the stories, the whole package works for me.
This book touched me in so many ways. It had me laughing outrageously. It had me so sad that I couldn’t even cry. It made me happy. It was smoking hot as far as the plentiful love scenes, but it was also romantic. I felt she had given me resolution on some issues that were hanging out there in the air for me. I loved seeing some of my favorite characters who don’t get enough page time, like,….Phury. Too bad I didn’t get to see much of Cormia or Mary. I ain’t gonna lie, I would love more Rehv, but at least he was around in this book. It was great seeing Marissa again. I always feel great when I get to revisit my favorites, but part of me wants more! Heck, I think Ward tries. If she had pages of each of the characters, these books would be 1000 pages long, so I am not hating on her about it. I loved seeing all the Brothers stand up in support of Tohr in his difficult time. That was so necessary to this book. It warmed my heart big time.
So, for this reader, the magic is still there. I am afraid of the book slump I see coming since I have finished this latest BDB book, and the countdown begins for the next book. Next year. I can make it! I know I can!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2013
5 BDB Obsessed Stars!
Even though Tohr’s shellan has been gone for a while, it still hasn’t gotten any easier for the brother. He is heartbroken, devastated, all he can do is fight the lessers, fight to avenge his shellans death. That’s all he has the strength for.
We meet No’One in book 8 (JM and Xhex’s book) She is Xhex’s mahmen, and she has been staying on this side to try to form a connection with her daughter. Tohr and No’One have a past connection. They knew each other a long time ago, but Tohr is nothing like the male she knew back then. No’One hasn’t had an easy life either. After what happened to her long ago, she has dedicated her life to serving others on the other side. She hasn’t really had a life of her own. But that is starting to change.
Lassiter plays a much bigger part in this story. For his won reasons, he needs Tohr to move on, he is on a mission to free Wellsie from the In Between, and he can’t do that until Tohr gets himself together. Seeing how Tohr and No’One are together, Lassiter knows they would be great together. It starts out with a feeding. Tohr looks pitiful. He hasn’t been feeding well, and he needs to be strong. No’One volunteers to feed him. She completely understands that he is still not over Wellsie, and she is okay with that. Because of her past, she is not looking for a male. She tells Tohr it’s alright. It makes him feel a bit better.
Tohr and No’One develop a relationship over time. Even though No’One never inteneds to, she starts to fall for Tohr. The feelings Tohr is having for No’One scare him. He shouldn’t be feeling this way. Not for anyone except Wellsie. It is devastating watching him try to move past all this. I love how Tohr renames No’One. She becomes Autumn.
There is so much going on in this book with other characters as well. A lot of John Matthew and Xhex. Their relationship isn’t easy either. I was happy they were able to work it out. I was especially glad seeing JM and Tohr build their relationship back up. This was an emotional one for sure. The ending was beautiful!
On top of all the sad and heartbreaking, there was a lot of funny too...
“And if that bastard’s innocent,” Rhage spoke up, “I’m the fucking Easter bunny.”
“Oh, good,” someone quipped. “I’m calling you Hop-along Hollywood from now on.”
“Beasty Bo Peep,” somebody else threw out.
“We could put you in a Cadbury ad and finally make some money—”
“People,” Rhage barked, “the point is that he is not innocent and I’m not the Easter bunny—”
“Where’s your basket?”
“Can I play with your eggs?”
“Hop it out, big guy—”
“Will you guys fuck off ? Seriously!”
And Lassiter is always good for a laugh too... I love his addiction to reality tv!
“You motherfucker! I knew you were the father!” Tohr fought the urge to slap some sense into the son of a bitch. His Wesslie’s future was at stake, and this dumb-ass was worried about Maury’s paternity tests? “Are you kidding me?” “No, I’m damn serious. Bastard has three kids by three different sisters- what kind of man is that?
Now, what I’ve been waiting for....
So, besides’s my Vishous- Qhuinn is my next favorite male in this series. I am SO STOKED for Qhuinn and Blay’s book I can’t even stand it! And what a perfect way Ward set up their story... I feel like every book it builds.
I’m really curious to see if Either way, I just know this book will be amazing!!!
Now something I made just for fun- my casting of The Brotherhood:
I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a dozen times- If you haven’t read this series, YOU ARE SERIOUSLY MISSING OUT!!!!! It has quickly become one of my favorite series!
Now, I will wait patiently for my BDB girls Lisa Jayne & Anna to catch up with me so we can EPICLY buddy read book 11 together :D
“God, I miss you,” he said in a voice that cracked. “Every night. Every day…”
Even though Tohr’s shellan has been gone for a while, it still hasn’t gotten any easier for the brother. He is heartbroken, devastated, all he can do is fight the lessers, fight to avenge his shellans death. That’s all he has the strength for.
We meet No’One in book 8 (JM and Xhex’s book) She is Xhex’s mahmen, and she has been staying on this side to try to form a connection with her daughter. Tohr and No’One have a past connection. They knew each other a long time ago, but Tohr is nothing like the male she knew back then. No’One hasn’t had an easy life either. After what happened to her long ago, she has dedicated her life to serving others on the other side. She hasn’t really had a life of her own. But that is starting to change.
Lassiter plays a much bigger part in this story. For his won reasons, he needs Tohr to move on, he is on a mission to free Wellsie from the In Between, and he can’t do that until Tohr gets himself together. Seeing how Tohr and No’One are together, Lassiter knows they would be great together. It starts out with a feeding. Tohr looks pitiful. He hasn’t been feeding well, and he needs to be strong. No’One volunteers to feed him. She completely understands that he is still not over Wellsie, and she is okay with that. Because of her past, she is not looking for a male. She tells Tohr it’s alright. It makes him feel a bit better.
Your shellan is welcome here.
Tohr and No’One develop a relationship over time. Even though No’One never inteneds to, she starts to fall for Tohr. The feelings Tohr is having for No’One scare him. He shouldn’t be feeling this way. Not for anyone except Wellsie. It is devastating watching him try to move past all this. I love how Tohr renames No’One. She becomes Autumn.
To be named was to be claimed, and it made her feel... reborn.Autumn has trouble with her feelings for Tohr. She doesn't want him to know she loves him- she knows how he still feels about his shellan. Certain scenes between these two were so hard to read... . But sometimes, you have to be able to forgive and move on.
There is so much going on in this book with other characters as well. A lot of John Matthew and Xhex. Their relationship isn’t easy either. I was happy they were able to work it out. I was especially glad seeing JM and Tohr build their relationship back up. This was an emotional one for sure. The ending was beautiful!
On top of all the sad and heartbreaking, there was a lot of funny too...
“And if that bastard’s innocent,” Rhage spoke up, “I’m the fucking Easter bunny.”
“Oh, good,” someone quipped. “I’m calling you Hop-along Hollywood from now on.”
“Beasty Bo Peep,” somebody else threw out.
“We could put you in a Cadbury ad and finally make some money—”
“People,” Rhage barked, “the point is that he is not innocent and I’m not the Easter bunny—”
“Where’s your basket?”
“Can I play with your eggs?”
“Hop it out, big guy—”
“Will you guys fuck off ? Seriously!”
And Lassiter is always good for a laugh too... I love his addiction to reality tv!
“You motherfucker! I knew you were the father!” Tohr fought the urge to slap some sense into the son of a bitch. His Wesslie’s future was at stake, and this dumb-ass was worried about Maury’s paternity tests? “Are you kidding me?” “No, I’m damn serious. Bastard has three kids by three different sisters- what kind of man is that?
Now, what I’ve been waiting for....
So, besides’s my Vishous- Qhuinn is my next favorite male in this series. I am SO STOKED for Qhuinn and Blay’s book I can’t even stand it! And what a perfect way Ward set up their story... I feel like every book it builds.
I’m really curious to see if Either way, I just know this book will be amazing!!!
Now something I made just for fun- my casting of The Brotherhood:
I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a dozen times- If you haven’t read this series, YOU ARE SERIOUSLY MISSING OUT!!!!! It has quickly become one of my favorite series!
Now, I will wait patiently for my BDB girls Lisa Jayne & Anna to catch up with me so we can EPICLY buddy read book 11 together :D
April 20, 2012
*sigh* Where to begin?
I don't really have much juice left to write a full blown review. This book just kind of...drained me. Here are some thoughts that I'll share, however...
(Note that it's pretty much spoiler-free, in my opinion. Possible spoilers have been hidden behind spoiler tags.)
1) WRITING: The slang. ARGH, THE SLANG! No matter what ANYONE says or thinks (*coughs* JRW! *coughs*), "Pop-Tarting" is not a word that can be used interchangeably with jerking something upwards. Not at all. Also, I was sort of informally keeping track, and shitkickers appeared in this book at least a dozen times. Really now. REALLY. I knew to expect some slang going in, but I swear...I think it's getting worse with each book.
2) ROMANCE: The romance sucked. I won't lie. For me, at least, it sucked. I found it really hard to read about the romance/relationship featured in this story, and I was cringing in a lot of the supposedly relationship-focused/romance-type scenes. More on this in the next bullet points.
3) HERO: The hero (whom I will not name and instead will call "H" here for short, just so that it doesn't spoil the series for anyone who hasn't read it)...well, JRW did such a convincing job of depicting his mourning and completely devastating state of depression in the previous books that I just could not buy his recovery in this one. It made me uncomfortable whenever he would lust after the heroine. It just felt wrong.
4) HEROINE: The heroine (whom I will call "h" here for short) was such a dishrag. Meh. Could not relate to her at all. I thought H's rant at her towards the end of the book was entirely justified. Yup. I said it. Call me a biatch (go on, I dare ya!), but I was 100% behind what he had to say about her in what other readers may think was an annihilation of h's character. Instead, for me, it was bald-faced 100% truth, in my opinion. Also, what the hell was up with her turning into a porn star sex fiend after (a) her having been traumatized early in her life by rape and, indeed, losing her virginity by rape and (b) her swearing she would never let another male touch her ever ever ever again???? Talk about a 180! My head spun when H described her as so welcoming of him, always ready for him, etc. I mean...what planet did I land on where the h suddenly is a horny sex goddess??
Edited to add: 5) PLOT: I had another thought (and it should go here) about plot holes. Yes, there are many. But some are particularly bothersome for me because they're at the core foundation of this book's premise.
56) OVERALL STORY/WORLD: However, this book gets that extra star for being entertaining for the most part. Lassiter. Qhuinn. Blay. Even Xhex and JM were interesting, and I didn't particularly like their book. Oooooh, and new ambiguously bad/good guy, Assail. Rowr! I even read through the Band of Bastards stuff when I previously hadn't found them interesting at all. I like Throe. I like him a lot. JRW can think up an entertaining story, I'll give her that much. I feel like she sometimes might have TOO many balls in the air, but whatevs...now I kinda just view it as "oh, what can she come up with next?"
67) WTF: Dude. The Layla/Qhuinn thing. WHAT. THE. EFFFFFFF.
78) NEXT BOOK: Qhuinn + Blay = YAY! Good thing they're featured in the next book because, otherwise, I might have abandoned the BDB series altogether. Instead, I will sit in eager anticipation of Qhuinn/Blay man-lovin' sexytimes. Qhuinn's going after whom he wants. Blay's gonna get territorial. Alpha Qhuinn. Vulnerable Blay. Alpha Blay. Vulnerable Qhuinn. Rowr! Awesomeness! (Side note: I actually like Saxton, so I hope he finds a halfway decent resolution after this whole heartbreaking tangle is figured out. In other words, please don't kill Saxton off, JRW.)
CONCLUDING REMARKS: That's about it. I would break down my rating as follows: (1) I disliked the romance and actually found it hard to read a lot of it, but (2) found the overarching storyline and general entertainment value pretty fun and diverting enough.
I don't really have much juice left to write a full blown review. This book just kind of...drained me. Here are some thoughts that I'll share, however...
(Note that it's pretty much spoiler-free, in my opinion. Possible spoilers have been hidden behind spoiler tags.)
1) WRITING: The slang. ARGH, THE SLANG! No matter what ANYONE says or thinks (*coughs* JRW! *coughs*), "Pop-Tarting" is not a word that can be used interchangeably with jerking something upwards. Not at all. Also, I was sort of informally keeping track, and shitkickers appeared in this book at least a dozen times. Really now. REALLY. I knew to expect some slang going in, but I swear...I think it's getting worse with each book.
2) ROMANCE: The romance sucked. I won't lie. For me, at least, it sucked. I found it really hard to read about the romance/relationship featured in this story, and I was cringing in a lot of the supposedly relationship-focused/romance-type scenes. More on this in the next bullet points.
3) HERO: The hero (whom I will not name and instead will call "H" here for short, just so that it doesn't spoil the series for anyone who hasn't read it)...well, JRW did such a convincing job of depicting his mourning and completely devastating state of depression in the previous books that I just could not buy his recovery in this one. It made me uncomfortable whenever he would lust after the heroine. It just felt wrong.
4) HEROINE: The heroine (whom I will call "h" here for short) was such a dishrag. Meh. Could not relate to her at all. I thought H's rant at her towards the end of the book was entirely justified. Yup. I said it. Call me a biatch (go on, I dare ya!), but I was 100% behind what he had to say about her in what other readers may think was an annihilation of h's character. Instead, for me, it was bald-faced 100% truth, in my opinion. Also, what the hell was up with her turning into a porn star sex fiend after (a) her having been traumatized early in her life by rape and, indeed, losing her virginity by rape and (b) her swearing she would never let another male touch her ever ever ever again???? Talk about a 180! My head spun when H described her as so welcoming of him, always ready for him, etc. I mean...what planet did I land on where the h suddenly is a horny sex goddess??
Edited to add: 5) PLOT: I had another thought (and it should go here) about plot holes. Yes, there are many. But some are particularly bothersome for me because they're at the core foundation of this book's premise.
CONCLUDING REMARKS: That's about it. I would break down my rating as follows: (1) I disliked the romance and actually found it hard to read a lot of it, but (2) found the overarching storyline and general entertainment value pretty fun and diverting enough.
August 27, 2013
Read in 2013
Find my complete review on my blog here: http://rachybee-the-rest-is-still-unw...
Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward tells the tale of Tohr; a broken shell of a Brother, destroyed and altered by the loss of his mate, a man who finally gets his story told.
I have to be honest here; Lover Reborn wasn’t my favorite of the Black Dagger Brotherhood books. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with it. I just struggled to really connect like I wished I could. For some reason I wasn’t as absorbed by Tohr’s tale as I expected to me.
Lover Reborn takes place over quite a long period of time; almost a year if I remember correctly. Understandably Tohrment has quite a journey in store for me. He’s still very much broken having lost his mate Wellsie some time ago. Tohr has to go through a number of different stages, from coming to accept his loss to finding room in his heart for another. This book displays everything it means to love again having loved before, especially on Tohr’s part.
I like Tohr, I do, but admittedly he is one of the less memorable Brothers for me. That being said, I did enjoy reading his story. After all the pain and recent loss he’s experienced, he deserved to find lasting happiness again. Those who know me will know I’ve been hoping Tohr would be paired with No’One since it became apparent that Tohr was going to get his own story and she was a new edition to the series, so suffice to say, I’m happy that she was his love interest in this book.
Overall I think these two are a great pairing. No’One (Autumn) has been through a tremendous life. The things she had done to her at the hands of the Sympath that impregnated her were horrendous and she does not know what it feels like to experience pleasure. Seeing her experience all this for the first time as she finds courage and herself was great to read about.
My only issue with this book was that Tohr irked me at times with his pathetic-ness. I understood his pain, I really did, but at times it seemed to much. His constant struggles over what his body wanted and his heart versus his guilt over betraying his dead mate was something that detracted too much from the connection and romance that developed between Tohr and his Autumn.
The continued involvement of the Band of Bastards proved to be really interesting and it was a shocker some of the things they did. And yet at the same time, I have high hopes for some of these characters and look forward to seeing what Ward does with this series next!
Find my complete review on my blog here: http://rachybee-the-rest-is-still-unw...
Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward tells the tale of Tohr; a broken shell of a Brother, destroyed and altered by the loss of his mate, a man who finally gets his story told.
I have to be honest here; Lover Reborn wasn’t my favorite of the Black Dagger Brotherhood books. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with it. I just struggled to really connect like I wished I could. For some reason I wasn’t as absorbed by Tohr’s tale as I expected to me.
Lover Reborn takes place over quite a long period of time; almost a year if I remember correctly. Understandably Tohrment has quite a journey in store for me. He’s still very much broken having lost his mate Wellsie some time ago. Tohr has to go through a number of different stages, from coming to accept his loss to finding room in his heart for another. This book displays everything it means to love again having loved before, especially on Tohr’s part.
I like Tohr, I do, but admittedly he is one of the less memorable Brothers for me. That being said, I did enjoy reading his story. After all the pain and recent loss he’s experienced, he deserved to find lasting happiness again. Those who know me will know I’ve been hoping Tohr would be paired with No’One since it became apparent that Tohr was going to get his own story and she was a new edition to the series, so suffice to say, I’m happy that she was his love interest in this book.
Overall I think these two are a great pairing. No’One (Autumn) has been through a tremendous life. The things she had done to her at the hands of the Sympath that impregnated her were horrendous and she does not know what it feels like to experience pleasure. Seeing her experience all this for the first time as she finds courage and herself was great to read about.
My only issue with this book was that Tohr irked me at times with his pathetic-ness. I understood his pain, I really did, but at times it seemed to much. His constant struggles over what his body wanted and his heart versus his guilt over betraying his dead mate was something that detracted too much from the connection and romance that developed between Tohr and his Autumn.
The continued involvement of the Band of Bastards proved to be really interesting and it was a shocker some of the things they did. And yet at the same time, I have high hopes for some of these characters and look forward to seeing what Ward does with this series next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2021
Third "re-read": 31.07.2021
This book reminded me of why I stopped read this series after book twelve. I really can't stand Xcor and the Xcor/Layla/Qhuinn storyline. That said, I skipped everything that didn't have anything with Q & B.
Second re-read: 23.08.2019
Only re-read for Qhuinn and Blay's parts. Nothing more. Meaning; I skipped the rest. I still don't like the Layla storyline with Qhuinn though. I wish it was cut out of it.
Re-read: 13.01.2017
Though I cannot really consider this a re-read considering I only re-read Blay and Qhuinn, and Wrath's parts of the book. I love them so damn much, willing to re-read their parts over and over again. I hate that people doesn't appreciate and respect Wrath more. I feel like people doesn't get how much my man goes through: being blind, dependent on everyone around him, Xcor wanting Wrath's throne. He deserves better! Same goes for Qhuinn and Blay. And I still don't like Layla, and I still hate Xcor.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance
Series: - Series, Book Ten
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Qhuinn
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - For Blay and Qhuinn, yes.
Rating - 2 *Qhuinn* stars
First read review:
*Might contain spoilers*
The story: I must say, I read this book rather quickly, but don't think it's because I loved or like the book so much that I couldn't stop reading. I simply wanted to finish it so I could start on next two books in the series, which has one of my favorite characters in it. I must admit, I skimmed a lot through this book. Xcor, Tohr, Autumn, John and Xhex story is simply not interesting enough for me. I like the characters (NOT XCOR THOUGH), but I have little interest in them. What saved this book was Qhuinn and Blay, mostly Qhuinn. I really love him. And Wrath. OMG! Wrath and Tohr's friendship is admirable! I love how committed the Brothers are to Wrath, how much they love him. It's amazing. And I also love how much the Brothers love each other and are there for each other no matter what. It's inspiring! And guys, the epilogue!!! I CANNOT WAIT FOR NEXT BOOK!!!
Torhment & Autumn aka No'One: I feel Tohr's pain. I really do. And I get it. Wellsie death was painful, and extremely sad. I get and understand Tohr disappearing the way he did. I'm also glad he came back (no matter the how he got back...). He belongs in the Brotherhood. Autumn was a good, naive woman. I liked her, though she's a boring character. Tohr and Autumn are sweet together, and I'm glad to see how they are in a way healing each other, because it's okay to let go and live again..
Lassiter: He kinda awesome. I wonder if he is a fighter. Perhaps he will become a Brother? I want to know more about him though. We don't know that much about him or his past. Might be an interesting story to read....
John Matthew & Xhex: Cute and all, however, as a couple, they kinda annoy me. I have respect for a independent woman, someone who won't let people decide what she should do just because she's a woman. However, she's too independent for my liking. I really liked John in the beginning, but he has changed so much that I...I don't respect him or like as much as I did. I have this feeling that I can't get away, and it is that John's too much in his own world. Too self observed or something? I donno. I don't like the feeling...
Qhuinn & Blay: OMG!! I'm fangirling! I just love them two! Oh boy, I could really feel Qhuinn's pain! I literally feel it. In my goddamn heart. I feel it so damn badly and I must say, it hurts. Qhuinn has easily become, I think, my second favorite character in this series (Wrath is #1, which, if you know me, wouldn't come as a surprise...). Oh how I love him! I used to ship Butch and V, hoping they would get it on (if you know what I mean...) but as it will never happen, I just got really frustrated -.-' I mean, come on, they are a perfect match and can't they just hook up once or twice? I think we deserve that, right? Anyway, now I think my favorite ship is actually Qhuinn and Blay (either them or Wrath and Beth... Who knows, I cannot decide :O) and I can't wait to see what will happen to them. I have a feeling the ride is going to be heartbreaking...
Layla: I don't like Layla. Perhaps it's because I'm jealous of her relationship with Qhuinn, and she's, though not intuitionally, giving Blay a lot of pain. I won't stand for that. She's too damn naive and dumb. I have a feeling that the next couple to 'mate' will be Layla and Xcor... Like I said, I don't like Layla and I have a feeling she would do some stupid things in the future...
Xcor: Hate. I have lots of hate for Xcor. I really do. What he tried to do to Wrath? Unforgivable! What he is still trying to do? Un-fucking-forgivable! I hate him and hope he dies. He's men I don't mind much, but they are following the wrong leader. The Band of Bastards does a good thing killing the Lessers and all, but what they are planning? It's not right. I don't like it for one second, and I hope they are stopped before it's too late.
Assail: Interesting character. I wonder what will happen to him and what he has planned. As long as him and me stays on the same side, we're cool, but if he crosses Wrath, or does something that will hurt Wrath and the Brotherhood, I will hunt him down. Just saying.
The Brotherhood: I actually missed all the other brothers. This book was focused on uninteresting characters and the other Brothers weren't a lot in it. I missed their humor and they're connection with each other. I want to become a part of the Brotherhood, just saying. I love the guys, and I specially love them together. The Brotherhood is a family, and a damn powerful and strong too!
Rate: 2.5 *I do love Qhuinn* stars.
This book reminded me of why I stopped read this series after book twelve. I really can't stand Xcor and the Xcor/Layla/Qhuinn storyline. That said, I skipped everything that didn't have anything with Q & B.
Second re-read: 23.08.2019
Only re-read for Qhuinn and Blay's parts. Nothing more. Meaning; I skipped the rest. I still don't like the Layla storyline with Qhuinn though. I wish it was cut out of it.
Re-read: 13.01.2017
Though I cannot really consider this a re-read considering I only re-read Blay and Qhuinn, and Wrath's parts of the book. I love them so damn much, willing to re-read their parts over and over again. I hate that people doesn't appreciate and respect Wrath more. I feel like people doesn't get how much my man goes through: being blind, dependent on everyone around him, Xcor wanting Wrath's throne. He deserves better! Same goes for Qhuinn and Blay. And I still don't like Layla, and I still hate Xcor.
“Look, I’m not going to lie—it’s clear that Xcor’s making a play against…”
When he didn’t finish the statement, Wrath nodded. “Me.”
“Which would mean us—”
“Us—”
“Us—”
More voices than you could count uttered that one word, the single syllable coming from every corner of the room, every seat cushion, every flat plane of wall someone was up against.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance
Series: - Series, Book Ten
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Qhuinn
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - For Blay and Qhuinn, yes.
Rating - 2 *Qhuinn* stars
First read review:
“Life’s meant to be lived blind—that’s how you don’t take shit for granted.”
*Might contain spoilers*
The story: I must say, I read this book rather quickly, but don't think it's because I loved or like the book so much that I couldn't stop reading. I simply wanted to finish it so I could start on next two books in the series, which has one of my favorite characters in it. I must admit, I skimmed a lot through this book. Xcor, Tohr, Autumn, John and Xhex story is simply not interesting enough for me. I like the characters (NOT XCOR THOUGH), but I have little interest in them. What saved this book was Qhuinn and Blay, mostly Qhuinn. I really love him. And Wrath. OMG! Wrath and Tohr's friendship is admirable! I love how committed the Brothers are to Wrath, how much they love him. It's amazing. And I also love how much the Brothers love each other and are there for each other no matter what. It's inspiring! And guys, the epilogue!!! I CANNOT WAIT FOR NEXT BOOK!!!
Life was short, no matter how many days you were granted. And people were precious, each and every one, no matter how many you were lucky enough to have in your life. And love... love was worth dying for. Worth living for, too.
Torhment & Autumn aka No'One: I feel Tohr's pain. I really do. And I get it. Wellsie death was painful, and extremely sad. I get and understand Tohr disappearing the way he did. I'm also glad he came back (no matter the how he got back...). He belongs in the Brotherhood. Autumn was a good, naive woman. I liked her, though she's a boring character. Tohr and Autumn are sweet together, and I'm glad to see how they are in a way healing each other, because it's okay to let go and live again..
“Maybe I’m finally going to be an angel tonight.”
Lassiter: He kinda awesome. I wonder if he is a fighter. Perhaps he will become a Brother? I want to know more about him though. We don't know that much about him or his past. Might be an interesting story to read....
“Text me when you want to see me again, he signed. I'm giving you your space, but know this: I will wait forever for you.”
John Matthew & Xhex: Cute and all, however, as a couple, they kinda annoy me. I have respect for a independent woman, someone who won't let people decide what she should do just because she's a woman. However, she's too independent for my liking. I really liked John in the beginning, but he has changed so much that I...I don't respect him or like as much as I did. I have this feeling that I can't get away, and it is that John's too much in his own world. Too self observed or something? I donno. I don't like the feeling...
Qhuinn stopped breathing, focusing everything he had on the male who had been his best friend and his never-been lover… and the ever-after that was never going to happen.
Qhuinn & Blay: OMG!! I'm fangirling! I just love them two! Oh boy, I could really feel Qhuinn's pain! I literally feel it. In my goddamn heart. I feel it so damn badly and I must say, it hurts. Qhuinn has easily become, I think, my second favorite character in this series (Wrath is #1, which, if you know me, wouldn't come as a surprise...). Oh how I love him! I used to ship Butch and V, hoping they would get it on (if you know what I mean...) but as it will never happen, I just got really frustrated -.-' I mean, come on, they are a perfect match and can't they just hook up once or twice? I think we deserve that, right? Anyway, now I think my favorite ship is actually Qhuinn and Blay (either them or Wrath and Beth... Who knows, I cannot decide :O) and I can't wait to see what will happen to them. I have a feeling the ride is going to be heartbreaking...
“You never realized how thick your fog was until it lifted.”
Layla: I don't like Layla. Perhaps it's because I'm jealous of her relationship with Qhuinn, and she's, though not intuitionally, giving Blay a lot of pain. I won't stand for that. She's too damn naive and dumb. I have a feeling that the next couple to 'mate' will be Layla and Xcor... Like I said, I don't like Layla and I have a feeling she would do some stupid things in the future...
If he had been one of Xcor’s males, the Brother might well have had to be killed so that Xcor could retain his prime position: It was a basic tenent of leadership that one eliminated those who presented a potential challenge to one’s position... although it wasn’t as if his band were incompetents—after all, one had to eliminate the weak as well.
Xcor: Hate. I have lots of hate for Xcor. I really do. What he tried to do to Wrath? Unforgivable! What he is still trying to do? Un-fucking-forgivable! I hate him and hope he dies. He's men I don't mind much, but they are following the wrong leader. The Band of Bastards does a good thing killing the Lessers and all, but what they are planning? It's not right. I don't like it for one second, and I hope they are stopped before it's too late.
“As they went by Assail, the male was watching them. "Jesus, he really is blind."
Wrath pulled up short and unsheathed his dagger, pointed it directly into the guys face. "But my hearing is just fine.”
Assail: Interesting character. I wonder what will happen to him and what he has planned. As long as him and me stays on the same side, we're cool, but if he crosses Wrath, or does something that will hurt Wrath and the Brotherhood, I will hunt him down. Just saying.
Vishous, son of the Bloodletter, was not the kind of male anyone addressed like that. Except, apparently, for Wrath. In this case, the Brother with the tattoos on his face and the perverted reputation and the hand of death did exactly what he was told. He shut the fuck up.
Which said volumes about Wrath. Did it not.
The Brotherhood: I actually missed all the other brothers. This book was focused on uninteresting characters and the other Brothers weren't a lot in it. I missed their humor and they're connection with each other. I want to become a part of the Brotherhood, just saying. I love the guys, and I specially love them together. The Brotherhood is a family, and a damn powerful and strong too!
Rate: 2.5 *I do love Qhuinn* stars.
March 29, 2012
My #1 anticipated release for 2012 is Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward. Last year when I read Lover Unleashed, I had said I wasn’t as excited with this series as I used to be, and my crack like addiction had dwindled. Well, I was lying because the moment J.R. posted excerpts of Lover Reborn on her Facebook page, I was dragged back in. And now, I am fully enamored again.
Ward has me doing back flips in glee already for the eleventh book because it’s going to be about Qhuinn and Blay, known better as Qhuay, a big fan favorite. Their book will be released in March 2013, and it's five years in the making. I also believe after Qhuay have their HEA, Layla, the Chosen who's been floating around since Lover Eternal will be next, and then Lassiter, the fallen angel who must help Tohr get over the death of his beloved mate, Wellsie. In order for Lassiter to be successful, he needs Tohr to move on and find happiness elsewhere, which for some reason means in the arms of another woman.Sex heals all wounds, or so it seems.
Once upon a time, at the beginning of the series, Ward had only planned to write 10 books total. Don’t be surprised if we end up getting 10 more books. Lover Reborn finally gives Tohrment his due. Tohr is very different from his fellow brother warriors. He always came across to me as thinker and one who didn’t have incredible angst. It wasn’t until his mate, Wellsie was shot and killed by the brotherhood’s ultimate enemy, the Omega’s lessers, along with his unborn child, did he then embody his name. Wellsie, like most of the brother’s mated wives, was the second half of his soul. Wellsie and Tohr had two-hundred years together, and when Wellsie was taken from him, he died inside and vanished, perhaps never to function normally again. There are many books that will mention a hero’s or heroine’s partner who they loved deeply. Most of the time we find things weren’t so rosy with the main protagonist and their dead spouse or lover, and because of this, that enables the main protagonist to find a better, more satisfying love with another. But the thing with Tohr’s first love is that Wellsie was a woman of worth, and readers were able to see Tohr and Wellsie together in the first few books before she was taken away from him.
Lover Reborn starts fifteen months after Wellsie’s death and runs over a course of a year. Tohr has come back into the brotherhood fold, although he can’t let Wellsie go. He’s haunted by Wellsie, and rightly so because she was his everything. But what Tohr doesn’t realize is because he can’t let go Wellsie, her soul and the one of their unborn child are fading and are stuck in an in between realm much like purgatory. Wellsie and the unborn child can’t be at peace and go onto the Fade (BDB's Heaven) until Tohr admits Wellsie’s gone and move on. Lassiter, the snarky, television junkie, pierced tattooed fallen angel has been sent by the Maker to help Tohr move past Wellsie’s death. For some reason this means him finding a new woman to lose himself in. The answer to Tohr’s problem comes in the form of No’One.
No’One is Xhex’s mother (Xhex was the heroine in the last book and is now mated to John Matthew). Tohr met No’One way before Wellsie when he and Darius ended up saving No’One after she was kidnapped, sexually abused and impregnated by a sympath, a nasty snake like vampire creature. After No’One gave birth to Xhex, she killed herself and has been caught in her own in between purgatory. She’s been given a second chance from the Scribe Virgin (or perhaps even the Maker) and has come back down to Earth to make amends with Xhex. No’One hides under her long robes and comes across as fragile in both body and spirit. She's guilt ridden and blames herself for her own kidnapping and giving birth to Xhex who has her own issues because of what she is. No’One feels she’s a burden and has no real purpose.
Tohr begins to notice No’One and he hates it because he’s attracted to her. Tohr goes as far as punch himself in the crotch when he gets hard. He feels he’s betraying Wellsie by reacting in such a way, and because of this he not only lashes out at himself but at No’One, thinking she’s purposely trying to seduce him. This is a perfect example of Tohr’s grieving process. He’s slowly getting over Wellsie but the steps he’s taking is not good enough. He has to heal faster, because if he doesn’t, Wellsie and their baby’s spirit will vanish into nothing and they’ll never reach that nirvana or that total peace expected when someone dies. It all depends on Tohr welcoming No’One in his heart. The generous soul that No’One is allows Tohr to use her as he sees fit and is perfectly fine with him keeping Wellsie in his mind and heart.
Lover Reborn is a gut wrenching read. Tohr’s suffering and healing process is heartbreaking. You feel everything Tohr is going through, and his reactions are completely understandable. There’s a scene early on where Tohr lays out Wellsie’s dress she wore during their mating ceremony. He lies down next to the dress, rubbing and caressing it. He then breaks down in tears. This is a man living in his own hell because he lost the one thing that mattered to him. And from this scene I knew the new love he would find with No’One would never compare to what he had with Wellsie.
Lover Reborn is an outstandingly written book. I would go as far to say it’s one of the best in this series. The main reason is how Tohr’s grieving process is portrayed. But this also causes a problem for me. Ward likes to break her own rules. Some readers may not mind and take it at face value. If Mary can be saved for Rhage and Jane saved for Vishous, than why couldn’t Wellsie be saved for Tohr? So, if say Wrath lost Beth, Rhage lost Mary, Zsadist lost Bella and so forth, they wouldn't be allowed to mourn for too long and it would be expected of them to fill that void and find another mate? Or is this Ward’s way of saying that life for some isn’t fair for some and unfortunately Tohr’s is a victim of this?
My biggest issue with Lover Reborn is, why can't Tohr mourn his mate's death and go through life as if he's dead inside? Eventually he would heal and move on, but like most losses, it takes time. And why out of anyone who has lost a mate, why is Wellsie stuck in the in between and not in the Fade? Tohr lost the other part of his soul, or so we're led to believe regarding the BDB men and their women. Why does Tohr’s HEA mean he must find love with another? Also, two years after Wellsie's death is not enough time for Tohr to get over the love of his life, especially if they were very happy together for two centuries. I would have preferred Tohr remain alone. I feel No’One, after all is said and done, will always be second best and not fully loved as she should be. A great, big flashing sign to prove that Tohr and No’One’s love is less than it is, deals with the bonding scent. Tohr never unleashes the all important bonding scent with No’One. Although Tohr does all the noticeable and affectionate reactions expected such as feeding No’One and giving her intense sexual pleasure, I feel as if their “love” was lacking.
Also when Tohr comes to the conclusion he loves No’One, it was sudden and rushed. In a word, I was verily disappointed with their relationship. It failed for me because I wanted to believe that Tohr and No’One have this all encompassing love for one another just like the rest of the brothers and their mates have. At no time while I read did I feel this. Let’s hope Ward can prove me wrong and continue working on Tohr and No’One’s relationship process in future books.
Even with my issues with Tohr and No’One, I was thoroughly entertained in other ways. Whereas the Band of Bastards (the BDB’s newest enemy) who have come to eliminate Wrath didn’t excite me in the last book, now has my interest, mainly regarding the leader, Xcor. There’s going to be some great things planned for the emotional damaged Xcor, and I do believe he will be healed by love in the form of a certain Chosen who’s about to be giving her own starring role. Layla is set to become one of the most important characters, not only because of her new relationship with Qhuinn that will anger readers because of what occurs between them here, and the shocking consequences of their actions, but the possibility that she may be the driving force to bring together a new awesome reign for the Black Dagger Brotherhood.
Side Note: I do believe if Qhuay’s book is very successful, since it’s going to be a Gay (M/M) romance, I can see Ward taking a possible love triangle between Xcor, Layla and one of the members of Xcor’s band and perhaps write a MFM ménage romance. If so, this can open a whole new world and prove that a traditional romance, usually in the terms of a straight romance is not necessarily the norm any longer. I give major kudos to Ward for taking such chances and I do believe it will work in the long run.
The last line before the epilogue in Lover Reborn is very important mainly because it implies big things for the rest of this series: “Our future has come” can mean so many different things. Not only is this line important for Qhuinn and Blay (Qhuinn says it as he looks at Blay, and decides he’s finally claiming Blay as his own), but I also see it as a promise from Ward to give her readers a bigger and better future with the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.
The future has finally arrived, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store.
Ward has me doing back flips in glee already for the eleventh book because it’s going to be about Qhuinn and Blay, known better as Qhuay, a big fan favorite. Their book will be released in March 2013, and it's five years in the making. I also believe after Qhuay have their HEA, Layla, the Chosen who's been floating around since Lover Eternal will be next, and then Lassiter, the fallen angel who must help Tohr get over the death of his beloved mate, Wellsie. In order for Lassiter to be successful, he needs Tohr to move on and find happiness elsewhere, which for some reason means in the arms of another woman.Sex heals all wounds, or so it seems.
Once upon a time, at the beginning of the series, Ward had only planned to write 10 books total. Don’t be surprised if we end up getting 10 more books. Lover Reborn finally gives Tohrment his due. Tohr is very different from his fellow brother warriors. He always came across to me as thinker and one who didn’t have incredible angst. It wasn’t until his mate, Wellsie was shot and killed by the brotherhood’s ultimate enemy, the Omega’s lessers, along with his unborn child, did he then embody his name. Wellsie, like most of the brother’s mated wives, was the second half of his soul. Wellsie and Tohr had two-hundred years together, and when Wellsie was taken from him, he died inside and vanished, perhaps never to function normally again. There are many books that will mention a hero’s or heroine’s partner who they loved deeply. Most of the time we find things weren’t so rosy with the main protagonist and their dead spouse or lover, and because of this, that enables the main protagonist to find a better, more satisfying love with another. But the thing with Tohr’s first love is that Wellsie was a woman of worth, and readers were able to see Tohr and Wellsie together in the first few books before she was taken away from him.
Lover Reborn starts fifteen months after Wellsie’s death and runs over a course of a year. Tohr has come back into the brotherhood fold, although he can’t let Wellsie go. He’s haunted by Wellsie, and rightly so because she was his everything. But what Tohr doesn’t realize is because he can’t let go Wellsie, her soul and the one of their unborn child are fading and are stuck in an in between realm much like purgatory. Wellsie and the unborn child can’t be at peace and go onto the Fade (BDB's Heaven) until Tohr admits Wellsie’s gone and move on. Lassiter, the snarky, television junkie, pierced tattooed fallen angel has been sent by the Maker to help Tohr move past Wellsie’s death. For some reason this means him finding a new woman to lose himself in. The answer to Tohr’s problem comes in the form of No’One.
No’One is Xhex’s mother (Xhex was the heroine in the last book and is now mated to John Matthew). Tohr met No’One way before Wellsie when he and Darius ended up saving No’One after she was kidnapped, sexually abused and impregnated by a sympath, a nasty snake like vampire creature. After No’One gave birth to Xhex, she killed herself and has been caught in her own in between purgatory. She’s been given a second chance from the Scribe Virgin (or perhaps even the Maker) and has come back down to Earth to make amends with Xhex. No’One hides under her long robes and comes across as fragile in both body and spirit. She's guilt ridden and blames herself for her own kidnapping and giving birth to Xhex who has her own issues because of what she is. No’One feels she’s a burden and has no real purpose.
Tohr begins to notice No’One and he hates it because he’s attracted to her. Tohr goes as far as punch himself in the crotch when he gets hard. He feels he’s betraying Wellsie by reacting in such a way, and because of this he not only lashes out at himself but at No’One, thinking she’s purposely trying to seduce him. This is a perfect example of Tohr’s grieving process. He’s slowly getting over Wellsie but the steps he’s taking is not good enough. He has to heal faster, because if he doesn’t, Wellsie and their baby’s spirit will vanish into nothing and they’ll never reach that nirvana or that total peace expected when someone dies. It all depends on Tohr welcoming No’One in his heart. The generous soul that No’One is allows Tohr to use her as he sees fit and is perfectly fine with him keeping Wellsie in his mind and heart.
Lover Reborn is a gut wrenching read. Tohr’s suffering and healing process is heartbreaking. You feel everything Tohr is going through, and his reactions are completely understandable. There’s a scene early on where Tohr lays out Wellsie’s dress she wore during their mating ceremony. He lies down next to the dress, rubbing and caressing it. He then breaks down in tears. This is a man living in his own hell because he lost the one thing that mattered to him. And from this scene I knew the new love he would find with No’One would never compare to what he had with Wellsie.
Lover Reborn is an outstandingly written book. I would go as far to say it’s one of the best in this series. The main reason is how Tohr’s grieving process is portrayed. But this also causes a problem for me. Ward likes to break her own rules. Some readers may not mind and take it at face value. If Mary can be saved for Rhage and Jane saved for Vishous, than why couldn’t Wellsie be saved for Tohr? So, if say Wrath lost Beth, Rhage lost Mary, Zsadist lost Bella and so forth, they wouldn't be allowed to mourn for too long and it would be expected of them to fill that void and find another mate? Or is this Ward’s way of saying that life for some isn’t fair for some and unfortunately Tohr’s is a victim of this?
My biggest issue with Lover Reborn is, why can't Tohr mourn his mate's death and go through life as if he's dead inside? Eventually he would heal and move on, but like most losses, it takes time. And why out of anyone who has lost a mate, why is Wellsie stuck in the in between and not in the Fade? Tohr lost the other part of his soul, or so we're led to believe regarding the BDB men and their women. Why does Tohr’s HEA mean he must find love with another? Also, two years after Wellsie's death is not enough time for Tohr to get over the love of his life, especially if they were very happy together for two centuries. I would have preferred Tohr remain alone. I feel No’One, after all is said and done, will always be second best and not fully loved as she should be. A great, big flashing sign to prove that Tohr and No’One’s love is less than it is, deals with the bonding scent. Tohr never unleashes the all important bonding scent with No’One. Although Tohr does all the noticeable and affectionate reactions expected such as feeding No’One and giving her intense sexual pleasure, I feel as if their “love” was lacking.
Also when Tohr comes to the conclusion he loves No’One, it was sudden and rushed. In a word, I was verily disappointed with their relationship. It failed for me because I wanted to believe that Tohr and No’One have this all encompassing love for one another just like the rest of the brothers and their mates have. At no time while I read did I feel this. Let’s hope Ward can prove me wrong and continue working on Tohr and No’One’s relationship process in future books.
Even with my issues with Tohr and No’One, I was thoroughly entertained in other ways. Whereas the Band of Bastards (the BDB’s newest enemy) who have come to eliminate Wrath didn’t excite me in the last book, now has my interest, mainly regarding the leader, Xcor. There’s going to be some great things planned for the emotional damaged Xcor, and I do believe he will be healed by love in the form of a certain Chosen who’s about to be giving her own starring role. Layla is set to become one of the most important characters, not only because of her new relationship with Qhuinn that will anger readers because of what occurs between them here, and the shocking consequences of their actions, but the possibility that she may be the driving force to bring together a new awesome reign for the Black Dagger Brotherhood.
Side Note: I do believe if Qhuay’s book is very successful, since it’s going to be a Gay (M/M) romance, I can see Ward taking a possible love triangle between Xcor, Layla and one of the members of Xcor’s band and perhaps write a MFM ménage romance. If so, this can open a whole new world and prove that a traditional romance, usually in the terms of a straight romance is not necessarily the norm any longer. I give major kudos to Ward for taking such chances and I do believe it will work in the long run.
The last line before the epilogue in Lover Reborn is very important mainly because it implies big things for the rest of this series: “Our future has come” can mean so many different things. Not only is this line important for Qhuinn and Blay (Qhuinn says it as he looks at Blay, and decides he’s finally claiming Blay as his own), but I also see it as a promise from Ward to give her readers a bigger and better future with the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.
The future has finally arrived, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2017
Tohrment (or Tohr) and No’One (or Rosalhynda – her initial name; or Autumn – the name that was given to her by Torh)
Such a sad sad love story.
Torhment is heartbroken because his mate Wellsie and his unborn son were killed. Since he knows that if he kills himself, he won’t be able to reunite with his family after death; he tries his best to die far away from his fellow warriors. He starves (only drinks animals’ blood) and he stays outside in the cold praying that someone will kill him. Lassiter finds him and takes him back to the mansion, because there are things about his precious Wellsie and her afterlife that he doesn’t know.
No’One is miserable because of her distressing story of her youth when she was stolen and raped by a symphath. She was saved and taken care of by two warriors, but as she was born in Glymera she could not live with this burden. So as soon as she gave birth to her daughter, she killed herself. Now she lives only to take care of the Chosens, until Payne takes her back to the human world.
There she will meet Tohr.
Torh likes No’One, but he will not allow himself to feel happiness with her because he feels that he betrays his dead mate.
No’One likes Tohr, but she feels that she does not deserve to be happy because she abandoned her daughter.
Both live in their own personal hell.
Well, both they have to just let go of the past because No’One’s daughter has forgiven her and wants to be her friend and Torh’s mate needs to move on and Torh does not let her.
For the majority of the book Tohr behaves like a heartless bastard and No’One behaves like a lifeless victim.
The saddest thing is that when Torh and No’One actually manage to be happy together, the worst happens like they were not supposed to be together in the first place (I was surprised and I cried my eyes out there).
Lassiter is their best protector and his behavior is the only thing that made smile from this book.
I don’t normally like stories where there is always the memory of the other woman around and the female main character needs to settle in the second best place, but somehow it works here for me.
Overwhelming, well-remembered book.
Life was short, no matter how many days you were granted. And people were precious, each and every one, no matter how many you were lucky enough to have in your life.
And love... love was worth dying for.
Worth living for, too.
Such a sad sad love story.
Torhment is heartbroken because his mate Wellsie and his unborn son were killed. Since he knows that if he kills himself, he won’t be able to reunite with his family after death; he tries his best to die far away from his fellow warriors. He starves (only drinks animals’ blood) and he stays outside in the cold praying that someone will kill him. Lassiter finds him and takes him back to the mansion, because there are things about his precious Wellsie and her afterlife that he doesn’t know.
No’One is miserable because of her distressing story of her youth when she was stolen and raped by a symphath. She was saved and taken care of by two warriors, but as she was born in Glymera she could not live with this burden. So as soon as she gave birth to her daughter, she killed herself. Now she lives only to take care of the Chosens, until Payne takes her back to the human world.
There she will meet Tohr.
Torh likes No’One, but he will not allow himself to feel happiness with her because he feels that he betrays his dead mate.
No’One likes Tohr, but she feels that she does not deserve to be happy because she abandoned her daughter.
Both live in their own personal hell.
Well, both they have to just let go of the past because No’One’s daughter has forgiven her and wants to be her friend and Torh’s mate needs to move on and Torh does not let her.
For the majority of the book Tohr behaves like a heartless bastard and No’One behaves like a lifeless victim.
The saddest thing is that when Torh and No’One actually manage to be happy together, the worst happens like they were not supposed to be together in the first place (I was surprised and I cried my eyes out there).
Lassiter is their best protector and his behavior is the only thing that made smile from this book.
I don’t normally like stories where there is always the memory of the other woman around and the female main character needs to settle in the second best place, but somehow it works here for me.
Overwhelming, well-remembered book.
July 13, 2013
5 TOHRMENT STARS
“Life was short, no matter how many days you were granted. And people were precious, each and every one, no matter how many you were lucky enough to have in your life. And love... love was worth dying for."
I thought I couldn't possibly love this series more and I'm convinced I'm becoming annoyingly predictable with my black dagger five star ratings, but quite frankly I just can't help myself. 'Lover reborn' had all the usual ingredients dished out in one well written book, action, romance, fighting, love, angst, heartache, sorrow, reconciliation and delicious warriors. This book delivered all I could have hoped and more, here are my thoughts ...
What's it all about?
Tohrment is a lost and weary warrior, a character that has been lovingly included in the series from the start, here we are finally able to get wrapped up into a book all about him, but this brother has not had the easy road, devastation and ruin has followed this tough warrior, 'lover reborn' takes the reader to the beginning of his search to move forward and put the pain and devastation of loss to bed. Lassister, the black daggers resident and determined angel knows his purpose is set, he must assist Tohrment to move forward from all that is holding him back, there is more at stake than just the brothers peace, throughout the story we are shown more about this heavenly creature and his dedication to his calling. The story ultimately shows the unfolding story of Tohrment and No'one, no'one is a character that has shared the lonely road with Tohrment, she has a past that can only be remembered as dark and painful, as these two tortured souls lives become intertwined the story takes us on the edge of breath taking and devastating as fate decides what will become of them both.
What did I love?
There isn't really much that didn't sweep me away, The love, the journey, the road to peace ... Everything about this book pulled at my heart and made me wish for a happily ever after. Tohrment has become a favourite of mine his involvement in the series cemented a desire to know more about him and this book delivered just that. Of course I'm also a fan of the authors canny ability to continue keeping the other characters stories alive throughout the series, we are given snippets of storyline that gets thrown in and as a self confessed addict I just can't get enough of the brotherhood and all there schenanigans.
Final thoughts ...
WOW, this series just amazes me, I know that paranormal romance is not everyone's cup of tea, but I whole heartedly recommend this series. I have nearly caught up to the most current book in the series and I can hardly believe it. Ive had so much fun talking, reviewing and buddy reading these books ... Next up 'Lover at last'.
“Life was short, no matter how many days you were granted. And people were precious, each and every one, no matter how many you were lucky enough to have in your life. And love... love was worth dying for."
I thought I couldn't possibly love this series more and I'm convinced I'm becoming annoyingly predictable with my black dagger five star ratings, but quite frankly I just can't help myself. 'Lover reborn' had all the usual ingredients dished out in one well written book, action, romance, fighting, love, angst, heartache, sorrow, reconciliation and delicious warriors. This book delivered all I could have hoped and more, here are my thoughts ...
What's it all about?
Tohrment is a lost and weary warrior, a character that has been lovingly included in the series from the start, here we are finally able to get wrapped up into a book all about him, but this brother has not had the easy road, devastation and ruin has followed this tough warrior, 'lover reborn' takes the reader to the beginning of his search to move forward and put the pain and devastation of loss to bed. Lassister, the black daggers resident and determined angel knows his purpose is set, he must assist Tohrment to move forward from all that is holding him back, there is more at stake than just the brothers peace, throughout the story we are shown more about this heavenly creature and his dedication to his calling. The story ultimately shows the unfolding story of Tohrment and No'one, no'one is a character that has shared the lonely road with Tohrment, she has a past that can only be remembered as dark and painful, as these two tortured souls lives become intertwined the story takes us on the edge of breath taking and devastating as fate decides what will become of them both.
What did I love?
There isn't really much that didn't sweep me away, The love, the journey, the road to peace ... Everything about this book pulled at my heart and made me wish for a happily ever after. Tohrment has become a favourite of mine his involvement in the series cemented a desire to know more about him and this book delivered just that. Of course I'm also a fan of the authors canny ability to continue keeping the other characters stories alive throughout the series, we are given snippets of storyline that gets thrown in and as a self confessed addict I just can't get enough of the brotherhood and all there schenanigans.
Final thoughts ...
WOW, this series just amazes me, I know that paranormal romance is not everyone's cup of tea, but I whole heartedly recommend this series. I have nearly caught up to the most current book in the series and I can hardly believe it. Ive had so much fun talking, reviewing and buddy reading these books ... Next up 'Lover at last'.
September 7, 2020
Glad to see Tohrment happy again!
There was a lot of angst in this on the way to getting Tohrment to let go of Wellsie. Apparently she and their baby were stuck in the “in between” and slowly moving further away until they disappeared forever. They would never make it to the Fade unless Tohrment lets them go, and gets over his grief.
He begins to feel attracted to No’One who is the mother of Xhex and was the young girl that he and Darius rescued when he was young. She had been taken hostage by a Sympath and raped and when they rescued her, she wouldn’t allow them to return her to her family with the glymera to be shunned. She knew she was pregnant, so Darius and Tohrment took care of her until she gave birth and right afterward she stole Tohr’s knife and killed herself.
She was brought back as a Chosen, but has always seen herself as a servant, so she called herself No’One and served the Chosen. Recently she has been living in the mansion to get to know Xhex, but since Xhex has been busy, she has been doing laundry in the mansion and has been seeing Tohrment more and more.
Talk about angst, there couldn’t be more between Qhuinn and Blaylock. They are continuing to pine after each other. Blay still is with Qhuinn‘s cousin and Qhuinn does his best not to picture the two males together. Layla is now staying with Qhuinn but she fed Xcor and she has a crush on him. He can’t stop thinking about her either. Sounds like a recipe for disaster or a crazy mixed family.
One thing I can say about these books is they are never ever boring. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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There was a lot of angst in this on the way to getting Tohrment to let go of Wellsie. Apparently she and their baby were stuck in the “in between” and slowly moving further away until they disappeared forever. They would never make it to the Fade unless Tohrment lets them go, and gets over his grief.
He begins to feel attracted to No’One who is the mother of Xhex and was the young girl that he and Darius rescued when he was young. She had been taken hostage by a Sympath and raped and when they rescued her, she wouldn’t allow them to return her to her family with the glymera to be shunned. She knew she was pregnant, so Darius and Tohrment took care of her until she gave birth and right afterward she stole Tohr’s knife and killed herself.
She was brought back as a Chosen, but has always seen herself as a servant, so she called herself No’One and served the Chosen. Recently she has been living in the mansion to get to know Xhex, but since Xhex has been busy, she has been doing laundry in the mansion and has been seeing Tohrment more and more.
Talk about angst, there couldn’t be more between Qhuinn and Blaylock. They are continuing to pine after each other. Blay still is with Qhuinn‘s cousin and Qhuinn does his best not to picture the two males together. Layla is now staying with Qhuinn but she fed Xcor and she has a crush on him. He can’t stop thinking about her either. Sounds like a recipe for disaster or a crazy mixed family.
One thing I can say about these books is they are never ever boring. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
April 5, 2012
Background:
Lover Reborn is the 10th book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and is the story of the last original Brother, Tohrment, and the female character No'One. In the first 3 books, Tohr was the most stable of the Brothers as he was happily bonded to Wellesandra (Wellsie) for almost 200 years. Wellsie is a featured character as Tohr's beautiful, devoted, pregnant mate, and a loving surrogate mother to pre-transition John Matthew. In Lover Awakened, Wellsie is murdered by a Lesser and Tohr disappears in agony as he has lost both Wellsie and his unborn son. He is found by the angel Lassiter and brought back to the Brothers, having tried to die so that he could be reunited with Wellsie in the Fade. With help from Lassiter, Tohr begins to pull himself together; he feeds again and vows to slaughter Lessers in Wellsie's name for the remainder of his life but remains a shell of his former self.
In Lover Mine, we learned that 300 or so years ago No'One was the sheltered daughter of the leader of the glymera when she was abducted, raped and terrorized by a sympath, then left pregnant. She is rescued by a very young Tohr and Darius and brought home where she is rejected by her family who see her as no longer perfect. Virtually catatonic, she stays with Tohr and Darius who care for her for the duration of her pregnancy though as soon as she gives birth to baby Xhex, she kills herself using Tohr's knife. She spends the next 300 years in Sanctuary with the Chosen where she performs the functions of a servant and takes the name "No'One". Ward somewhat mishandled this initial introduction as the character came across as weak and uninteresting, and one who abandoned her newborn baby (Xhex) upon committing suicide.
Many readers have never wanted Tohr to be without Wellsie, who was a vivid character with a great, sexy relationship with Tohr. After Wellsie's murder, Tohr was absolutely devastated, utterly destroyed and suicidal, causing many readers to hope for their reunion, especially since other characters have returned from the dead with help from the Scribe Virgin (SV). Having Tohr move on from his bonded mate breaks a fundamental rule of the BDB world in the mind of many readers, a major reason for the furor over the Wellsie situation. Readers have expectations that happily-ever-after is forever, a bonded male will never get over his female, and that world building rules are to be followed and apply to all characters. Some have said Ward was brave to kill off Wellsie and have her "stay dead", but the inequity between her treatment and No'One, who was also very much dead by suicide, has also increased hostility. Despite this, Ward went ahead with Tohr's book though just over 1 year has passed in the timeline since Wellsie's death, the blink of an eye to vampires that live a millenium.
Review which includes MAJOR SPOILERS:
Spreading events over one year, Lover Reborn opens 15 months after Wellsie's death with Tohr still suffering greatly. Ward pays tribute to their relationship with flashback scenes of the two that are both lovely and bittersweet. To kick start his reluctant relationship with No'One, Ward puts Tohr on a timetable by trapping Wellsie "In Between", her essence diminishing with time and has Lassiter tell Tohr that he needs to fall in love to free her and his unborn child. The book is really all about Tohr's pain and he spends a lot of it being cruel to No'One. There is not much in the way of actual romance, though there are one or two scenes where Tohr does show her some consideration and tenderness. No'One herself seems quite intentionally the blandest female of the series, the polar opposite of Wellsie, and one who readily acknowledges that what Tohr had with Wellsie was a once in a lifetime love. She has a meek personality that sharpens a bit as the book progresses, but is still without much charm or any apparent skills or abilities. No'One's process of healing from her own self-hatred over her rape and suicide is an important part of the book as well, as she and Xhex try to forge ahead. Her abandonment of Xhex and Xhex's horrific past hangs over them, and it isn't possible to forgive her quite as quickly as Xhex does. As the story progresses, Tohr isn't in love with No'One and then suddenly . . . he is! In a rushed ending, he gives away Wellsie's things, sells their house, apologizes to No'One (original name "Rosalhynda", renamed "Autumn"), tells her that Wellsie would have wanted him to move on, and invites her to Wellsie's Fade Ceremony. Tohr's feelings of profound grief and No'One's self-hatred which were pretty well done to this point, are both put aside from almost one page to the next as if it were as simple as deciding not to feel that way any more and ultimately made the rushed "I love you's" at the end unconvincing. Turns out it was Tohr who was actually holding Wellsie back by refusing to let go, so she and his unborn son are now able to move on to the Fade.
Ward's world building has always had issues with consistency and clarity and now crumble in a rushed conclusion falling back on deus ex machina plot devices. MAJOR MAJOR SPOILERS FOLLOW It is revealed that No'One has also been In Between just like Wellsie (and apparently Lassiter) though she was completely unaware of it. After deciding to finally forgive herself, she is transported to the entrance of the Fade and is now able to "move on" as well. Lassiter, thinking Tohr shouldn't have to lose yet another person, goes to his Maker and arranges her return to the living (off page, with a sacrifice that is not revealed). Just like that, No'One reappears fully alive again with Tohr as her prize and apparently will now be allowed into the Fade whenever she dies (yet again). She personally makes no sacrifice for this, gives up nothing we are aware of and need not pay any permanent price for her suicide.
So many questions arise at this point that it's not possible to list them all but here are some of the ones that jumped to mind: Why were both No'One and Lassiter able to interact among the living but not Wellsie since they were all In Between? How is it that No'One can eat, have sex, and have a needing while In Between? Why have we not heard of the In Between before this book in the series? If Lassiter's sacrifice gave No'One her life back, why did he not make this same sacrifice for Wellsie? Is it because Wellsie had moved on to the Fade just moments before and wasn't available to save, literally missing her chance to be returned to Tohr by seconds? Who goes to the In Between and why? Are all suicides given this same treatment? Where is the SV while all this is happening and has the Maker taken over? Who is the Maker exactly and why is he getting involved with what had been the SV's realm? Why didn't Tohr go to the SV at any point and ask what he could do to bring Wellsie back, like Rhage did for Mary and what Wrath proposed to help No'One/Autumn? These questions are either ignored or addressed in the most simplistic fashion with the answer being . . . not everyone goes to the In Between and everyones In Between is different and tailored just for them. The SV, the mother of the race, is a complete no show. Ward now has no rules she needs to follow because . . . everyone's In Between is different and not everyone goes there anyway. And the Maker is in charge, not the SV. If there was ever a story that truly needed the world building to be clearly explained, this was it. There should have been a good reason for No'One to receive her life back, not just that she forgave herself and was available for Lassiter to save. But no explanations are forthcoming and even though Ward must have surely known for years how some readers would react to a solution that lacked some sense of fairness, the bottom line appears to be that No'One (a resurrected suicide) gets to live while Wellsie (a murder victim) has to stay dead because that was their destiny. Though most readers are certainly aware that life isn't fair, they should be forgiven if they would prefer a bit more fun and escapism in their vampire romance fiction.
The secondary storylines were much more enjoyable and took up a large portion of the book. Significant time was devoted to troubles between John and Xhex who are separated for much of the time, due to her need to fight and his need to keep her safe. There is finally some forward progress in the on-going drama of Qhuinn and Blay whose book will be next. The overall story arc of the Omega/Lessers vs. the Scribe Virgin/Brothers has receded dramatically and shifted to infighting within the vampire world with the Band of Bastards making a serious run at Wrath. Xcor and company are kind of fun and could be interesting adversaries, much more so than the alphabet soup evil of the past. The interaction and humor between the Brothers, which has been a hallmark of the series along with the rap music, brand names and pop culture, is also fun though there really isn't very much of it. Until the Fade Ceremony at the very end where all the Brothers and their shellans and doggen are present, the original Brothers play just a small part in the book. As a result, Tohr and No'One's story felt somewhat disconnected from the rest of the BDB world.
With each book, Ward moves further into urban fantasy with multiple storylines, more emotional pain and much less romance and endings that are not quite HEA's. Since it isn't possible for Tohr to bond again, there is no bonding scent, no "mine" moment, and the ending is more along the lines of happy-for-now, with Wellsie awaiting Tohr in the Fade. Though nobody expects rainbows and unicorns from Ward, it doesn't seem too much to hope for more joy and escapism, especially since so many other characters have been allowed to cheat death including No'One/Autumn. The message that you can recover from tragedy and find a measure of happiness is fine, but didn't resonate given the ultimately unconvincing Tohr/No'One relationship, along with the distraction of the contrived plot and truly poor world building. Most definitely not a romance. 1 star for Tohr/No'One and 3.5 stars for the secondary storylines but 1 star overall because, yeah, Wellsie is still dead.
Lover Reborn is the 10th book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and is the story of the last original Brother, Tohrment, and the female character No'One. In the first 3 books, Tohr was the most stable of the Brothers as he was happily bonded to Wellesandra (Wellsie) for almost 200 years. Wellsie is a featured character as Tohr's beautiful, devoted, pregnant mate, and a loving surrogate mother to pre-transition John Matthew. In Lover Awakened, Wellsie is murdered by a Lesser and Tohr disappears in agony as he has lost both Wellsie and his unborn son. He is found by the angel Lassiter and brought back to the Brothers, having tried to die so that he could be reunited with Wellsie in the Fade. With help from Lassiter, Tohr begins to pull himself together; he feeds again and vows to slaughter Lessers in Wellsie's name for the remainder of his life but remains a shell of his former self.
In Lover Mine, we learned that 300 or so years ago No'One was the sheltered daughter of the leader of the glymera when she was abducted, raped and terrorized by a sympath, then left pregnant. She is rescued by a very young Tohr and Darius and brought home where she is rejected by her family who see her as no longer perfect. Virtually catatonic, she stays with Tohr and Darius who care for her for the duration of her pregnancy though as soon as she gives birth to baby Xhex, she kills herself using Tohr's knife. She spends the next 300 years in Sanctuary with the Chosen where she performs the functions of a servant and takes the name "No'One". Ward somewhat mishandled this initial introduction as the character came across as weak and uninteresting, and one who abandoned her newborn baby (Xhex) upon committing suicide.
Many readers have never wanted Tohr to be without Wellsie, who was a vivid character with a great, sexy relationship with Tohr. After Wellsie's murder, Tohr was absolutely devastated, utterly destroyed and suicidal, causing many readers to hope for their reunion, especially since other characters have returned from the dead with help from the Scribe Virgin (SV). Having Tohr move on from his bonded mate breaks a fundamental rule of the BDB world in the mind of many readers, a major reason for the furor over the Wellsie situation. Readers have expectations that happily-ever-after is forever, a bonded male will never get over his female, and that world building rules are to be followed and apply to all characters. Some have said Ward was brave to kill off Wellsie and have her "stay dead", but the inequity between her treatment and No'One, who was also very much dead by suicide, has also increased hostility. Despite this, Ward went ahead with Tohr's book though just over 1 year has passed in the timeline since Wellsie's death, the blink of an eye to vampires that live a millenium.
Review which includes MAJOR SPOILERS:
Spreading events over one year, Lover Reborn opens 15 months after Wellsie's death with Tohr still suffering greatly. Ward pays tribute to their relationship with flashback scenes of the two that are both lovely and bittersweet. To kick start his reluctant relationship with No'One, Ward puts Tohr on a timetable by trapping Wellsie "In Between", her essence diminishing with time and has Lassiter tell Tohr that he needs to fall in love to free her and his unborn child. The book is really all about Tohr's pain and he spends a lot of it being cruel to No'One. There is not much in the way of actual romance, though there are one or two scenes where Tohr does show her some consideration and tenderness. No'One herself seems quite intentionally the blandest female of the series, the polar opposite of Wellsie, and one who readily acknowledges that what Tohr had with Wellsie was a once in a lifetime love. She has a meek personality that sharpens a bit as the book progresses, but is still without much charm or any apparent skills or abilities. No'One's process of healing from her own self-hatred over her rape and suicide is an important part of the book as well, as she and Xhex try to forge ahead. Her abandonment of Xhex and Xhex's horrific past hangs over them, and it isn't possible to forgive her quite as quickly as Xhex does. As the story progresses, Tohr isn't in love with No'One and then suddenly . . . he is! In a rushed ending, he gives away Wellsie's things, sells their house, apologizes to No'One (original name "Rosalhynda", renamed "Autumn"), tells her that Wellsie would have wanted him to move on, and invites her to Wellsie's Fade Ceremony. Tohr's feelings of profound grief and No'One's self-hatred which were pretty well done to this point, are both put aside from almost one page to the next as if it were as simple as deciding not to feel that way any more and ultimately made the rushed "I love you's" at the end unconvincing. Turns out it was Tohr who was actually holding Wellsie back by refusing to let go, so she and his unborn son are now able to move on to the Fade.
Ward's world building has always had issues with consistency and clarity and now crumble in a rushed conclusion falling back on deus ex machina plot devices. MAJOR MAJOR SPOILERS FOLLOW It is revealed that No'One has also been In Between just like Wellsie (and apparently Lassiter) though she was completely unaware of it. After deciding to finally forgive herself, she is transported to the entrance of the Fade and is now able to "move on" as well. Lassiter, thinking Tohr shouldn't have to lose yet another person, goes to his Maker and arranges her return to the living (off page, with a sacrifice that is not revealed). Just like that, No'One reappears fully alive again with Tohr as her prize and apparently will now be allowed into the Fade whenever she dies (yet again). She personally makes no sacrifice for this, gives up nothing we are aware of and need not pay any permanent price for her suicide.
So many questions arise at this point that it's not possible to list them all but here are some of the ones that jumped to mind: Why were both No'One and Lassiter able to interact among the living but not Wellsie since they were all In Between? How is it that No'One can eat, have sex, and have a needing while In Between? Why have we not heard of the In Between before this book in the series? If Lassiter's sacrifice gave No'One her life back, why did he not make this same sacrifice for Wellsie? Is it because Wellsie had moved on to the Fade just moments before and wasn't available to save, literally missing her chance to be returned to Tohr by seconds? Who goes to the In Between and why? Are all suicides given this same treatment? Where is the SV while all this is happening and has the Maker taken over? Who is the Maker exactly and why is he getting involved with what had been the SV's realm? Why didn't Tohr go to the SV at any point and ask what he could do to bring Wellsie back, like Rhage did for Mary and what Wrath proposed to help No'One/Autumn? These questions are either ignored or addressed in the most simplistic fashion with the answer being . . . not everyone goes to the In Between and everyones In Between is different and tailored just for them. The SV, the mother of the race, is a complete no show. Ward now has no rules she needs to follow because . . . everyone's In Between is different and not everyone goes there anyway. And the Maker is in charge, not the SV. If there was ever a story that truly needed the world building to be clearly explained, this was it. There should have been a good reason for No'One to receive her life back, not just that she forgave herself and was available for Lassiter to save. But no explanations are forthcoming and even though Ward must have surely known for years how some readers would react to a solution that lacked some sense of fairness, the bottom line appears to be that No'One (a resurrected suicide) gets to live while Wellsie (a murder victim) has to stay dead because that was their destiny. Though most readers are certainly aware that life isn't fair, they should be forgiven if they would prefer a bit more fun and escapism in their vampire romance fiction.
The secondary storylines were much more enjoyable and took up a large portion of the book. Significant time was devoted to troubles between John and Xhex who are separated for much of the time, due to her need to fight and his need to keep her safe. There is finally some forward progress in the on-going drama of Qhuinn and Blay whose book will be next. The overall story arc of the Omega/Lessers vs. the Scribe Virgin/Brothers has receded dramatically and shifted to infighting within the vampire world with the Band of Bastards making a serious run at Wrath. Xcor and company are kind of fun and could be interesting adversaries, much more so than the alphabet soup evil of the past. The interaction and humor between the Brothers, which has been a hallmark of the series along with the rap music, brand names and pop culture, is also fun though there really isn't very much of it. Until the Fade Ceremony at the very end where all the Brothers and their shellans and doggen are present, the original Brothers play just a small part in the book. As a result, Tohr and No'One's story felt somewhat disconnected from the rest of the BDB world.
With each book, Ward moves further into urban fantasy with multiple storylines, more emotional pain and much less romance and endings that are not quite HEA's. Since it isn't possible for Tohr to bond again, there is no bonding scent, no "mine" moment, and the ending is more along the lines of happy-for-now, with Wellsie awaiting Tohr in the Fade. Though nobody expects rainbows and unicorns from Ward, it doesn't seem too much to hope for more joy and escapism, especially since so many other characters have been allowed to cheat death including No'One/Autumn. The message that you can recover from tragedy and find a measure of happiness is fine, but didn't resonate given the ultimately unconvincing Tohr/No'One relationship, along with the distraction of the contrived plot and truly poor world building. Most definitely not a romance. 1 star for Tohr/No'One and 3.5 stars for the secondary storylines but 1 star overall because, yeah, Wellsie is still dead.
October 17, 2014
Tohr's loss serves as the catalyst for his struggling brothers...
The BDB rallies behind their king, their cause, and each other...
There was a lot more laughter and witty dialogue from the Brotherhood in this Novel. that kind of easy banter was lacking in the previous books, and it was a pleasure to see it here.
No Scribe Virgin,
No Lesser POVs,
I'm loving the incorporation of the Band of Bastards into the War.
Each and every Brother had at least a few lines of dialogue in this book and I appreciate being kept up to date with all their lives and loves...
We also had a triumphant return of focus on the Blind King. I was reminded of all the reasons I love that badass Wrath. All of that strength, honor, and compassion... All the love he has for his queen and his dog - BTW: I still say we need to formally put an "h" in George's name so he can fit in with the rest of the cast. Ghorge - Noble companion and seeing eye dog to the Blind King...
Now to the nitty gritty:
I've done something I'm not proud of with this book - I read it even though I didn't really want to and I wasn't at all excited about it.
That's not really fair to the author, but its the honest truth. I've been unimpressed with he progression of this series for quite some time, but equally determined to make it through to the 11th installment.
I really just wanted to be able to read Lover At Last - the book about two characters I've come to love. Also, after reading Dark Lover & Lover Eternal, I purchased paperbacks of the first 11 books in the series - a mistake I have learned from, I assure you.
I was stuck between a rock and a hard place - was it better to skip a book in a series which weaves so many side stores into each narrative? Or to read a book I was completely unenthusiastic about?
I obviously chose the latter.
So please keep that in mind as you read my review.
I spent a great deal of the book making this face:
Because who was really waiting on the love story between the broken widower and Xhex's nonentity mom? I couldn't get invested in this romance... They certainly had my pity, but they barely had my interest.
It was hard to watch Tohr waste away in the mansion. Yes, we want to see these characters overcome obstacles and thrive... but Ward put Tohr in a seemingly bottomless black pit and continued to kick him for the first third of this book. It was gruesome. I've never been more thankful that we have the multitude of POVs and side stories to keep me from getting dragged down into his black hole.
I give great big allowances to grieving characters - much like real life, those suffering loss are rarely cognizant of those around them. They are stuck in their own world.
And for the love of the Scribe Virgin - Wellsie has been dead for less than two years, can we have the guy a fucking break? I hated that he was pushed to move on...
Tohrment
He was purposefully wasting himself away in the wilderness, hoping that death would claim him so that he could join his family in the Fade. Fate had other plans for Tohr, however, and he was reluctantly pulled from the brink of oblivion by an Angel with an attitude - Lassiter (who remains one of my favorite characters of this series and has, by far, the best dialogue in this book) is determined to get him back on his feet.
By the time we come to this book, Tohr is strong enough to be on rotation with the Black Dagger Brotherhood again, fighting side by side with John - his adopted son - and Quhinn. However, he is not his old self, mentally or physically. He is surviving on the energy of revenge and justice for his Wellsie.
He planned to go on in that rage and grief-filled existence until he eventually died in the field. Considering his reckless actions, that end was fast approaching... Until the Angel Lassiter tells Tohr that his inability to "let go" of his dead wife is keeping her spirit from going into the Fade and having a peaceful afterlife.
The solution: Get back up on that relationship horse - and how convenient, there's an unmated female living in the mansion with nothing better to do...
No'One
We've already been given all the back-story about how Xhex's mother was once a treasured and pure daughter of Glymera. Known as Rosalhynda, she was kidnapped by a Symphath and Brother Darious took a very young Tohrment out into the field to find her. By they time to two rescued her from the clutches of her captor, she was pregnant with the Symphath's young.
Her family refused to take their ruined daughter back, so Darious ad Tohr watched over her during the year of her pregnancy and subsequent birth. In the moments after Rosalhynda gives birth to Xhex, she pulls a dagger from Tohr's belt and kills herself.
Tohr was devestated by the loss and Darious arranged for Xhex to be raised by a Vampire couple who lost a young. Meanwhile, her suicide means that Rosalhynda cannot go into the Fade. She arrives on The Other Side and pledges her service to The Chosen. She changes her name to No'One and spends the rest of her days in servitude... Until she shows up in the mansion with Payne and reveals herself as Xhex's dead mother...
This book had a 'Circle of Life' Theme to it...
Even though this story was supposed to be primarily about Tohrment & No'One, Tohr's story was directly influencing John Matthew...
This book was heavy on John and Xhex - it was a little like reading Lover Mine II - John is trying to deal with the idea of Xhex being a badass fighter in the war. His fear is that he'll loose her and wind up just like Tohr - a shell of a man without his Shellan. Of course Xhex can't stand the idea of being treated like anything less than a warrior. The disagreement is tearing them apart.
On the other side stories:
We're learning more about the entire Band of Brothers. They have several run-ins with The Brotherhood.
Over the course of this book, Xhex and No'One find common ground and begin to form a bond.
Blay & Quhinn are still dancing around each other... but now there's the added complication of The Chosen Layla... We'll have to see how that plays out in the next book...
This was jam packed with action, emotion, angst, and drama... Just like we expect J.R. Ward books to be...
My Other Reviews in the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series:
1. Dark Lover - My Review
2. Lover Eternal - My Review
3. Lover Awakened - My Review
4. Lover Revealed - My Review
5. Lover Unbound - My Review
6. Lover Enshrined - My Review
6.5 Father Mine - My Review
7. Lover Avenged - My Review
8. Lover Mine - My Review
9. Lover Unleashed - My Review
10. Lover Reborn - You're Reading It
11. Lover At Last - My Review
12. The King - My Review
13. The Shadows - My Review
The BDB rallies behind their king, their cause, and each other...
Man, destiny sucked ass. It just had to barge in and piss all over everyone's rose garden.Before we get started, I want to make sure I sing several praises of this book, because it was not all fun for me...
And now it was taking a shit in the other flower beds.
There was a lot more laughter and witty dialogue from the Brotherhood in this Novel. that kind of easy banter was lacking in the previous books, and it was a pleasure to see it here.
No Scribe Virgin,
No Lesser POVs,
I'm loving the incorporation of the Band of Bastards into the War.
Each and every Brother had at least a few lines of dialogue in this book and I appreciate being kept up to date with all their lives and loves...
We also had a triumphant return of focus on the Blind King. I was reminded of all the reasons I love that badass Wrath. All of that strength, honor, and compassion... All the love he has for his queen and his dog - BTW: I still say we need to formally put an "h" in George's name so he can fit in with the rest of the cast. Ghorge - Noble companion and seeing eye dog to the Blind King...
Now to the nitty gritty:
I've done something I'm not proud of with this book - I read it even though I didn't really want to and I wasn't at all excited about it.
That's not really fair to the author, but its the honest truth. I've been unimpressed with he progression of this series for quite some time, but equally determined to make it through to the 11th installment.
I really just wanted to be able to read Lover At Last - the book about two characters I've come to love. Also, after reading Dark Lover & Lover Eternal, I purchased paperbacks of the first 11 books in the series - a mistake I have learned from, I assure you.
I was stuck between a rock and a hard place - was it better to skip a book in a series which weaves so many side stores into each narrative? Or to read a book I was completely unenthusiastic about?
I obviously chose the latter.
So please keep that in mind as you read my review.
I spent a great deal of the book making this face:
Because who was really waiting on the love story between the broken widower and Xhex's nonentity mom? I couldn't get invested in this romance... They certainly had my pity, but they barely had my interest.
It was hard to watch Tohr waste away in the mansion. Yes, we want to see these characters overcome obstacles and thrive... but Ward put Tohr in a seemingly bottomless black pit and continued to kick him for the first third of this book. It was gruesome. I've never been more thankful that we have the multitude of POVs and side stories to keep me from getting dragged down into his black hole.
I give great big allowances to grieving characters - much like real life, those suffering loss are rarely cognizant of those around them. They are stuck in their own world.
And for the love of the Scribe Virgin - Wellsie has been dead for less than two years, can we have the guy a fucking break? I hated that he was pushed to move on...
Tohrment
Life was short, no matter how many days you were granted. And people were precious, each and every one, no matter how many you were lucky enough to have in your life. And love... love was worth dying for.The Brother Tohr's loss was so hearbreaking... The murder of his wife and unborn son at the hands of a Lesser had me crying real tears when the tragedy occurred several books ago. Tohr immediately went off the radar at that point.
Worth living for, too.
He was purposefully wasting himself away in the wilderness, hoping that death would claim him so that he could join his family in the Fade. Fate had other plans for Tohr, however, and he was reluctantly pulled from the brink of oblivion by an Angel with an attitude - Lassiter (who remains one of my favorite characters of this series and has, by far, the best dialogue in this book) is determined to get him back on his feet.
By the time we come to this book, Tohr is strong enough to be on rotation with the Black Dagger Brotherhood again, fighting side by side with John - his adopted son - and Quhinn. However, he is not his old self, mentally or physically. He is surviving on the energy of revenge and justice for his Wellsie.
He planned to go on in that rage and grief-filled existence until he eventually died in the field. Considering his reckless actions, that end was fast approaching... Until the Angel Lassiter tells Tohr that his inability to "let go" of his dead wife is keeping her spirit from going into the Fade and having a peaceful afterlife.
The solution: Get back up on that relationship horse - and how convenient, there's an unmated female living in the mansion with nothing better to do...
No'One
She ate like a bird. Was silent as a shadow.No'One was curiously viod of any real personality. She blended in with the furnature, had no real likes or dislikes... She traveled from the Other Side to be with her daughter Xhex at the end of Lover Mine.
And why she was here, he hadn't a clue.
He had burried her in the Old Country. Underneath an apple tree because he had hoped the fragrant blooms would ease her in her death.
God knew she had had nothing easy at the end of her life.
We've already been given all the back-story about how Xhex's mother was once a treasured and pure daughter of Glymera. Known as Rosalhynda, she was kidnapped by a Symphath and Brother Darious took a very young Tohrment out into the field to find her. By they time to two rescued her from the clutches of her captor, she was pregnant with the Symphath's young.
Her family refused to take their ruined daughter back, so Darious ad Tohr watched over her during the year of her pregnancy and subsequent birth. In the moments after Rosalhynda gives birth to Xhex, she pulls a dagger from Tohr's belt and kills herself.
Tohr was devestated by the loss and Darious arranged for Xhex to be raised by a Vampire couple who lost a young. Meanwhile, her suicide means that Rosalhynda cannot go into the Fade. She arrives on The Other Side and pledges her service to The Chosen. She changes her name to No'One and spends the rest of her days in servitude... Until she shows up in the mansion with Payne and reveals herself as Xhex's dead mother...
This book had a 'Circle of Life' Theme to it...
"Just as the seasons come full circle, so have we. When we first crossed paths, it was all about me, my selfishness, my focus on a tragedy I had lived through. This time it was all about you, your selfishness, your tragedy that you had lived through."Everyone was reliving their own tragedies, losses, near-misses, and all the heartache which brought them to the current point in their lives.
Even though this story was supposed to be primarily about Tohrment & No'One, Tohr's story was directly influencing John Matthew...
This book was heavy on John and Xhex - it was a little like reading Lover Mine II - John is trying to deal with the idea of Xhex being a badass fighter in the war. His fear is that he'll loose her and wind up just like Tohr - a shell of a man without his Shellan. Of course Xhex can't stand the idea of being treated like anything less than a warrior. The disagreement is tearing them apart.
On the other side stories:
We're learning more about the entire Band of Brothers. They have several run-ins with The Brotherhood.
Over the course of this book, Xhex and No'One find common ground and begin to form a bond.
Blay & Quhinn are still dancing around each other... but now there's the added complication of The Chosen Layla... We'll have to see how that plays out in the next book...
This was jam packed with action, emotion, angst, and drama... Just like we expect J.R. Ward books to be...
My Other Reviews in the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series:
1. Dark Lover - My Review
2. Lover Eternal - My Review
3. Lover Awakened - My Review
4. Lover Revealed - My Review
5. Lover Unbound - My Review
6. Lover Enshrined - My Review
6.5 Father Mine - My Review
7. Lover Avenged - My Review
8. Lover Mine - My Review
9. Lover Unleashed - My Review
10. Lover Reborn - You're Reading It
11. Lover At Last - My Review
12. The King - My Review
13. The Shadows - My Review
September 2, 2016
***Second Read November 2014*** As promised, I'm not re-reviewing all of the books because that seems like far too much work for what's meant to be a lazy and enjoyable series re-read. However, this book needed me to expand on some thoughts. There are series spoilers up through book 10, so please don't read this review if you aren't looking to be spoiled.
Why did I decide to add an additional note to this book in particular? Well, the reason is this : I'm doing it for the disgruntled BDB fans. You know who you are. You're the ones who are not thrilled with the series direction, or feel like the series is getting milked to death beyond where it needed to go.
I understand. I really do. Trust me. I've been in a few discussions with people, offering up some of the same concerns.
Yet, something clicked for me while doing this re-read. The series hasn't really changed in the way that people might think. Yes, there are tons of extra character (side) stories that weren't there in the original books - BUT when you really think about it, the space that's being taken up for Xcor, Assail, the Shades, etc. etc. etc. was, in fact, space that was occupied in the past by all of the lesser and Omega crap that a lot of us wanted to skim. At least, this way, the filler material actually has more interest and merit.
The main character love stories might seem to be pushed out in favor of the side stories, but are they really? I've noticed on my re-read that no, this might not be the case. The books are just a little bit longer than they were before, so the extra pages are being used on side stories, which makes the main love story seem shorter, even though it really isn't.
If you look at it from that perspective, the series has gotten better, not worse. There's less filler on the lesser front, and more new characters to love. Going back and reading Xcor's battle for supremacy made me fall in love with him all over again. He is truly the "beast" in the Beauty and the Beast story.
Some of my complaints with Lover Reborn from my first read faded this time around. One of my biggest issues was feeling like Autumn and Tohr needed more of a spark - that it sucked not having him bond with Autumn in the way that he did with Wellsie - almost as if he would never love her the same.
But I didn't get that this time. In fact, I noticed things about their relationship that I didn't notice at all on my first read. I remember feeling sort of cold to their relationship before, and this time, I had tears in my eyes when I read : he'd never felt closer to anyone. Even his Wellsie.
HOW did I miss that before? Before, it almost seemed like Tohr and Autumn had this "consolation prize" relationship going on. This time, I saw them slowly fall in love into something deeper than a physical attraction (which I think I'd been looking for the first time around, which is why I was missing the MINE bonding shit).
Oh, and there was a mention (sorry, I didn't highlight it for reference) of Tohr throwing out a male scent at some point. Maybe it was just a scent of arousal and not a bonding scent, but when I read it this time, it did strike me as a possessive scent. So even if it wasn't a "bonding" scent, he did/does have the capability to WANT to protect and coddle his female.
And the scene where he fed her was beautiful. I feel like an idiot for really not seeing these things the first time around.
So there we have it. I would encourage those who have grown weary of the series to consider doing a re-read. It's really made me appreciate the books even more this time around. All of the cheesy and annoying things that I've never liked about the series have somehow become amusing and nostalgic in a way because it is like revisiting an old friend - when you miss someone, you start to realize that the bothersome things aren't worth worrying about.
***Original Review March 2012*** 3.5 stars. I didn't realize how much I'd longed for Ward's guilty-pleasure goodness until I picked up Lover Reborn. It was like taking a shot of adrenaline to my reading mojo. Thank goodness everyone knows these books have a HEA for the main characters (that's happily ever after for those not familiar with the term), so I won't be spoiling anything by putting (for the first time ever!) the last sentence of a book into my review : On that note, he kissed his female...and bit into his Big Mac. YES. I missed my boys.
I am one of the rare few who appreciates the latter books more than the former ones in this series. Even though Rhage and Z (books 2 and 3) will continue to remain some of my favorite "love stories," I am much more content with the transition of the series from straight PNR into a PNR/UF hybrid. One of the best features of this expanding world is how the lives of all of the Brotherhood have become intertwined. They live together, fight together, and share their struggles with one another. BDB now has more to offer because of its expanding to become something other than just a set of basic alpha-male love stories. It's too bad that those who were put off by the extreme cheesy testosterone of the first installment (probably the weakest in the series outside of Phury's book) never got to see the series hit a good stride.
Did I say I missed my boys already? I did? Well, here's some more reasons why :
Mild spoilers ahead for those who haven't read the book yet.
High Points :
1. Lassiter - snarky angel who watches Maury = good stuff
2. Offbeat humor - one of Ward's strengths as a writer
3. Layla/Xcor/Throe - picture me with a raised eyebrow
4. Tohr - not as much to say here but I'm glad he got a chance to heal
Low Points :
1. Pop culture references - there are still an over-abundance of these. I was starting to wonder if Ward was getting sponsored by all the brands, music, and items she mentioned. This is the stuff that dates the books. I'm letting Maury slide though because that was too perfect.
2. Tohr and No'One/Autumn's reunion. It was pretty yawn worthy. I'm a bit annoyed that
3. John and Xhex - their drama dragged on for far too long.
4. Sexy time -
Why did I decide to add an additional note to this book in particular? Well, the reason is this : I'm doing it for the disgruntled BDB fans. You know who you are. You're the ones who are not thrilled with the series direction, or feel like the series is getting milked to death beyond where it needed to go.
I understand. I really do. Trust me. I've been in a few discussions with people, offering up some of the same concerns.
Yet, something clicked for me while doing this re-read. The series hasn't really changed in the way that people might think. Yes, there are tons of extra character (side) stories that weren't there in the original books - BUT when you really think about it, the space that's being taken up for Xcor, Assail, the Shades, etc. etc. etc. was, in fact, space that was occupied in the past by all of the lesser and Omega crap that a lot of us wanted to skim. At least, this way, the filler material actually has more interest and merit.
The main character love stories might seem to be pushed out in favor of the side stories, but are they really? I've noticed on my re-read that no, this might not be the case. The books are just a little bit longer than they were before, so the extra pages are being used on side stories, which makes the main love story seem shorter, even though it really isn't.
If you look at it from that perspective, the series has gotten better, not worse. There's less filler on the lesser front, and more new characters to love. Going back and reading Xcor's battle for supremacy made me fall in love with him all over again. He is truly the "beast" in the Beauty and the Beast story.
Some of my complaints with Lover Reborn from my first read faded this time around. One of my biggest issues was feeling like Autumn and Tohr needed more of a spark - that it sucked not having him bond with Autumn in the way that he did with Wellsie - almost as if he would never love her the same.
But I didn't get that this time. In fact, I noticed things about their relationship that I didn't notice at all on my first read. I remember feeling sort of cold to their relationship before, and this time, I had tears in my eyes when I read : he'd never felt closer to anyone. Even his Wellsie.
HOW did I miss that before? Before, it almost seemed like Tohr and Autumn had this "consolation prize" relationship going on. This time, I saw them slowly fall in love into something deeper than a physical attraction (which I think I'd been looking for the first time around, which is why I was missing the MINE bonding shit).
Oh, and there was a mention (sorry, I didn't highlight it for reference) of Tohr throwing out a male scent at some point. Maybe it was just a scent of arousal and not a bonding scent, but when I read it this time, it did strike me as a possessive scent. So even if it wasn't a "bonding" scent, he did/does have the capability to WANT to protect and coddle his female.
And the scene where he fed her was beautiful. I feel like an idiot for really not seeing these things the first time around.
So there we have it. I would encourage those who have grown weary of the series to consider doing a re-read. It's really made me appreciate the books even more this time around. All of the cheesy and annoying things that I've never liked about the series have somehow become amusing and nostalgic in a way because it is like revisiting an old friend - when you miss someone, you start to realize that the bothersome things aren't worth worrying about.
***Original Review March 2012*** 3.5 stars. I didn't realize how much I'd longed for Ward's guilty-pleasure goodness until I picked up Lover Reborn. It was like taking a shot of adrenaline to my reading mojo. Thank goodness everyone knows these books have a HEA for the main characters (that's happily ever after for those not familiar with the term), so I won't be spoiling anything by putting (for the first time ever!) the last sentence of a book into my review : On that note, he kissed his female...and bit into his Big Mac. YES. I missed my boys.
I am one of the rare few who appreciates the latter books more than the former ones in this series. Even though Rhage and Z (books 2 and 3) will continue to remain some of my favorite "love stories," I am much more content with the transition of the series from straight PNR into a PNR/UF hybrid. One of the best features of this expanding world is how the lives of all of the Brotherhood have become intertwined. They live together, fight together, and share their struggles with one another. BDB now has more to offer because of its expanding to become something other than just a set of basic alpha-male love stories. It's too bad that those who were put off by the extreme cheesy testosterone of the first installment (probably the weakest in the series outside of Phury's book) never got to see the series hit a good stride.
Did I say I missed my boys already? I did? Well, here's some more reasons why :
"I'll teach the fucker to read," V muttered. "By cramming the Library of Congress up his ass."
"Scotch? Gin? Bourbon?" the angel asked. "I'm having an Orgasm."
Tohr rubbed his face. "Can you never say that word around me when you're buck-ass nekkid?"
That set off a round of, "Orgaaaaaasmmmm, orgaaaaaaasmmm," to the tune of Beethoven's Fifth.
"Aha!" Lassiter pointed at the boob tube. "You motherfucker! I knew you were the father!"
Tohr fought the urge to slap some sense into the son of a bitch. His future was at stake, and this dumb-ass was worried about Maury's paternity tests? "Are you kidding me?"
"No, I'm damn serious. Bastard has three kids by three sisters - what kind of a man is that?"
Mild spoilers ahead for those who haven't read the book yet.
High Points :
1. Lassiter - snarky angel who watches Maury = good stuff
2. Offbeat humor - one of Ward's strengths as a writer
3. Layla/Xcor/Throe - picture me with a raised eyebrow
4. Tohr - not as much to say here but I'm glad he got a chance to heal
Low Points :
1. Pop culture references - there are still an over-abundance of these. I was starting to wonder if Ward was getting sponsored by all the brands, music, and items she mentioned. This is the stuff that dates the books. I'm letting Maury slide though because that was too perfect.
2. Tohr and No'One/Autumn's reunion. It was pretty yawn worthy. I'm a bit annoyed that
3. John and Xhex - their drama dragged on for far too long.
4. Sexy time -
January 5, 2013
There aren’t spoilers present, but I’m still warning you to read at your own risk.
Tohr - No one deserves a happily ever after more than he does. His grief is potent and moving, causing me to tear up as expected. I love that Ward took this one slow. It was needed for the type of distance Tohr had to travel.
No ‘One - To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from No ‘One but I have to say that I enjoyed reading about her genteel spirit and quiet strength. She has her own past to outrun so Tohr and her have that in common. While she isn’t my favorite shellan, I can say that I’ve come to accept her as the newest one.
John & Xhex - I loved reading about them even as my heart broke for them. I always thought that Xhex would make a smooth transition into the Brotherhood. Her arsenal is one that would greatly benefit the Blind King. But I didn’t think of how a bonded male would react as his female stands in the line of fire each night. That’s some tough shit to deal with. Ward takes off the rose-colored glasses and gives John and Xhex something to fight for – their love. Which I think only strengthens their bond even more.
Xcor - The leader of the B.o.B is a merciless SOB when he wants to be. But even though he is determined as ever to dethrone the main man of the vampire race, I couldn’t find myself hating him. Ward gives us glimpses of an honorable man, one who isn’t so heartless as the Bloodletter. To say the least, I am intrigued by Xcor and his merry men of mayhem, because that means the baby-powdered freaks are set aside and the real badass- ery will continue. I am sure you would agree that the band of Bastards are a much formidable opponent than the Lessening Society. Because of them, there is an urgency to the war and now, a real threat to the Brotherhood arises. I can’t wait to see what Ward has planned next.
Lassiter - To quote the angel, “Halle-fucking-lujah!” It’s about time.
I have been dying for some angel action since he first appeared in the books. Finally, Ward has given us something. I loved Lassiter’s parts in this book. Without him, I don’t think this book would be as entertaining or emotional.
Raise your hand if you want disco ball over here to have this own book, because I sure as hell do.
Assail - With his ties to Wrath and Xcor, he will be an interesting one to watch. I have yet to formulate an opinion on him. All I know is that I just want some more.
Layla - *sigh* Still stupid as ever.
‘Nuff said.
Blay & Qhuinn -
Dear WARDen,
Who do I need to sleep with to make this happen? I will do anything to stop the heartbreak. *starts stripping*
All kidding aside, I thought Ward handled Tohr’s story with grace. She didn’t disregard Tohr’s love for Wellsie, but instead used it as a way to show Tohr (and John) that the heart is capable of loving again. While LOVER REBORN may not be my favorite in the series, it is still a story that holds your attention. It has the same passion and heartbreak that is reminiscent of Ward’s earlier books and opens up new possibilities for our favorite characters *cough* - specifically Blay and Qhuinn. (As you can see, I won’t be dropping this anytime soon). As I always say, this series is simply to die for and like an addict experiencing withdrawals, I can’t help but beg for more.
Favorite Quotes:
"I'm an angel first and a sinner second."
"Life's meant to be lived blind - that's how you don't take shit for granted."
"It was a universal truth among males that anytime you saw a guy get it in the nuts, you experienced a shot of phantom pain in your own croquet set."
"Maybe he'd thrown a clot? A cock slot?"
"Our future has come."
"Rising between her open legs, he gripped himself and began to stroke.
"With a moan, she arched and rolled her hips. “Come all over me,” she said through gritted teeth."
[image error]
Sam Worthington as Tohr
Gwyneth Paltrow as No 'One
Tohr - No one deserves a happily ever after more than he does. His grief is potent and moving, causing me to tear up as expected. I love that Ward took this one slow. It was needed for the type of distance Tohr had to travel.
No ‘One - To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from No ‘One but I have to say that I enjoyed reading about her genteel spirit and quiet strength. She has her own past to outrun so Tohr and her have that in common. While she isn’t my favorite shellan, I can say that I’ve come to accept her as the newest one.
John & Xhex - I loved reading about them even as my heart broke for them. I always thought that Xhex would make a smooth transition into the Brotherhood. Her arsenal is one that would greatly benefit the Blind King. But I didn’t think of how a bonded male would react as his female stands in the line of fire each night. That’s some tough shit to deal with. Ward takes off the rose-colored glasses and gives John and Xhex something to fight for – their love. Which I think only strengthens their bond even more.
Xcor - The leader of the B.o.B is a merciless SOB when he wants to be. But even though he is determined as ever to dethrone the main man of the vampire race, I couldn’t find myself hating him. Ward gives us glimpses of an honorable man, one who isn’t so heartless as the Bloodletter. To say the least, I am intrigued by Xcor and his merry men of mayhem, because that means the baby-powdered freaks are set aside and the real badass- ery will continue. I am sure you would agree that the band of Bastards are a much formidable opponent than the Lessening Society. Because of them, there is an urgency to the war and now, a real threat to the Brotherhood arises. I can’t wait to see what Ward has planned next.
Lassiter - To quote the angel, “Halle-fucking-lujah!” It’s about time.
I have been dying for some angel action since he first appeared in the books. Finally, Ward has given us something. I loved Lassiter’s parts in this book. Without him, I don’t think this book would be as entertaining or emotional.
Raise your hand if you want disco ball over here to have this own book, because I sure as hell do.
Assail - With his ties to Wrath and Xcor, he will be an interesting one to watch. I have yet to formulate an opinion on him. All I know is that I just want some more.
Layla - *sigh* Still stupid as ever.
‘Nuff said.
Blay & Qhuinn -
Dear WARDen,
Who do I need to sleep with to make this happen? I will do anything to stop the heartbreak. *starts stripping*
All kidding aside, I thought Ward handled Tohr’s story with grace. She didn’t disregard Tohr’s love for Wellsie, but instead used it as a way to show Tohr (and John) that the heart is capable of loving again. While LOVER REBORN may not be my favorite in the series, it is still a story that holds your attention. It has the same passion and heartbreak that is reminiscent of Ward’s earlier books and opens up new possibilities for our favorite characters *cough* - specifically Blay and Qhuinn. (As you can see, I won’t be dropping this anytime soon). As I always say, this series is simply to die for and like an addict experiencing withdrawals, I can’t help but beg for more.
Favorite Quotes:
"I'm an angel first and a sinner second."
"Life's meant to be lived blind - that's how you don't take shit for granted."
"It was a universal truth among males that anytime you saw a guy get it in the nuts, you experienced a shot of phantom pain in your own croquet set."
"Maybe he'd thrown a clot? A cock slot?"
"Our future has come."
"Rising between her open legs, he gripped himself and began to stroke.
"With a moan, she arched and rolled her hips. “Come all over me,” she said through gritted teeth."
[image error]
Sam Worthington as Tohr
Gwyneth Paltrow as No 'One
March 16, 2020
To be named was to be claimed, and it made her feel … reborn.
Lover Reborn is the 10th book of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. It is the story of Tohr and No'One (a.k.a. Autumn), and as usual, there are many other storylines.
Tohr and Autumn
Lover Reborn raises many questions and debates: why Wellsie wasn’t saved, like Jane and Mary? Is it too soon for Tohr to move on? Does No’One deserve a HEA? Is their love real, or is No’One only a substitute for Wellsie?
I was disappointed in Tohr’s “development”, and I think No’One is the least impressive “heroine” and their “love story” is the least satisfying in the BDB series. Sorry for the quotations marks but you get my point, right?
I liked their backstory which was revealed in Lover Unleashed. It could have been a great base for the romance, but the execution was superficial, hasty, and utterly unsatisfying.
Lassiter
I always loved him, but now… I have no words. I hope he'll have his own story.
John and Xhex
Xhex and John’s marriage crisis started interesting, and I sympathized with both of them, for different reasons. Sadly, it became flat in the middle of the story, and ended in a predictable way. But I still love them together, and like the insights of the marriage of Vishous and Jane in Lover Unleashed, this secondary storyline was also refreshing.
Xcor and the Band of Bastards
Despite their I can’t take the B.o.B. seriously. But the characters are intriguing.
First Xcor seemed to be only a power-greedy, not too smart maniac with a ridiculously absurd aim. Even his soldiers realized that “with a mind like his and plans such as he had, that was not a good combination.” Of course, these traits are still his, and just because he has an abusive past, it doesn't make him likeable. But slowly it is revealed that he has compassion, principles, and he is capable of regret. So he has values, but also very bad political senses. I still don’t like him, but his character is definitely promising.
Qhuinn and Blay
Qhuinn is totally consumed by his feelings for Blay, by the anguish of their situation and his future in general. He still stagnates in the same emotional state, as he did in the previous book, Lover Unleashed. To my utter disappointment, I can’t see any development. He is still disillusioned, still jealous, still lonely, still in anguish, still feeling himself to be an outcast. He doesn’t communicate, not with Blay, and not with anyone else.
In spite of their book being the next one in the series, I felt Qhuinn and Blay’s storyline neglected in this installment. Of course their story has been building up since Lover Enshrined, so actually I’m complaining because I didn’t get enough of them in Lover Reborn. Qhuinn’s heroic (or insanely brave) act made me very proud of him, and I really looking forward to their book.
Qhuinn and Layla
Their hasty decision is questionable. We’ll see…
Xcor and Layla
What the author doesn’t manage to achieve with the Band of Bastards, she does with the attraction between Layla and Xcor. This thing between Layla and Xcor would make a nice conflict. I would really love to see it!
Assail
Seriously? Who’s that guy? And why should I care about him?
I missed very much the King’s viewpoint. Considering the political situation they are in, not presenting Wrath’s thoughts is a big defect of the novel.
All in all. Lover Reborn is one of the weakest (or let's be honest, actually the weakest) book of the series. And now, for the second read, and also having read the following two books, I can see that this book was where the series started to go downhill. But it is an amazing and outstanding series up to this installment, and it will be always one of my favorite PNR series.
My favorite quotes.
March 29, 2012
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I CANT WAIT TILL NEXT YR!!!...The Warden needs to surprise us with an early release later this year...come one PRETTY PLEASEEEEEEEEEEE
UpdateThe Warden always delivers! Outstanding characters creatively woven through well crafted events. Somethings I didnt always understand, or like but I appreciated the action-packed and emotional roller-coaster ride I escaped to for a few hours. She always cements with each new novel the extent of her writing prowess and as My fav writer.
The Main characters main me cry.....and that is all im going to comment on those two before i start weeping again. This hot pic reminds me of them
Now the other characters like Xcor his attachment to someone I would not have ever dreamed would be possible or entered the scope of my imagination,but i have hope the Warden knows what she is about and the direction each character guides her.
oh and i absolutely I LOVE LASSITER. point, black period!!!! just thought i'll put that in as well lol.
John and Xhex relationship had me on eggshells...but their continual make-up sex was HOTT!!!! Following pic reminds me of them
Oh and Warden introduced Assail and more names to the Band of Brothers who will hopefully be explained in future books. And that bit about Layla I WILL FOREVER DESPISE NO HATE WHAT THE WARDEN DID THERE, still boggles my mind especially with what happens to my love peas possible future in the end
OK for the pièce de résistance; the last part with Blay and Qhuinn was freaking fantastic he quote
unquote.
OMGGGGGG *freak out mode* Unfortunately im hyperventilating
and this will have to be the end of my review...Next Book CANT WAIT!!!
UpdateThe Warden always delivers! Outstanding characters creatively woven through well crafted events. Somethings I didnt always understand, or like but I appreciated the action-packed and emotional roller-coaster ride I escaped to for a few hours. She always cements with each new novel the extent of her writing prowess and as My fav writer.
The Main characters main me cry.....and that is all im going to comment on those two before i start weeping again. This hot pic reminds me of them
Now the other characters like Xcor his attachment to someone I would not have ever dreamed would be possible or entered the scope of my imagination,but i have hope the Warden knows what she is about and the direction each character guides her.
oh and i absolutely I LOVE LASSITER. point, black period!!!! just thought i'll put that in as well lol.
John and Xhex relationship had me on eggshells...but their continual make-up sex was HOTT!!!! Following pic reminds me of them
Oh and Warden introduced Assail and more names to the Band of Brothers who will hopefully be explained in future books. And that bit about Layla I WILL FOREVER DESPISE NO HATE WHAT THE WARDEN DID THERE, still boggles my mind especially with what happens to my love peas possible future in the end
OK for the pièce de résistance; the last part with Blay and Qhuinn was freaking fantastic he quote
unquote.
OMGGGGGG *freak out mode* Unfortunately im hyperventilating
and this will have to be the end of my review...Next Book CANT WAIT!!!
June 21, 2017
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Type: Book 10 of Black Dagger Brotherhood series
POV: Third Person
Rating:
When Tohrment lost his shellan Wellsie, he lost part of himself too. Once a feared and respected leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, what left of him was just a shell of the male he used to be. What he didn't realize was as he suffered in living, so did she in the afterlife. He needed to move on to ease both of their suffering.
No'One knew suffering first hand. With a tragic past, she carried her burden quietly, barely living the life bestowed upon her. She wanted to help Tohr find peace, but she had her own demons that needed exorcising.
Throughout the series, Tohr has been moping and acting selfishly. While I understand his grief, it was time for him to man up. It took him a long time to "get it" and along his journey of acceptance, he wasn't exactly my favorite person lol!
No'One was probably the most passive character I've ever read. Her quiet gentleness not only stemmed from her upbringing, but also the result of her past. Her self esteem issue made me wanted to shake her at times.
As tragic as it sounds with their own individual issues, I think both of them really were perfect for each other. Only someone who's been in the same hell would understand what it takes to get out of it. So even though both of them could be frustrating, I did enjoy the deeper part of the story.
I also like all the secondary stories. I hated Xcor when he was first introduced in the series, but he showed a different side of him in this book and I'm curious on how he'll evolve.
Lover Reborn is a story of two people learning to accept their past and help each other to move on. I'm looking forward to the next book especially that it's of one of my favorite character.
Standalone Books in the series:
Must be read in order
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Book 10 of Black Dagger Brotherhood series
POV: Third Person
Rating:
When Tohrment lost his shellan Wellsie, he lost part of himself too. Once a feared and respected leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, what left of him was just a shell of the male he used to be. What he didn't realize was as he suffered in living, so did she in the afterlife. He needed to move on to ease both of their suffering.
No'One knew suffering first hand. With a tragic past, she carried her burden quietly, barely living the life bestowed upon her. She wanted to help Tohr find peace, but she had her own demons that needed exorcising.
"You will always have my sympathy for everything you’ve been through, but I’ve got my own shit to deal with.”
Throughout the series, Tohr has been moping and acting selfishly. While I understand his grief, it was time for him to man up. It took him a long time to "get it" and along his journey of acceptance, he wasn't exactly my favorite person lol!
“I have no need or desire to take her place. And I accept you just as you are, in any fashion you choose to come to me. Or not, if that is the way it must be.”
No'One was probably the most passive character I've ever read. Her quiet gentleness not only stemmed from her upbringing, but also the result of her past. Her self esteem issue made me wanted to shake her at times.
The truth was, she was calling something out of him, some kind of emotion, and those feelings were starting to turn gears inside of him that were rusted and cranky from lack of use. It terrified him. She terrified him.
As tragic as it sounds with their own individual issues, I think both of them really were perfect for each other. Only someone who's been in the same hell would understand what it takes to get out of it. So even though both of them could be frustrating, I did enjoy the deeper part of the story.
I also like all the secondary stories. I hated Xcor when he was first introduced in the series, but he showed a different side of him in this book and I'm curious on how he'll evolve.
Lover Reborn is a story of two people learning to accept their past and help each other to move on. I'm looking forward to the next book especially that it's of one of my favorite character.
Standalone Books in the series:
Must be read in order
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
April 19, 2023
5 hand-to-my-heart-and-tears-falling ~ STARS !!!! I loved this book !!!
My Tohr❤❤
Tohr broke my heart throughout this whole book. ( except for the one part where he took a stupid pill and ripped my heart out ....)
The love of his life Wellsie had been killed earlier in the series. He was as devastated as if it happened just yesterday. He had nothing to live for except to avenge his shellans death.
Wellsie.......is stuck in the "In Between". For her to rest in peace in the Fade....Tohrment must finally let her go......along with Lassiter's help....Wellsie can finally be at eternal rest.
❤
❤
You with the sad eyes come to Mama ~ I will help you heal your broken heart ! You will love again ❤
Tohrment and No'One have crossed paths before. Many, many years ago.
I really loved No'One/Autumns character. She was extremely patient, so kind, so compassionate, and my heart bled for her troubled past. She had a fall from grace that made her feel like lesser of a person. I was committed to her happily-ever-after too !!
Such a beautiful, gripping story...I honestly was blown away...once again. I closed this book and thought about how precious life is. The circle of life really is amazing. Every character that I loved from previous books, in this book, really stepped up to the plate and wow...just blew me away.
Lassiter.....
I've got my eyes on you Angel ❤ thank you for taking one for the TEAM !
Especially after this tidbit of yummilicious information:
Qhuinn❤did some EPIC EPIC shit in this book !!! I can't wait for his book !!! Up next with Lisa Jayne and Christy ....are you ready?? True true true
❤❤❤
My Tohr❤❤
I will love one and only one female for the rest of my life. No matter what I do, who I'm with, or how things appear, you can take that shit to the bank, son. We clear?"
Tohr broke my heart throughout this whole book. ( except for the one part where he took a stupid pill and ripped my heart out ....)
The love of his life Wellsie had been killed earlier in the series. He was as devastated as if it happened just yesterday. He had nothing to live for except to avenge his shellans death.
Wellsie.......is stuck in the "In Between". For her to rest in peace in the Fade....Tohrment must finally let her go......along with Lassiter's help....Wellsie can finally be at eternal rest.
❤
❤
You with the sad eyes come to Mama ~ I will help you heal your broken heart ! You will love again ❤
Just so that you and I are utterly clear with each other, I have no interest in any male. I am sexually repulsed by your kind, and that includes yourself.
Tohrment and No'One have crossed paths before. Many, many years ago.
I really loved No'One/Autumns character. She was extremely patient, so kind, so compassionate, and my heart bled for her troubled past. She had a fall from grace that made her feel like lesser of a person. I was committed to her happily-ever-after too !!
"I don't want to hurt you." he said
"You won't. I know you are still in love with your mate, and I do not blame you. What you had with her was a once-in-a-lifetime love."
"What about you?"
"I have no need or desire to take her place. And I accept you as you are, in any fashion you choose to come to me. Or not, if that is the way it must be. I am happy to simply have time with you. That is enough-and more that I could ever have expected out of my fate."
Such a beautiful, gripping story...I honestly was blown away...once again. I closed this book and thought about how precious life is. The circle of life really is amazing. Every character that I loved from previous books, in this book, really stepped up to the plate and wow...just blew me away.
Lassiter.....
My names's Lassiter, and I'll tell you all you need to know about me. I'm an angel first, and a sinner second, and I'm not here for long. I'll never hurt you, but I'm prepared to make you pretty goddamn uncomfortable if I have to, to get my job done."
I've got my eyes on you Angel ❤ thank you for taking one for the TEAM !
Especially after this tidbit of yummilicious information:
"Wow," she breathed.......alrightyyyyy then ! So moving on .....
"I know, right? Hung like a horse."
"If you're really nice--and you live through this--I'll promise not to tell V."
"About my size."
Qhuinn❤did some EPIC EPIC shit in this book !!! I can't wait for his book !!! Up next with Lisa Jayne and Christy ....are you ready?? True true true
❤❤❤
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