J.R. Ward: Lover Unleashed

• ISBN-13: 9780451235114
• Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
• Publication date: 11/1/2011
• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Pages: 576

A fighter by nature, a maverick when it comes to the traditional role of the Chosen female, Payne is cut from the same warrior cloth as her brother. And that's before human surgeon Dr. Manuel Manello gets sucked into her dangerous world. Although he's never believed in things that go bump in the night - like vampires - he's more than willing to be seduced by the powerful female who marks him as her own. But as the two find so much more than an erotic connection, the human and the vampire worlds collide...just as a centuries-old score catches up with Payne and puts both her love and her life in deadly jeopardy.

 This one felt a little rushed, guys. I think this was due in part to two things: one, we've already been introduced to the two main players. Payne and Manny. We know their circumstances. Two, Ward has recently been really into starting romance storylines early, long before she reaches the pairing's main book. For example, we've been dealing with Qhuinn and Blay and their angst for the last few books now. Don't get me wrong - I love Qhuay and their angst. I can't wait to read their book. But a lot of time is spent in the novels leading up to theirs focusing on their issues. Which then takes away from the main pairing.
 In this novel, Wrath accidentally breaks Payne's back in a sparring match. Big whoops. V's mate, Jane, can't do much to help her, so they call in her specialist friend and former potential flame - Dr. Manuel Manello. Kind of a terrible name. He's shocked to find Jane alive (sort of) but as is the way in Ward's wacky world, he sees Payne and it's instant love. Or lust. Or a combination of both. V is naturally over-protective, and he's going through his own crap with Jane and his own mental space as well, which also takes time away from Payne and Manny, but hey. Necessary evil. I won't spoil it for you, but suffice to say everyone gets their pretty happy ending.
 We also have introductions to the Band of Bastards, Xcor's drama, and some murder-y goodness, which I hear is really set up for a Fallen Angels novel. So there's a lot going on.
 Overall: C+
 Quite a few times, the drama felt contrived. I didn't feel enough time was dedicated the ostensible main couple. BUT we did get a lot of new information and set up for future books. And it was, as always, entertaining. Probably my least favorite thus far, though.

J.R. Ward - Lover Mine

• Paperback: 656 pages
• Publisher: Signet; Reprint edition (November 30, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451231554

In the darkest corners of the night in Caldwell, New York, a conflict like no other rages. Long divided as a terrifying battleground for the vampires and their enemies, the city is home to a band of brothers born to defend their race: the warrior vampires of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.
John Matthew has come a long way since he was found living among humans, his vampire nature unknown to himself and to those around him. After he was taken in by the Brotherhood, no one could guess what his true history was- or his true identity. Indeed, the fallen Brother Darius has returned, but with a different face and a very different destiny. As a vicious personal vendetta takes John into the heart of the war, he will need to call up on both who he is now and who he once was in order to face off against evil incarnate.
Xhex, a symphath assassin, has long steeled herself against the attraction between her and John Matthew. Having already lost one lover to madness, she will not allow the male of worth to fall prey to the darkness of her twisted life. When fate intervenes, however, the two discover that love, like destiny, is inevitable between soul mates. 

J.R. Ward starts off this novel exactly where she left off the last. Xhex is missing, still, kidnapped in the aftermath of the Brotherhood's mad rescue of Rehvenge. Much like every Brother when faced with the loss of his female, John Matthew goes off the deep end. And when the Brothers go off the deep end, it usually means they act like asses toward everyone around them and say "Sorry, bro" later. John Matthew is no different.
  I have had some complaints about John Matthew over the course of his involvement in the Brotherhood stories. First of all, I get he was abused and suffered - but so did pretty much everyone in these stories. They all have backgrounds and that's what makes them so compelling. When Tohr loses his shellan and disappears, rather than be sympathetic or even just take advantage of the family and friends surrounding him, John Matthew chooses to be angry all the time. At Tohr, at the world, at Lash...it doesn't matter. It seems odd to me that he loses a father figure but gains a real sister and many close friends, and still reacts so strongly. Maybe I don't have a great understanding of the human psyche, or I get annoyed easily. The point is I had a problem with John Matthews reaction.
  I did like the development of Xhex, however. I like that she went from hard-ass to understanding and caring shellan.  And oh, Blay and Qhuinn. I desperately await the day when we shall see your HEA (Happily Ever After), as Ward calls it.
  The plot moves along quite well, and Ward always manages to interweave multiple subplots that will come to fruition later. She has great skill in keeping all those plots straight. She also has wonderful world development. All of the details are fully fleshed out and feel natural and unforced. She draws you in and makes you want to live in that version of Caldwell, too. The denouement of the novel is absolutely beautiful, and the final(-ish) scene will make you laugh and cry and rejoice all at the same time. Maybe not cry, but it's definitely a feel-good scene with all the Brotherhood and their families around for John Matthew's mating ceremony.
  Overall: A-