Title: Lover at Last
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood, #11
Author: J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel (604 pages)
Publisher: Penguin Group USA (March 26th 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Reviewer: Tams
Blurb: Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another….
Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.
Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions… but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together… finally become one.
Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/Lover-At-Last-Dagger-Brotherhood-ebook/dp/B008BM4LZY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1395708552&sr=1-1&keywords=lover+at+last
Review: Qhuinn has proven himself as a fierce warrior and secured himself a place within the Brotherhood. He grew up with John, who he later became personal guard for, and Blay. His own family condemned him because of his mismatched eyes, which were looked on as something of a curse. He has always taken solace with Blay’s loving family. After he transitioned he became something of a playboy, but his heart has always belonged to Blay.
Blaylock’s closest friends and allies within the Brotherhood are Qhuinn and John. Although Qhuinn was the first to transition, Blay has proven himself as an effective soldier in the war against the Lesser as well. In Lover Mine, Blay had his first relationship with another man, Saxton who is also Qhuinn’s cousin. Feelings ran deep there, but everyone knows that Blay has always been in love with Qhuinn.
There was a lot going on in this book, as with every book in the series. We not only have the long-awaited love story of Qhuinn and Blay unfolding, but there are several other stories woven into the mix. It is at its core though the story of two boys that fell in love before they ever transitioned. And how to spite everything they’ve been through together and separately, they found their way back to each other. Qhuinn has been portrayed as a playboy, but his true vulnerability shows here. It would seem he hides behind his sexuality so he doesn’t have to face the internal doubt and self-loathing he feels stemming from his parents ostracising him. He doesn’t think he deserves to be loved by Blay.
Blay is the most caring and compassionate of all the Brotherhood, in my opinion. He has spent so many years loving Qhuinn and being rejected, that he has resigned himself to try to be happy with Saxton, allowing Qhuinn to be with Layla and have the family he’s always wanted. Once these two finally get past all the miscommunication and pain of rejection they find a passionate, intense and fulfilling love with one another that they never would have expected.
I could have done without all the angst. These are supposed to be grown ass vampire warriors, what is with all the miscommunication, hurt feelings and angst?! Overall, though, I was SO excited to finally see these two come together, that I was able to give slight allowance to Ward for all the angst. Qhuinn and Blay have a strong foundation that was built on friendship and shared moments of trust and life lessons. There love is passionate, intense, erotic, sensual and sexy as hell! And that ceremony at the end was just the icing on the cake of a long, hard road well-earned for these two!
This is a must read series for paranormal, vampires, action and suspense fans. Be warned though, the couples range in all sexual orientation, not just M/M.