Lover at Last: Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 11

All you BDB fans out there will appreciate that I stopped the book I was listening to, got up at the crack of dawn and desperately downloaded this VERY anticipated book. To say words like good, great, awesome just doesn't do justice to the multi-layered stories JRW produces in these books and this one in particular seemed to be filled with so much more - more sub plots and sub sub plots - yes this is a riveting listen - so be warned - once you start listening it'll just hook you right in.

This was mainly Qhuinn and Blay's story which was soooo touching, tender, heartbreaking, tense, sad, frustrating (your mind screams "just tell him"), misunderstandings, oh I could go on and on but.... it's also full on with the M/M erotic hot love scenes so be warned coz if you can't appreciate that this is who and what they are, two people in love, and don't like listening to it then maybe just skip this one and wait for book 12.

This was also the start of new love stories, continued threats to the BDB Kingdom and Wrath in particular, evil deeds done by the Lessers, conspiracies, deadly partnerships, new characters etc etc etc that the book never get dull because JRW just brings more and more to the party - and long may that continue.

Worth a credit? It's 22.22 hrs of paranormal perfection on a mind blowing scale and so, daaa - of course I'm gonna say YES.

The characters! Ward's BDB universe is filled with lovable (and loathable) characters of every description, and this book features a full caste of familiar faces and new creations. Blay and Qhuinn's journey is, of course, the primary focus of this story, but we also get further insights into Xscore, Layla and Assail, not to mention the shaddow brothers Tres and Iam. At times the constant switching back and forth between characters and storylines gave me literary whiplash--and to be honest, I felt like Assail (whom I hav so far found to be a completely unsympathetic character) got too much air time. But as always, Ward managed to draw me in with her vivid descriptions, frequently hilarious dialogue and the ever-shifting political and interpersonal currents that bring this world to life.

LAL resembles most closely the last few books in the series because the plot weaves several storylines together and jumps back and forth between them. Also, I was getting some serious Suzanne Brockmann vibes at points--If you like her Jules and Robin storyline you'll probably enjoy this book. The circumstances of the characters are very different, but their emotional struggles are similar.

As always, I appreciated his ability to bring the characters to life, to give them personality, while both staying true to the authors' descriptions and avoiding overdramatization. There were some noticeable recording glitches in this book--some areas where the tracks didn't blend seamlessly, and some places where the text seemed to contain errors. I blame that on the editors though, not the narrator.

If you’ve been rooting for Qhuinn and Blay for years, you won’t be disappointed. If you’re already a little in love with Xscore (or at least, feel some sympathy for him), you will see him begin to make some interesting character shifts. Nothing spectacular, of course, but there is definitely some development there. If you like Tres and Iam, you’ll be further entertained by them and get to know them better. And as for Assail—the jury is still out there. He gets a pretty significant sub-plot, but I have to say I didn’t find those parts of the book as compelling as the rest.

Bottom line: if you’re a fan of the series, keep reading! You’ll have a good time. If not, I wouldn’t recommend starting with this one. There is a lot of back story you need to be familiar with in order to fully relate to these characters, and since in my opinion the characters are what make the book, I’d recommend beginning the series from the beginning for maximum enjoyment.

I had been anxiously awaiting the arrive of this book for years! The story of love, betrayal, friendship and passion between Blaylock and Quinn has always been one of my favorites! I was not disappointed! This story was wonderful sometimes I was laughing, holding my breath, crossing my fingers or crying!! I don't want to give anything away but I will mention that the book does not entirely surround Quinn and Blay, other characters are shown in more depth and new ones introduced. The beginnings of their stories are great and I can't wait to see where they go. Hopefully Scar and Layla will be next I'm looking forward to how their relationship will be able to progress.

One warning for those that haven't kept up with the entire series, their are A LOT of characters in this series and if you haven't read/listened to all of the books you may get a bit lost at times. JR Ward has to introduce us to new characters and keep us learning about ones we know little of. It can be a little overwhelming.
Also, please do NOT listen if you have problems with homosexuality! For those that do not have a problem with homosexuality, please listen and give your love and support to the beautiful relationship of Quinn and Blaylock!!!!

I feel like I have been waiting for 10 years for this book, but it was worth the wait! What can I say, in truth I didn't know how JR was going to pull off a tasteful love affair between two men that has spanned both their life times, but it was done properly and wonderfully!

I especially liked the side stories, we hear more about Layla and Score, and we got to know some of our favorites a bit better. There are multiple loose ends and side stories which makes me feel like I am going to be staking JR wards website for news of what's next? Will it be Score/Layla, or perhaps the shadows Tres and Iam will get their own book, and the new players can't be overlooked either especially with one of their fates still up in the air.

PLEASE WRITE FAST JR!!!!

You know the feeling of awe you get when you watch a circus jugular toss oh I don’t know 12 knives around at the same time and never miss a beat. Okay how about when they throw 11 straight up in the air catch one then toss that one up and catch the other 11. A move that makes you draw in a little gasp on top of the breath you did not know you were already holding .
That is what reading Lover at Last felt like, every chapter every character was pulling and compelling, making me gasp, hold my breath, laugh, cry you name it, I did it throughout this book. Blay and Quinn were the main focus of the book, but unlike most writers who may have dimmer peripheral characters, Ward wasted no imagination on the characters surrounding Quinn and Blay and like a true master jugular she did not drop one character, not one ! .
I became just as anxious to find out each and every character not just Quinn and Blay, but equally happy that she took such care in developing their frustrating journey. God the book was beyond awesome. There has to be at least are 70 chapters to this story and I can find something I loved in each chapter. I do not want to rob anyone of the joy ride they will get from listening to this audio book starting with the first five minutes of the story. I will divulge however that I was hysterical with laughter at the description of Havers being roughed up and getting his glasses broken and twisted by Quinn….., priceless !

I am seriously satisfied with the story of Quinn and Blay and looking forward to reading the next books in the series. BDB ROCKS !

The people I know that like paranormal romance, although this is so much more, will love the series and this book. The reason I love this book is watching the relationships develop over many books, not to say that the fast interaction is not awesome. This is about a male/male relationship which may scare some people, but start at the beginning and you are waiting for the wrap up of this relationship. With that said, it was well written and I loved their love. Amazing. I was worried about how this would be handled. I should not have given it a thought.

I love Blay. Always did. He is gentle but hard. Willing to go with it but hating it....knowing it should be different..giving what he can, taking what he can but honest about it for the most part. Quinn makes you sad at every freaking turn as hard as he tries.

Blay and Quinn are in a bar, the honesty....

I did shed tears.

It would be hard to pick this book up and feel the pain, passion and connection. The series is one that keeps you going. I am so anxious for the main attraction the first time I listen, I sometimes miss the subtle introductions, which are many. This writer keeps you going. Characters are amazing and well developed. When a new book comes out I feel like I am visiting my good friends ;0)...with tons of drama.

I have already to several of them. I really hope that they read it. I have recommended this series to people but I have never been so pushy about, "Oh you've GOT to read this book." as I am about this one. I'm going to listen again, and reread it and then read it again. I suggest you do the same.

It's a wonderful, powerful book about people and how they love. How really messed up people can get by their families and eventually learn to over come it, to pull through and get everything they deserve.

OH so many. I think maybe the argument between Blay and Qhuinn in the hallway outside the clinic room was one that made me almost get in trouble on my commute to work when I had to stop and say "Wow" and another commuter ran into me. And then of course in the bar at the end when the two of them had a talk and came to learn what they meant to each other finally. You find yourself screaming, "JUST SAY IT!"

Oh yes. I did it all, laughed, cried, stood in shock, screamed, was afraid for some of them, wished for some of them, this book careens you through the emotional palette like a snowball rolling down hill. And it leaves you both very satisfied and wanting a lot more when it's done.

This is the second book I ever listened to. I loved the narrator. He did an excellent job of portraying all the characters and emphasizing each part of the story with just the right inflection.

Do yourself a favor. Get this book, open your mind, and open your heart to the Black Dagger Brotherhood. It is well worth it on every level.

I am speechless after reading this book! I've waited so long for Quinn and Blay's story and this one did not disappoint! I could go on and on but I can't say anymore then all the other positive reviewers. This was such a beautiful love story that just transcends all boundaries...it was perfection on paper. I'm so relieved that JR Ward took a chance on the subject matter and gave the fans what they wanted for so long.

This is why she is the master and I am happy to be the follower.

This book is amazing and so worth the time, money, credits,etc.

I was not surprised by anything in this book other than where Assail's (?) storyline seemed to be going.

One of the thing about the BDB books is the world they live in and their struggles with the Lessening Society and I felt like this book didn't have a whole lot of that in it. Honestly I just don't think it was stronger than the other books but I did enjoy it.

If you're a fan of the series though, you want to read this unless the Quinn / Blay story is not your thing. If you haven't read the series? Start from the beginning and give it a shot but warning, don't listen to it without earphones especially if you are around children or are at work.

Of course, I would recommmend this to a friend. The BDB story is so much more than just one book in the series. While, yes, the primary focus of LAL is Blaylock and Quhinn, there is so much more going on than just a gay male romance novel. Yes, it is a gay male romance novel. If you are not comfortable with M/M love stories, than this likely isn't for you.
What JR Ward excels at in this story, is character! She has an undeniable talent for making her characters sympathetic and believable. The story weaves multiple points of view and characters from previous stories.
If you read and love the BDB stories, there is much in this book that moves the story along. minor characters in this book are developed and we see more of the Shadows and other vampires outside the Brotherhood. The BDB world is definitely expanding to create more content for future novels. (yippee)

Jim Frangione IS the voice of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I cannot even read the printed book without hearing his voice in my head as Rhage or Butch. He does an excellent job of differentiating the characters.

LAL Will have a follow-up book DUH! The secondary storylines (Assail and Tres) leave off in the middle! The next book will likely be about one of these males.

LAL is a love story, and if you are a reader of the BDB series, then you know that JR Ward writes like a man, especially when writing from a male point of view. You also know that her male characters are dominant, instinctual, animalistic, aggressive, physical, fierce fighters. You also know that her characters express their emotions physically and her writing is VERY descriptive in intimate situations. She does not back away from Blay and Quhinn because they are male. She gives as much attention to our boys as she did to any of the previous couples.