Lover at Last

A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood

By: J. R. Ward

Narrated by: Jim Frangione

Length: 22 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's Summary

"The hottest collection of studs in romance" (New York Times best-selling author Angela Knight) returns as number-one New York Times best-selling author J. R. Ward brings together two of the most beloved people in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world - at last....

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.

©2013 J. R. Ward (P)2013 Penguin Audio

When it was good, it was very, very good...

What made the experience of listening to Lover at Last the most enjoyable?

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.

What other book might you compare Lover at Last to and why?

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.

What does Jim Frangione bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

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.

Any additional comments?

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.

No real surprises here

Any additional comments?

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.

Not my favorite in the series...

Listened for Fun (Audible)
Overall Rating: 2.75
Story Rating: 2.50
Character Rating: 3.00

Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)

Overall Thoughts:

I listened in Audio so I am marking times not pages.

Here are my 5 main thoughts (this book has been reviewed enough that I don't feel the need to say what other people have said already):

1: Everything between Quinn/Blay (their relationship)could have been cleared up at 7hrs and 4min. Everything that happened after that until the 21hrs 3min mark was all unnecessary drama.
2: No matter how much I love this world, I still get annoyed at the gangsta speak coming out of grown men's mouths! Their mates, for the most part, talk like grown ups so I am kind of perplexed why they don't.
3: Are these books even PNR anymore? I would almost move them into the UF category but I am afraid she would drag out stories even more. In the last 3 (maybe 4) books, the side characters have had more page time than the main couple (relatively speaking).
4: Quinn needs to apologize to Saxton! I am super pissed about this.
5: Blay needed to get out of his own head 3/4 of the book. I mean relationship aside, you didn't know your best friend hadn't had sex in a year. That is on you not him. Everything about their relationship was just miscommunication and manufactured drama.

All of this aside, I am ready for The King. I am hoping for a series reboot of some sort. Something that will make me want to stick with it!

PS: I did like the epilogue and that made me want to root for them as a couple. I think they both need counseling though.

Audio Thoughts:

Narrated by: Jim Frangione /Length: 22 hrs and 22 mins


Jim is freaking amazing! I really do enjoy his narration. Found out with this book that he even sounds good at 3x speed. Now that is saying something!!!

Predictable

Same story with different characters. Totally predictable.
I am sure next book can be written by changing name of characters.

LOVER AT LAST!

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!!!!

AHHHH........ EPIC - JUST EPIC

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.

Was expecting a great story

I love this series and was expecting a great story, but it was just ok. A lot of bits and pieces of other characters life took away from the story. I was not impressed.

I loved it. It was worth the wait.

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 !

So disappointed...

I have read or listened to the entire series, up through this book, and this may be the last. I wasn't turned off by the M/M love story, but I actually started skipping chapters after chapter 8...finally, I skipped ahead to @ chapter 85 and Blay and Quinn were STILL lamenting lost opportunities? Are you serious? After the original Brothers, this series has become increasingly boring. I don't even really like the heroes anymore. Too bad. Think I'll stick with the first 5 books.

A love story that transcends all boundaries, true?

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.

Audio at Last

I love this band of brave, valiant, angst ridden, emotionally challenged male vampire hero's and the strong women that share their lives with them. It's a lot to do with JRW' s dynamic writing style and creative imagination. In all honesty, I got used to it, but I didn't love the narrator's voice. For me, It wasn't strong enough to match the power of the larger than life characters and plotline.

these books never get old

like all the books in the series you just fall in love with the characters

Loved it.

Love JR Ward. Love the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Love Qhuinn and Blay. My only issue with this book is the ending. It felt a little rushed to me. However, I still loved it and would happily listen to it again