Lover at Last

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.

26 of 26 people found this review helpful

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 !

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

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!!!!

27 of 29 people found this review helpful

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.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

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.

47 of 52 people found this review helpful

Excellent!!!

If you are anything like me and were a little worried for the series after the last book, fear no more. This one is really good. We finally get to see Blay and Quinn get together (and it is everything that I was hoping for) and even the arcs setting up future books are engaging. I am now eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. If you have read and enjoyed the other books in this series, I sure you have already purchased this one, if you have not read any of the books, I cannot recommend them enough, you are in for a treat.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

I WRITE REVIEWS NEVER....AMAZING...JUST BREATHE

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

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.

Who was your favorite character and why?

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.

Which scene was your favorite?

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

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did shed tears.

Any additional comments?

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.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Predictable

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

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Man O Man O Man O Man O Man O Man O Man O Man !!!!

Look... It's Like this... U either Love or Hate BDB! I personal Love some... Hate some... so I don't get them all. This one is m/m romance. I love m/m romance, so guess what... I loved this one.. plus this one was finally the story of Quinn and Blay which I never thought would actually happen b/c it was m/m and I never thought J.R. would do this book, so I was kinda taken aback when it came out. I can't believe I am just now getting around to listening to it.

This book goes be on the realm of just good... Not a 5... but Man O Man.. it was pretty dang close. It so needed way more smexing for me... J.R. seriously lacked in the smex department like the rest of the BDB books but I am guessing that is because of the m/m romance, and m/m romance is not J.R. first cup of tea. Plus usually J.R. smex scenes are usually a bit more graphic and these were well a too tame... so I was just enough satisfy, but I needed more, so no 5, only a 4.. but other than that.. I enjoyed.

I might pick up Xcor's book b/c if he really does take over the BDB, OMG that is gonna be one heck of a book.. I think he actually knows where the lair is now.. b/c he can track Layla because he drank her blood...so it is all getting all kinds of interesting now... Man O Man O Man...

This is a credit, buy and a sale all in one... Narration was great too!

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

Best Romance Ever

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

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.

What did you like best about this story?

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.

Which scene was your favorite?

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!"

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

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.

Any additional comments?

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.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

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.