Lover Reborn

A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood

By: J. R. Ward

Narrated by: Jim Frangione

Length: 23 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Number-one New York Times best-selling author J. R. Ward’s novels of the Black Dagger Brotherhood continue, as a vampire warrior crosses the line between life and death…and ventures into an erotic world of dark dreams and darker desires.

Ever since the death of his shellan, Tohrment has been unrecognizable from the vampire leader he once was. Physically emaciated and heartbroken beyond despair, he has been brought back to the Brotherhood by a self-serving fallen angel. Now, fighting once again with ruthless vengeance, he is unprepared to face a new kind of tragedy.

When Tohr begins to see his beloved in his dreams - trapped in a cold, isolated netherworld far from the peace and tranquility of the Fade - he turns to the angel in hopes of saving the one he has lost. But because Lassiter tells him he must learn to love another to free his former mate, Tohr knows they are all doomed....

Except then a female with a shadowed history begins to get through to him. Against the backdrop of the raging war with the lessers, and with a new clan of vampires vying for the Blind King’s throne, Tohr struggles between the buried past and a very hot, passion-filled future.…But can his heart let go and set all of them free?

©2012 J.R. Ward (P)2012 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“J.R. Ward's unique band of brothers is to die for. I love this series!” (New York Times best-selling author Suzanne Brockmann)

Unsatisfying in the romance department

I expect this won't be a popular opinion - but it's an honest one from my point of view. I think Ward's powerful romances between the brothers and their love-interests in the first novels are a strong factor that drew me in to this series. While there was sexual attraction, there was a distinct lack of romance in the relationship between Tohrment (sp?) and Autumn (No'one). In fact, there were a few uncomfortable scenes where Thor treated her poorly, shows her his disdain, and repeatedly stated he wasn't in love with her. So much so that when he finally declares his love for her, it's unconvincing. I missed the posessiveness ("MINE") and the "bonding scent" that was such a big part of the other brother's bonding with their mates. The motivation for the relationship between Tohr and Autumn (which I can't describe without spoilers) is another depressing aspect of the "romance" between the two.

On the plus side, Ward is highly talented at writing fast-paced, multi-faceted stories and you will certainly be entertained for the 20+ hours of this recording. There is a secondary relationship story between John and Xhex that will keep you riveted as well. Many newer characters are being developed (Band of Bastards) and while I'm not yet emotionally invested in them, Ward has established some interesting teasers/plants that I expect will be nicely developed in future novels. And, as always, the narrator is fantastic!

Where's the Romance?

I've followed the brotherhood for a while now, and I've been a devoted fan. I know many reading this will be fans, and I respect that. Aside from the obvious incongruity of warriors who are hundreds of years old talking like 17 year old street thugs, I've enjoyed the series. The trouble is, the last 5 books (with one exception) have been disappointments for me. This book, I'm afraid, put the nail in my BDB coffin.

Without providing spoilers, it's hard to voice my complaints about this book, but I'll try. The romance is weak, and in the end, just didn't work for me. I considered Tohr's treatment of No'one for at least the first half of their relationship to be disrespectful at best and emotionally abusive at worst. The second half of their relationship only improved marginally until the very end. This fact was disturbing, but the fact that the rest of the brothers (and household, including No'one's son in law and her daughter) knew what was going on and no one bothered to even mention it, much less intervene, is massively disappointing.

JR Ward, as is her usual style, carries on several story lines in this book, but none of them seem to advance the plot much. They do open up some interesting possibilities for future books, but that's about it.

I've been debating whether or not I'll keep reading this series, but I think this will be the last one for me. I think I'll leave the in between now and step on into the fade.

One Word "Love".

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

Most definately. This book has action, romance, drama, and a few twist that will blow you away.

What did you like best about this story?

The introduction of new characters in the story.

What about Jim Frangione???s performance did you like?

As always he does an excellent job. He is so in tune with the characters.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Oh yes, you won't want to put it down.

Any additional comments?

The two main characters come full circle in thier own greiving process. You are able to connect with them. This book shows so many different types of love for one another. To me this oneis the best the series thus far.

Some new characters...

I like the leader of the new bad guy's. They came into the series in last book. I fell for the leader. The sex is a bit overkill.

EXCELLENT!! TRUE....

What did you love best about Lover Reborn?

All the new possibilities for future story lines...

Which character – as performed by Jim Frangione – was your favorite?

Each and every Brother...How can a person choose..impossible they are all fascinating!

Any additional comments?

Please J R give us Quinn's and Blaylock's story!!!!

EXCELLENT!!

Where does Lover Reborn rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I'm a big fan of J R Ward!

What other book might you compare Lover Reborn to and why?

No other books is as good.

Any additional comments?

Narrator is awesome and there is no equal to J R Ward!

The cycle continues

I didn't know how I was going to feel knowing that Tohrment was going to move on from Wellsie. Even though she wasn't in the story much, I really liked Wellsie. However, just like the whole John Matthew/Darius and Xhex cycle, its seems fitting that Autumn should be the choice. And boy did I need the tissues ready during the Fade ceremony. I've listened to this series over and over again and yet those moments still get to me.

J.R. Ward - AMAZING!!!

What did you love best about Lover Reborn?

The style of writing

What other book might you compare Lover Reborn to and why?

All the others she wrote. She's in a class of her own.

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

Jim does in deed bring to story to life. You want to know more about them, and you want to get to know them.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Nothing comes to mind to be honest.

Any additional comments?

Keep up the great work guys - I love driving my commute because of you guys.

J.R.Ward can do no wrong!

Love the whole series! Each and every book is wroth the credit! If you love a story with a wonderful plot, don't miss this one!

So Good

I listened to it three time in six days. 💘 love love love love love