Book Review – “Lover Unbound” by J.R. Ward

Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5)
This is the 5th book in this series, however it is my 2nd favorite! Vishous, is an active Vampire character in the entire series, a computer genius, with some cool Vampire powers to boot! He has psychic visions, and a glowing hand that he has to keep gloved (it can heal as well as kill. It’s kind of electric). Despite his psychic powers just recently drying up, he is seemingly balanced enough in the grand scheme of things. He is loyal to his Brothers, and bonds deeply with his human roommate “Butch”. He keeps his dark side disguised…

In this chapter of the Brotherhoods life, we discover that Vishous, too, has a deep tumultuous past (a ruthless heartless warrior of a father, a “survival of the fittest” upbringing, and an absent mother) which has hardened his heart such, that it doesn’t allow him much leeway for love in his life. In fact, he has bonded so deeply to “Butch”, which is a fairly new feeling for him, that he actually feels like he is in love with him (I didn’t see that coming!!).

In the past installment, we see Vishous trying to comprehend the love between Marissa and Butch. He imagines what it would be like to love someone that deeply, trying to come to grips that it will never be that way for him and Butch, and possibly him and anyone, for that matter.

After a near fatal shooting, he ends up in a human hospital and meets his surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb. unbeknownst to her, he instantly starts bonding (in the typical “Mine” vampire way). His brothers “break him out” of the Hospital (daylight is coming, and he needs to hightail it out of there, before he turns into a Vampire crisp). Low and behold, as they escape, “Rhage” throws Dr. Jane over his shoulder, caveman style, and steals her away as per Vishous’ demands (much to her resistance).

While being forced to care for him in the Brother’s compound (the Brothers have promised her that she will be released as soon as Vishous is well), Dr. Jane realizes just what she is dealing with.  Despite her “captive” status, she takes advantage of learning as much as she can (for the sake of genetics!). She has to consistently remind herself to keep in check, since she is discovering that she is quite taken by Vishous’ charms.

There was nothing more attractive to her than when a man was into smart women.

Crap.

Stolkhom. Stolkholm.  Stolkhom-

Lots of good stuff here! Vishous discovers what it’s like to truly be in love (Butch who?), and over the numerous days they spend together, their bond becomes quite secure. Unfortunately, due to certain obligations (he has a big future ahead of him), he has to let her go…

I won’t go any further than that. There is so much more to this book (more personal discoveries, spiritual awakenings, and an answer to where Vishous truly comes from) that make this book an exciting read. The angst in this book is well suited to the story. Lots of it, but not just for the sake of creating empty drama.  The story, in my opinion comes full circle.

a touching scene: When Vishous has to take her memory so she won’t remember the Vampires, and she can go back to her life:

He pulled back and pressed his lips to her. “I love you and I’m going to keep loving you even after you don’t know I exist”

WOW! That whole chapter was heart wrenchingly real (you know, I mean, without the whole “vampires erasing memories” thing)  🙂

Through this book, we also see John Matthew through his transition, his discovery of who his real father is, and how much he takes after him. We get a glimpse into the lives of the “Chosen” females and their hierarchy on the “Other Side”, and the future breeding plans of the species as a whole.

Best to read the books in this order: J.R. Ward – The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series Reading Order: