Book Review: Lover at Last by J.R. Ward + Giveaway

Lover At Last
Black Dagger Brotherhood Series #11
Author: J.R. Ward
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Released: March 26th 2013
Review Source: NAL Hardcover/Purchased
Available: Amazon

Summary: (from goodreads) 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.

AT FIRST SIGHT:

• When this cover was revealed, I think the squeal I made was heard all the way in China. This cover represent so much about the story. When you hold the book and look at Qhuinn, you know his time has arrived!!! (favorite cover of the series to date) - Yara
• My favorite cover to date! The photo online doesn't do it justice, you have to hold it in your hands to get the true beauty of this book in all its glory! - Jennifer
• The cover portrays an extreme sense of passion, fear, and worthiness, with eyes compelling the viewer to begin the journey that readers have longed for. - Deitre

STORYLINE:

• In Lover at Last we are captured by Qhinn and Blay's struggles with their past, present and future. You follow along as each male begins to understand and discover themselves, you can even say its sort of like a rebirth of sorts. Love conquers all! - Yara
• This is the story most of the BDB Community has been waiting for, the union between Blaylock and Qhuinn. More so, this is the story of Qhuinn figuring out who he is and acknowledging that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being with Blay, the love of his life and also allowing himself to finally put behind him all of the crap that his family and the glymera imposed on him all his life. - Jennifer
• This installment of Black Dagger Brotherhood is all about life changes for Blaylock and Qhuinn. - Deitre

HERO/HEROINE:

• Qhuinn takes the hero award in Lover at Last. When he saves the life of my favorite brother Zsadist, I knew Qhuinn was a male with worth. Payne takes the heroine award, she sacrificed herself not knowing the outcome to save a life when she offered the chance to Layla. - Yara
• Blay for helping Qhuinn to finally see who he truly is and for showing him that love is universal and that there is nothing wrong with who he is and how he feels, or who he chooses to love. - Jennifer
• Although the obvious heroes are Blay and Qhuinn, in so many different scenes throughout the storyline, it is Blaylock's mahmen (mother), who makes a life changing revelation. - Deitre

FAVORITE SUPPORTING CHARACTER:

• Layla would win the Oscar. She stood up to a brother going against all she has ever known. That showed me the devotion and love she has towards her young and father of her child. You Go Girl!!! - Yara
• Layla! Because she defends Qhuinn against Phury and won't let anything happen to the father of her young. - Jennifer
• Layla had a distinct purpose in the last novel "Lover Reborn," however in this one "Lover at Last," she is the nucleus of the novel, the lifeline of all who surround her. - Deitre

SOMETHING WE LOVED:

• Hands down I fell in lover all over again with Wrath. As King he did an act that truly shows why he is King. - Yara
• Qhuinn talking to the baby in Layla's tummy. I just loved this tender moment with Layla pointing out that he can touch her tummy all he wants, what's in there is half his after all and we get a quick glimpse of the doting father that Qhuinn will be. - Jennifer
• It's the big things that we remember most in great novels, but when given an avenue to bring some attention to characters that might not get it else where, the winner would be Fritz. He's everywhere in each novel, but in this one he truly stands out, with the little things that he does, that have such greater impact on lives when completed. - Deitre

SOMETHING WE HATED:

• All the many pages dedicated to Xcor self loathing, Sorry you tried assassinating The King, shame on you and I have no desire to learn more about you. This fan will never feel pity for you Xcor. One thing he does have right, He doesn't deserve someone like Layla. - Yara
• Too much back story and side story relating to Trez and iAm. I felt more time should have been given to Blay and Qhuinn since it was their story. - Jennifer
• I must admit that I found myself reading very, very quickly through the filler stories of other characters, but in regards to the Brotherhood mansion, my eyes read the pages very, very slowly, devouring every life changing moment. - Deitre

AN EVENT WE NEVER SAW COMING:

• This is serious spoiler if I say exactly what it was so I ll just say that someone that was suppose to have been dead for a long time is back and shock the heck out of the brothers and myself. - Yara
• Zsadist being the one that opens up the most to Qhuinn and is most in favor of him being inducted into the Brotherhood. -Jennifer
• Payne is more than just a great a fighter, thus allowing a twist in the story to truly mold the direction of the novel. - Deitre

CLIFFHANGER:

• Wow where do I begin. A good cliffhanger was the mating ceremony at the end, I would have liked to follow it all the way thru. Now I'm curious as to what happened next. A cliffhanger that is not good because it has to do with Wrath keeping the throne as King, was the new information that was uncovered about his first born young. - Yara
• So many cliffhangers ... The one I'm hoping to see is the mating ceremony of Blay and Qhuinn and subsequently the ceremony for the young after she is born. I am desperate to know if both males will be marked during the mating ceremony and if they will both get the young's name below their mates later. - Jennifer
• Through my "reader's lens" there is so much going on in this novel, that any direct mention of anything could possibly spoil it for you. So I'll end with this, J.R.Ward yet again has not disappointed her readers. She writes with such great passion and love for her characters, that you sometimes get a since that there is a Wrath, Qhuinn or Xhex silently dematerializing through the hemisphere watching and protecting us from the evil Lessers. Now, that is good writing. - Deitre

WOULD I RECOMMEND IT:

• This answer will always be YES. I have been recommending this series since I picked up the first book back in 2007. This is my favorite adult paranormal romance series ever!!! - Yara
• Absofreakinglutely! - Jennifer
• Of course, however if you haven't read the first book, you must start with the story of Wrath and Beth in Book 1, and read them all before this one or you will cheat yourself out of one of the best reading experiences ever. - Deitre

FAVORITE QUOTE:

• "Because I was, and I remain, utterly and completely and totally...in love with you." ~Blay - Yara
• "Best.Compliment.Ever" ~Qhuinn - Jennifer

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So how was that for a review? We hope we expressed how amazing Lover at Last was to read. If you haven't picked up this series, we strongly suggest that you do. Now thanks to NAL Hardcover we have a hardcover copy of Lover at Last to giveaway to one lucky reader. Fill out rafflecopter below.


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