Lover Mine by J.R. Ward
Hardcover: 528 pages
Publisher: Berkley NAL Hardcover; 1st edition
Available: April 27, 2010
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Book Received From: A friend
John Matthew has come a long way since he was found living among humans, his vampire nature unknown. Taken in by The Brotherhood, no one could guess what his true history was-or his true identity.
Xhex has long steeled herself against the attraction to John Matthew. Until fate intervenes and she discovers that love, like destiny, is inevitable.
Lover Mine picks up a few weeks after Lover Avenged left off, where Xhex has been abducted by Lash, the evil son of the Omega. She is being held in Lash’s brownstone bound by a magical spell. Trapped in a bedroom invisible to all except Lash, she is determined to fight Lash with everything she has in hopes of finding a way out or until the brotherhood finds her. Lash’s purpose for abducting Xhex is vengeance. Xhex killed his lover and he plans to take his revenge on her slowly and painfully. But Xhex puts up a vicious fight and he finds himself falling for her in his sick sadistic way.
John Matthew is hell bent on finding Xhex. He is not sure if she is alive or dead but he is determined to bring her home one way or another. He has never openly shared his feelings for Xhex with others but when he gets Xhex’s named tattooed on his back in the old language, his boys Blay and Qhuinn have a good idea of his feelings for her. Still, John Matthew does not ask the brothers for help in finding her, choosing instead to do it his own way, on his own terms.
Qhuinn and Blay have shared a deep bond of friendship since before their transition. But this relationship is complicated by Blay’s feelings for Qhuinn that go far beyond friendship. He has come to terms with the fact that he is gay and he is in love with Qhuinn. Qhuinn has always been promiscuous even knowing on some level how hurtful it is for Blay. But, there may be reasons for why Qhuinn behaves the way he does. When Qhuinn’s cousin Saxton asks Blay out on a date, Qhuinn’s protectiveness toward Blay kicks into high gear, claiming he doesn’t want Blay to be hurt by Saxton. In all honestly though, jealously is at the root of his behavior.
Lover Mine has all the goodness we’ve come to love about the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Strong alpha vampires, who live, love and fight hard. Although the focus of the series has moved beyond the actual brotherhood and their journey’s to love and into the next generation of fighters, it still maintains that edge that sets it apart from other vampire series. There is much to talk about in this book; however I’ll focus on the relationships in this review since I believe that Lover Mine digs a little deeper than some of the earlier books in the series, touching on the intricacies of love and friendship and the ties that bind these delicate yet intensely deep relationships.
John Matthew and Xhex have many obstacles to overcome. First their separation, then their communication issues as well as some serious emotional barriers that must come down. John knows in his heart he is bonded to Xhex and would die to protect and defend her, but Xhex has spent most of her life shielding herself from the kind of love she feels for John. There is a very intense scene where the reader is witness to the depth of Xhex and John Matthew’s feelings for each other. Although they are in the same room with each other, John Matthew doesn’t know Xhex is with him and has no idea he has just bared his heart and soul to her. In this moment Xhex sees John true and raw and she aches for him but is not able to reach out. I think this is perhaps one of the most moving, emotionally raw scenes I have ever read in a paranormal romance.
The friendship between Blay and Qhuinn is on very shaky ground in Lover Mine, complicated by the romantic feelings Blay has for Qhuinn. This relationship takes on a whole new direction when Qhuinn believes Blay may be ready to move on and explore his sexuality with Saxton, Qhinn’s cousin. I found myself deeply disappointed in Qhuinn’s behavior, not because he can’t return Blay’s love, but because of the sometimes selfish way he handles his feelings. However digging deeper into his story, I realize there is so much more to his feelings for Blay and the reasons for his confusing behavior. This storyline is heartbreaking to say the least. I was moved to tears more than once and I truly hope that both Qhuinn and Blay find happiness however it comes to them.
My one real complaint with this book was with the constant interruption to flow of the story. There is a side story having to do with the filming of a paranormal reality show, as well as several flash backs to Darius and Tohr in the 1600’s. While the reason for the reality show storyline is eventually revealed, the random insertion of chapters on this storyline was distracting and confusing. Since there were no real clues as to where this storyline was leading, it felt more like a third leg rather than a supporting storyline. While the flashbacks provided some necessary history to key characters, they were slow, and again, popped up at weird places in the book. Just when I would get some good reading momentum going, Ward would slam on the brakes with one of these odd chapters. It all makes sense in the end but I really wished the information could have been presented in a better way.
I’ve seen many discussions about the over-the-top slang and branding that Ward does in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. It’s one of those things about this series that I both love and hate. There are many times I’ve rolled my eyes while reading, but then on the other hand, it’s part of who the brothers are, and what makes them bigger than life. The slang was certainly over the top this time, no doubt about that. It took me a while before I could figure out what the ‘sitch’ was. ‘Sitch’ = situation, duh. The branding was ever present and the reader gets to know who designed so-and-so’s suit and what make and model car everyone is driving but it did seem to be toned down just a bit this time. At one point John Matthew snapped his phone shut and I was actually disappointed I didn’t know what kind of phone it was. *g*
The scene has been set for the next book in the series, for Payne—daughter of the Scribe Virgin and twin sister to Vishous—and her love interest Manny. While Payne played only a very minor role in this story, and Manny was only mentioned near the end, we are left knowing that the two of them will meet up. J.R. Ward leaves us without much indication of what direction their story may go. Some part of me hopes that this is because she plans to make the relationship between Blay and Qhuinn the stronger storyline in the next book. We’ll see.
Lover Mine is one of my favorite books in this series. The relationships and friendships are complicated and at times absolutely heart wrenching. This book offers all that you want and need in a romance novel while still maintaining that special gritty edge that makes the Black Dagger Brotherhood a truly unique series.
My Favorite Quotes:
Had he really put a forty in his friends puss?—John Matthew
I miss you. I miss you so fucking bad it hurts, but I don’t know how to find you even though you’re right in front of me. —(I’m not going to say whose thoughts these are, but I will say it may not be who you are thinking)
I’ve giving away a signed copy of Lover Mine HERE. Smexy Books is also offering a chance to win a signed copy Lover Mine in her blog so make sure you get over there and enter!! Katiebabs at Babbling About Books and More will have some fun BDB goodness up on her blog on Thursday including a chance to win a copy of Lover Mine.
Other reviews of Lover Mine:
About FV Sophia
OHHHH!! damn another teasing review! LOL
I love love love that last quote, and i insist you tell me who it was, i have a tube of smarties in it for you =D
Great review hun, you, Natasha and Mandi all teasing me rotten with your awesome non spoilery reviews to get my hands on this book now
Oh Sparklybearsy….smarties? Really? I'm totally emailing you!!
xoxo
Gah! I can't wait until next week! I'll clear my calendar, turn off my phone, and lock my kids outside – I've gotta know what happens!
(Smarties are my fave too – on Halloween my kids empty out their bags and give me all their smarties, LOL!)
Patti–YES, it's totally worth locking the kids out. Totally!
Great Review… the next week will be really hard on me.
Mindolla–The wait is worth it though. This is one of the best in the series in my opinion.
I'm loving the fact I'm hearing so much about the romance is back and while I don't like the slang/brand dropping I can get over it if the story and romance is going to float my boat. Really enjoyed reading your review VF, I have to wait until release and then some since it is shipped via BookDepo *sigh* My consolation prize; Shiloh Walker's No Longer Mine
Leontine–Actually, the slang and branding have always bugged me a little, but it's part of BDB and the series wouldn't be the same without it. Love/Hate lol. Ward really focused on the relationships in this one. It was an emotional read for sure. Some good fight scenes though, don't worry hehe.
Very much in agreement about the interruption of the overall flow and the slang.
Now all I can think of is, hang a louie. Ugh.
Qhuay made me cry. So angsty, so emotional, so hot.
KB–How many times did she use the description: gun metal gray? LOL. I love J.R. Ward, I do. Quay is still affecting me. Please, please let them have their own book. Don't think it will happen though. A novella maybe? *fingers crossed*
If there is a novella with Qhuay, there better be hot man smut in it.
Ok, I really have to get a jump on the books and start reading, cause I want to skip them all and read LM just based on this review alone. But I have a feeling I'd be confused, and there's nothing more I hate than jumping into the middle of a series. Sigh.
Now I'm kind of upset that I gave away a copy instead of keeping it for myself. I'm stingy that way, hehe. Looks like I'll be heading to the library before my interview today so that I can pick up some BDB books…
- MamaKitty
KB–Can you imagine? omg. I mean, just them kissing is swoon worthy. omg.
MK–YES, you need to read BDB. You NEED to!!
buttsecks!! *snicker* or hot shower lurve. And Sax can walk in and…
KB–ok, buttsecks just made me snort!! LMBO
I was moved to tears more than once and I truly hope that both Qhuinn and Blay find happiness however it comes to them. —> Aw crap, I'm gonna cry I just know it.
So is JM's story your favorite BDB book yet?
KC-I don't know if it's my favorite. Maybe. Could be. It was definitely the most emotionally moving of all the books so far. There are so many reasons I like the series and I like several of the books for different reasons. This book had two of my fav couples and their very intense relationships though. *sigh*
Loved your review & I can't wait to read LM next week!!
Thanks Krystean!
You'll enjoy it!
WOnderful review!!! I love that last quote..oh sigh.
I have a soft spot for the slang…It is just so…Ward..LOL. There was one moment where JM is getting drunk and he says I'm making deposits into my buzz account..CLASSIC Ward line..I love!
Ah, another good review of this book. I so need to get going again on this series (and so many others). Glad to see my eyes may get a work out by rolling them with more of the slang and branding.
Thanks for the review!
Monroe–the review is spoiler free, I promise!!
Thanks Mandi!! OMG that quote is awesome. I really need to go back and re-read. I know there is so much I can't remember.
Melissa–Yes, do read this series. So much to talk about!
::lower lip trembles:: <– see I'm already emotional just from your review. God I need this book like yesterday.
I've been waiting for John Matthew's story for awile but it's all about Qhuinn & Blay for me – I hope she will give them their own book…I was hoping this book would have some Qhuay action. SOunds like it's a mixed bag but I'll take what I can get on that front
Karen , this book is two amazing stories. That's all I can say. I still have a lump in my throat.
Can you just outline the pages that involve JM and Zhex so I can just cut to the chase? I promise to come back to the beginning and read it thoroughly
I am very interested to find out what is behind the emotional and heartbreaking moment between Qhuay.
I heard about that ghost house sub-plot and let me tell you, I'm not interested. I will be tempted to skim these parts…
This sounds like this will be my favorite (or second favorite to Dark Lover, because I really like Wrath – I am very tempted to re-read his book and you know how I don't like to re-read!) book in the series. But it also seems like this might just be the last book that I will be thrilled about. I have to admit, I'm not really looking forward to Payne and Manny's story. I am, however, looking forward to Qhuay and Tohr so I'll probably hang in there until the end. Speaking of the end, anyone know what the total book count in this series will be?
FV – I expect you to email me, telling me who said that second quote
I emailed you BV. *wink*
That's my girl!
Flash…V….Manny…brother…interesting!
OMG amazing! I want this book so badly! I love this series, the Brothers just get me all worked up :]
Hmmm, to choose b/w a Hot kick ass Z or a Sweet kick ass Edward…
Can't I just have both!!
Great Side Story!
Oh My, I Tried To Stay Away From All spoilers For Just A Few Days.. But You Got Me.
I Just Need To Get My Hands On This Book.
And Please, Please Let Me Know About The Last Quote. Is It Xhex? I'm Going Nuts, Here. :/
Aggie.