Review - Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5) by J.R. Ward (4/5 stars)

Reading level: Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Size: 528 pages
Publisher: Signet
Release Date: September 25, 2007
ISBN-13: 978-0451222350
Stand Alone or Series: 5th book in the BDB series
Source: audio book from audible.com
Rating: 4/5 stars

This was the fifth book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by Ward.  The most recent book, Lover Unleashed, Book 9 came out in March of 2011.  This was a decent book in the series and if you have enjoyed previous books I think you will also enjoy this one.  I listened to this on audio book; the audio book was well done.

This book focuses on Vishous.  In the beginning of the story Vishous is gravely wounded and the human surgeon Jane saves his life.  Vishous is drawn to Jane and can't imagine living without her; of course there are problems with this.  First of all Jane is human and more importantly Vishous has been designated by the Scribe Virgin to be the Primale.  The Primale is supposed to only mate with Chosen to ensure the continuation of the species.  The story also spends some time with John Mathews as he undergoes his transistion.  Ample storyline is also given to Phury as he struggles with his attraction to his brother's mate Bella.

This is definitely not a book to start the series on.  A lot of these stories are continuations from previous books.  Ward continues to develop Zsadist's storyline some as well as storylines of the other males.  There are a couple new characters thrown into the mix to keep things interesting.  This book is definitely a paranormal romance and not urban fantasy.

I enjoyed reading about Vishous and Jane as a couple; there are some more interesting sex scenes in this book and things get a little crazy at times.  Jane was the first really smart heroine we've had in this series and it was nice to see the super intelligent Vishous find someone that matched him so well.  We also get more insight into the world of the Chosen and the Scribe Virgin.

Phury also features a lot in this book and it was good to see his storyline start to develop; it continues in the next book in the series, Lover Enshrined.  It was also great to see John Mathews finally go through his transition.  It is clever how Ward also starts developing the storylines for her next couple in the previous books; it builds suspense nicely.

I do also have some complaints about this book though.  Vishous falls in love with Jane awfully fast; this series has never been very realistic about characters falling in love...but this book was particularly unbelievable.  Also the Lessers are conspicuously absent the majority of the book; they play a small role in the beginning and end of the story but that is it.  The result is pretty much a solid romance story devoid of action; it was a lot like reading a soap opera at times.  Given that it was still very engaging and fun to read; I never come into these books expecting a whole lot more than a fun and engaging romance with some interesting characters...so if that is your expectation you shouldn't be too disappointed.

Overall not my favorite book of the series, but I still found it engaging and enjoyed listening to it.  I am eager to hear Phury and Cormia's story in the next book, Lover Enshrined.  These books are just pure escapism, which is fine with me.  I do have to read them spread out over time because I think reading mulitple installments would get to be too much, too corny, and just boring.  The stories are always similar, but if you want a fun paranormal romance with intriguing characters this series fits the bill nicely.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:

- Audio Book Challenge List

- Horror and Urban Fantasy Challenge

- 100+ Reading Challenge