Review – Lover At Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11) by J.R. Ward

Qhuinn and Blaylock not only get their story but it is told with heartbreak, conviction, and beauty that will leave you breathless and spent. ~ Kimber, Guilty Pleasures

Description:
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.

*** NO SPOILERS REVIEW***

The wait is finally over for fans of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.  The much, and I can’t believe I’m saying this……anticipated? –seems like an understatement, Lover At Last, hit Kindles, Nooks and eReaders alike, as well as book stores across the nation earlier this week.   Controversy has followed the book for several years when it seemed as though these two characters would/should end up together.  I remember when it was originally supposed to be a novella due to the M/M content, and I’m not sure whether it was the outcry of the fans or just a regroup of the storyline, but the welcomed decision was made to turn it into a full-blown novel.   Qhuinn and Blaylock not only get their story but it is told with heartbreak, conviction, and beauty that will leave you breathless and spent. Though many BDB followers held their breath waiting to find out if J.R. Ward could pull off a steamy sexual M/M story line, I’m happy to report she totally nailed it.  In my opinion, the sex was raw, down and dirty, and off the charts hot.  I confess the steam level in several of the books have let me down, but after reading Lover At Last, I’m wondering if the Warden has been holding out on us?  I can only hope that future stories will be just as steamy.

I want to tell you all the things that ripped out my heart, scared me to death, made me awwwww out lout, and had me panting and squirming in my seat, I really do, but I can’t do those parts justice, I really can’t.  I must needs you to trust me when I say you will not be dissatisfied in how the Warden writes and brings it all together.  And Qhuinn, what to say about him?  He’s just one of those lovable, hot, sexy characters that makes you laugh, knowing all he’s been through yet turns out to be such a great guy; loving, caring,  bound by duty, heroic, fierce, and loyal.  We’ve watched him grow up, transition into a vampire warrior, always running and hiding from his emotions. Seeing it all come to a head, I cried, wanted to jump in and knock some sense into them, even had to put it down at times because of the passion and emotion felt from the brokenness and pain of these characters, and finally rejoiced and clapped like a seal at Sea World when Qhuinn finally “realized” what was truly doing and could admit it. Once he began to open up and talk about his parents, had his revelation, I actually broke down and lost it.  We knew it was going to be a rough, long, hard road for these two, and I will say up until the very end it stays that way. But, I never doubted they should be together.  They aren’t perfect, but are perfect for each other, in every way.  Blay is a total sweetheart, completely worthy, stylish,  in a vampire warrior, fighter, sort of way.

If you are a fan of the series you are familiar with the Warden’s writing style and you know that not only are you reading the main couple’s story, you also get a lot of what I normally consider intriguing side story.  I hear complaints regarding this and some even choose to skip over those parts.  So, here’s my warning concerning this.  In the beginning there is A LOT of side story and I found myself wanting to skip ahead because I was so drawn into Qhuinn and Blay’s portion, I just wanted to know.  It was killing me to know, but I stuck with it because the other parts are integral to the story as a whole, as well as future stories.  Once the angst is somewhat resolved, I really got into the side stories, so stick it out.  I’m not sure if it’s because she’s a mastermind, genius, or a sadist, but the Warden has excelled in setting up the next story by leaving us hanging.  I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we have to wait another year to find out what happens next.  Hey, do not hate or shoot the messenger.

After having finished it mere hours ago, here’s what I’m left with -Can I borrow Fritz for just one freaking day, Lassiter is the effin’ bomb, I like Layla, Blay’s parents are the best, though I’ve never been one to read M/M books, this was one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve EVER read, Saxton is a male of worth and needs his HEA, the Band of Bastards worry me, the Brother’s are still hilarious and total bad-asses, J.R. Ward’s writing is STELLAR, Trez and iAm are sexier than ever, I can’t believe I’m contemplating another vampire drug dealer as a book boyfriend, I’ve added words and phrases like -Mayhap and I must needs- to my everyday conversations, Epilogue was fabulous, and I’m all cried out.

This is a story of courage, acceptance, forgiveness, belonging, and true love.  Through it all I never grew tired of the fist pump, high-five, happy dance, jaw-dropping moments.  Nothing about this book disappointed me, except well…….it ended.