by J.R. Ward
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #5
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
The ruthless and brilliant brother Vishous possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of a human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time-until a destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that does not include her...
LOVER UNBOUND by J.R Ward is the fifth novel in the wildly popular Black Dagger Brotherhood paranormal romance series. I have been curious about “V’s” story since the beginning and Ward exposed all of his darkest thoughts and pain leaving me desperate for a happily ever after.
This tale was highly addictive from start to finish and while I wasn’t hundred percent happy with something, it delivered all of the feels and left me satisfied. While each book in the series features a brother and his fated mate, there is an overall ARC regarding the Brothers and Lessers. Becuase of this and the connection to core characters, I recommend these only be read in order of release.
Vishous is struggling emotionally and I felt for him. It is hard to want another, and I wondered how Ward was going to play all this out. If you though Z’s tale was dark and twisted wait until you learn V’s. I cried for the little boy, wept for the man and needed him to find happiness.
As is typical, we get several story threads. V meets his mommy…and oh boy! This thread interfered with our romance and shared how flawed even Gods are. Viscous is injured and taken to a human hospital where he meets Dr. Jane Whitcomb. We get the perspective of a Chosen and spend time in the world of the Scribes. Then there is Phury and his struggles. I actually loved where this thread headed and want more. We didn’t see much of the lessers, although they sure as @%$& interfered and pissed me off. For me, LOVER UNBOUND was an emotional ride that takes the reader from laughter to pain to happiness.
I adored Jane! The development of this relationship was crazy and the attraction between her and Vishous was intense. She really got him, and the sex scenes were dark and sizzling hot. Their banter, openness, and passion felt genuine and had me rooting for an HEA. With so many obstacles, Ward gutted me with a twist I didn’t see coming. Honestly, this was almost a five star read for me, but the twist and how it was resolved left my coffee cold. Yes, it worked. Yes, I got what I wanted but nope, not happy.
LOVER UNBOUND was a romance that I devoured. I loved Vishous, the developments we saw with the overall series. I am looking forward to LOVER ENSHRINED and more of Phury’s story!
Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward ripped my heart out before stitching it back Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Naomi Hop
There was so much going on in this book! I loved it too! And getting so many perspectives, it was fantastic. But V… he made my chest ache! Fab review Kimberly!!
Melanie Simmons
I really loved this book too. I felt so bad for V. I would like to revisit this series sometime. (My list of series to revisit is getting as large as my TBR list LOL). Great review.
AngelErin
Great review! I’m glad you liked this one. It’s such a fantastic and fun series.
Lorna
I had problems with the twist as well and that and some of the sex scenes bothered me. I understood what made him the way he was, but still. Not my favorite of the books, but I still would have given it four stars as well. Glad you mostly enjoyed it.
Tanya
Completely agree with your thoughts on the resolution. I’m a huge V fan, but not of that ending.
Tiffany
This was a good one, and like you I was bothered a bit by the resolution. V is such a huge presence in the series, and I loved learning more about him. I can’t wait to see what you think of Phury’s story.
Ailyn Koay
fate clearly had other ideas. serves you right Vishous for trying to escape clutches of love !!! wahahaha
The Bibliophile Babe
I have got to get into this series!
Mary Kirkland
Yes! This was a great book. I love this series too.
Melissa
A girl in my book club has been recommending this series to me for years…one of these days!!
Debbie Haupt
Great review Kim, I’m almost finished listening to #15 The Chosen and when you get further into her series she will revisit her couples who are having marital/mating issues (just like in real life LOL) and #15 just so happens to feature V and Jane in the subplot. Great review. I’m glad you’re enjoying this series
Cyn
That’s too bad it didn’t quite work out as you hoped but I’m glad to see it was still a fantastic read! Awesome review, Kim!
Vanessa
Oh gosh! I really love the sound of this one. I remember I have a two or three books in my TBR from the same author and I think it’s time to check them out. Great review Kimberly!
Nadene
This was my favourite of the series. I am a bit behind and need to get caugnt back up in this series, Greta review.
kindlemom1
Glad you are still liking this series Kim, I hope you have a nice weekend!
cindy
Great review! Thanks for sharing this book , I do not usually read books like this but this looks good.
Kei
Love me some V, true! Great review ☺
Lexxie
V is one of my favorite BDB brothers, Kim, and you’re right, his back story is awful – it’s truly amazing that he actually became a somewhat functioning adult.
Great review 🙂
blodeuedd
I did like her early stuff
Geybie's Book Blog
Awesome review, Kim, as always. I loved this book. The series is definitely one of my favorite paranormal romances. Glad that you loved this book. Ohh I need to reread this series.
Sophia Rose
She certainly does have that heart-ripping gift, but yes, she does manage to also make a sigh-worthy romance, too. V’s story is so dark, broody, and sensual. I think I devoured this one.
Leona
YES! Lover Unbound is my first favorite out of the BDB series, Vishous easily became my favorite Brother and Jane became my favorite Shellan. Wait until you get to Lover Unleashed or even The King…mind blown.