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    Lover Unleashed: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood
    Unavailable
    Lover Unleashed: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood
    Unavailable
    Lover Unleashed: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood
    Audiobook18 hours

    Lover Unleashed: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood

    Written by J.R. Ward

    Narrated by Jim Frangione

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    Payne, twin sister of the Black Dagger Brother Vishous, suffers a devastating injury, and brilliant human surgeon Manuel Manello is called in to save her. Their attraction is instant, and as powerful as it is dangerous. But as human and vampire worlds collide, a centuries- old score catches up with Payne and puts both her love and her life in jeopardy.


    From the Paperback edition.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Random House Audio
    Release dateMar 29, 2011
    ISBN9781101436554
    Unavailable
    Lover Unleashed: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood
    Author

    J.R. Ward

    J.R. Ward is the author of more than sixty novels, including those in her #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series. There are more than twenty million copies of her novels in print worldwide, and they have been published in twenty-seven different countries. She lives in the south with her family.

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    Reviews for Lover Unleashed

    4/5

    743 ratings51 reviews

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    • 5/5
      Yay. That's what I'm talking about. :P It was a great, fantastic, soopa doopa read. I'm geeking out here because I was so happy how things turned out. I mean really, that was awesome how, J.R. Ward took something from so many books ago, and it was one word, and here it is.

      There is a lot of V and Jane in this book. A LOT. You could almost think that it's almost a second book for them, but being that Payne is V's sister, and V is on the verge of a breakdown, them being stars in the book makes sense.

      You know how when you read these types of romances, you know there's going to be some way that they are together. Well during Lover Unleashed, there were times when I thought that Manny and Payne were not going to end up together. I liked that, it added to the feel of the book. Although I thought the whole Payne being captured thing at last minute and being freed was a little random. It's like last chapter kidnap, FREEDOOMMMMMMMM (yes, had a braveheart moment) and then everything is all good.... must be something for the next book.

      There is so much going on, that is obv build up for the next book(s) so it kept you on your toes. It makes you really wonder a few things. Is V starting to have visions of the future that's not someones death? Is Manny going to stay human? What about these Merry Band of Bastards? Everything is starting to add up to something thats going to happen and it's going to be great.
      I wanna know whats going to happen with Quinn/Layla/Blay/Saxton thing. THAT is going to be crazy.
    • 5/5
      Oh what will I do until the next book is realeased at the end of March? Lover Unleashed was excellent and set things up nicely for the next book too. I just wish Qhuinn would get his arse in gear. The mansion must be getting very crowded now! Just can't get enough of these books.
    • 4/5
      This was much better than I expected. I have to admit that I was not looking forward to reading a book starring Payne and Manny. However I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed their romance. I liked the slow build and I thought they were sweet and hot. The side story involving Xcor was interesting as well and I liked that he had honor. What I didn't like was the story involving V, Jane and Butch. It took over the main story, IMO. V already had his book and I can't say that I wanted to read about his ongoing issues. It didn't seem to serve any purpose to me. The side story involving Jose De La Cruz seemed to go nowhere and I thought that was odd, unless it's explained in the next couple of books? Overall, it was a nice read.
    • 5/5


      LOVED this! This time the focus was on Payne and Manny, as well as Jane and V.

      I really like the character of Payne. She may be virginal and naive, but she's fierce and loyal to those whom she loves. While the blossoming relationship between Payne and Manny was light and refreshing, I think what gripped me the most was V coming unhinged and the toll it took on Jane as well as their marriage. I cried every time those two ran up against another wall. When Butch came to the rescue, I couldn't believe he knew just how to push the right buttons to get V to crack.

      For the first time, I think there were no Mr. X, Y or Z's in this story and no sign of the Omega. However, a warrior from the past has surfaced, Xcor. It seems he wants to usurp the throne from Wrath. I'm not yet sure if he's a possible friend or a real foe. What he has planned points towards foe, but the way he treated Payne makes me think otherwise. Maybe the Brotherhood will expand as the Lessening threat grows bigger?

      Hottest scene in this story didn't involve the Brotherhood - le gasp! It was Xcor, Throe and a pro. Nuff said.

      Loved the twist at the end involving Manny. Who knew? And seeing V so different, lighter was too sweet. He deserves to be really happy for a change.

      I can't wait for the next book and hopefully we'll get to see a female warrior in action.
    • 5/5
      Oh what will I do until the next book is realeased at the end of March? Lover Unleashed was excellent and set things up nicely for the next book too. I just wish Qhuinn would get his arse in gear. The mansion must be getting very crowded now! Just can't get enough of these books.
    • 5/5
      I was a bit concerned when I started because a lot of reviewers said this book felt like a filler book. I disagree completely - it's as good as the rest of the series, as detailed and fulfilling as any of the others. Sure, there's focus on 3 main character's stories, rather than the one main character as in many of the other books, but all 3 of them are complete and detailed. And having the stories of V, Payne and Quinn moving forward is worth each of them not being front and center throughout the entire novel.I didn't like V's story here - I don't really get it - but I can appreciate why it was part of the story. I like the Manny-Payne story, and how Quinn's future might have been foreshadowed a bit. And I like the tension around Score much better than the Lessers since he actually seems like a real threat. Interestingly, at the end of this novel, there's a scene that belongs to the start of another of Ward's stories (Envy)... the BDB series is better, but this other series (Fallen Angels) is still better than most other entries in the paranormal romance genre.`
    • 4/5
      I don't think JR Ward can disappoint. I have complete faith in her storytelling (after 9 books) and she has yet to write something that disillusioned me. "Lover Unleashed" was another amazingly quick read for me and I enjoyed every minute. Also this book was a super big deal for me as it is the first BDB book that I purchased in Hardback. I avoid hardbacks if I can unless I can get them secondhand or find an amazing deal and mostly this is because of the price. Yet, I have reached a point in this series where I just simply cannot wait the extra time to read the paperback...I have to have my Brothers fix asap! This was worth my money. The couple featured in the 9th installment is Manny the human surgeon and Payne, sister of Vishous. I liked both charcters well enough when they have been in previous plots and I ended up feeling about the same about them afterward. I still liked them fine, but neither has moved up in my esteem either. My gripes about this book do rest in the Manny/Payne portions of the novel. I thought Payne's physical dilemma was solved far, far too easily and too quickly. It didnt' seem like they had to work for this at all and that bugged me somewhat. My other complaint is the 'easy' shocking revelation that made it so that Manny could nice and neatly fit in amoung the world of the brotherhood. It felt a little "been there, done that" already in the series. Now for the fabulous, and there was PLENTY of fabulous! We meet a new group of enemies for the Brotherhood. They seem poised to take away Wrath's kingdom and encite the glymeria into revolt. The lessers are still in the book but this new 'group' kept things fresh and exciting. I look forward to seeing where the 'action' arc of the series goes with this new avenue to explore. Vishous and Jane are heavily featured here and some people call this their book. I for one love the main original Brothers and had no problem with more Vishous, Jane and Butch. The story is achingly beautiful and the relationship between the three are explored. A scene between Vishous and Butch had me so scared about what was going to happen and I couldn't imagine a way it would end well but again, I should not doubt the author as she pulled out something wonderful and I actually teared up a little. To keep us teased, Ward offers some brief and memorable scenes featuring Quinn and Blaylock...and Layla. Some definite stuff is happening there and I really would prefer that Layla stay the heck away, but again, I have to wait to see how it plays out. Another tease, was the very interesting side plot about a new policeman with a dark past...I happened to find out that character will be featured in the third "Angels" book and I'm eager to see how the two stories collide. Overall I am still a very pleased reader. Series just aren't usually this good after nine books!
    • 3/5
      As much as I like Vee I was so not looking forward to another book devoted to him. I thought this book would be about Payne or Qhuinn and Blaylock. I was very disappointed that Payne was portrayed as a helpless female instead of the awesome female warrior Ward would stingly give glimpses of between Manny's rising libido. Message to the author: Its time to bring to closure whatever it is you're trying to do with Qhuinn & Blay's relationship!! Four books and you're still dragging this out! End it already!
    • 4/5
      Excellent addition, although it sure did take a while for Manny and Payne to "seal the deal," as it were. :)I've read some other reviews that said this story was all about V and Jane - well, I must disagree. Yes they were a part of it (and I have NO problem with that since V is my favorite Brother), but they certainly didn't take over. I think Manny and Payne might have had a more developed relationship than some of the other couples, at least in the time frame they knew each other.I'm glad the two work out, and I'm doubly glad that Vishous was such a part of his sister's story - frankly, I don't think you could get one twin without the other. Payne was so multidimensional, which is extra impressive considering how she had spent her life thus far.STILL can't wait for the next book. And actually, that book is going to have to be huge, because I'd really like a bit of an update on all the brothers and their mates since some of them kind of dropped to the background after their books. And of course, I am dying to know what happens with Blay and Quinn - I just really like those two guys. Overall, I'm glad Manny got to come back in, as well as V got to work out some of his demons. Ready for book 10!
    • 4/5
      As this series has branched out from strictly paranormal romance into a hybrid PR mixed with a healthy dose of urban fantasy I've been kind of unsure if it would all settle into something I liked. However, if this story is anything to go by, I think I'm in full support of the genre mixing! Although I didn't really care as much for the last entry prior to this one, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this one. Some subtle changes in writing style which has been progressive over the last few B DB entries are noticeable here, such has her lightening up on the more outrageous dialog (I didn't mind it so much, but many people seemed to have issues with it) and a little more heavy handed endorsement of current trend, most particularly when it came to the music mentioned. I don't really think my noting these as a complaint, but more so just a show of the evolution of the series.I really like that in the last few books she has made a point to make in depth re-visiting of some of her past characters, their lives and relationships. This story certainly wasn't your traditional one hero and heroine storyline, but it showed the ongoing complexities and aftermath of the V, Butch, Jane storyline (sadly, Marissa seemed kind of left out, but maybe having her added in more would simply of been too much). I was glad to see this re-visited, just as I was glad for the refresh on Wrath and Beth in the last volume. Our "main" pairing of Payne and Dr. Manny was also very enjoyable and I liked both characters very much. We didn't see much moving ahead with the Qhuinn/Blay issues, but I was pretty happy and felt satisfied with what we got.I really do like that in addition to her "traditional" romance plots, this author doesn't shy away from her gay pairings or the more straight, albeit maybe more complicated, bromance subplots. That she gives these relationships a three dimensional treatment instead of just a sideline "looky what I've stuck in there" feel is very impressive.Overall this volume had a more even feel to me than the last one and I certainly enjoyed these characters much more. I'm looking forward to whatever this author has up her sleeve for the next story in this universe.
    • 5/5
      Dear God pleeeease just lock me in a room with the boys of BDB for a week and I can die a happy woman. *must remember to breath... in... out... in... out...*The ninth installment of BDB was phenomenal! More than phenomenal... like mind-blowing perfection! There is something about Ward's BDB series that completely consumes me and keeps me reading even though there is laundry to be done and dinner to cook. And I know that bathing would be much more convenient if I wasn't holding the book at arms length, washing my hair and panting over one of the brothers (or-Blay & Qhuinn).I was a teensy tiny bit freaked out at the very beginning... I mean really, 30 pages about Manny's damn horse? Like I care... WHERE ARE MY GUYS?But of course, I realize the significance of the horse situation now. Is it just me or did Manny get so much sexier in this book? I wasn't extremely fond of him before... maybe it's because V got all up in arms about him and Jane. Regardless, Manny completely won me over in this book!Many of you already know how crazy in love I am with Blay & Qhuinn... but you know Butch (my very favorite brother) and Vishous completely rock my world and make my toes tingle... *sigh* "I'm sorry," Butch croaked. "Oh God, I'm so sorry..." V put his arm out and curled it around the cop. Pulling the male close to his chest, he laid his head down on his buddy's. "It's okay," He said roughly. "It's all right. It's okay...You did the right thing..." Theirs is a relationship so deep that I could drown in it... And I can't even begin on Qhuinn & Blay or I won't stop... I have an entire post coming up on them soon.Okay, sorry! Back to Manny... I freaking LOVED how he stood up to V and could talk trash to Butch. I've had an affinity toward Payne since she first made her appearance in the BDB series and after she helped Wrath after he went completely blind!I cannot say enough about this book, it was fast-paced, sexy, romantic, tragic, beautiful...
    • 4/5
      Book nine down. I knew I'd like the book, but I had to convince myself I would in order to pick the book up. It was about Payne and Manello, two new characters, who I wasn't invested in at all. But like my prediction the two characters grew on me. There's wasn't a lot of action in this one, which I guess was a little of a disappointment, and I wasn't interested in the romance at all in this book, but there was enough of Vishous/Butch/Jane that I was kept entertained. Blay and Quinn's story still hasn't been resolved, so that gives me hope that yet another book is on its way. Hopefully a little more like the past books and less like this one. To sum that all up I guess I'd say I liked it, but it wasn't my favorite of the series.
    • 3/5
      Like the story how all the characters are still part of the story even its a romance story between Pain and a mortal surgen. BUT thier is too much swearing and sex its ruined the book for me.
    • 4/5
      Originally I wasn't too excited that the next book would be about Payne and Manny. But they both grew on me and I ended up really liking them. I love that we got to see more about Vishous and Jane. They go through some serious stuff in this one. It's as much their book as it is Payne and Manny's. I know alot of fans love Blay and Qhuinn and I do too. But for this book I could of done without their story line. Qhuinn does have revelation in this book that I'm curious to see how it will play out. Xcor and his group were interesting as well, but I doesn't seem that they have any good intentions.Lover Unleashed wasn't my favorite in the series, but I still loved the story. Definitely a good addition to the series.
    • 5/5
      ** spoiler alert ** I am a big fan of JR Ward's work and especially the BDB so the anticipation for this book was off the charts, as it always is for any of her new releases. Wondering the direction she was going to take the book, since it was Payne, essentially a female brother, was also something that brought a lot of hype and mystery before cracking open that cover.Immediately upon reading the first couple of pages, I will sat back and sighed because the dialogue of the BDB started to infuse into my system and made me smile. Any fan will tell you how much it warms your heart to hear that unique script that only we can get with a BDB novel. So now that I got my jones on, I started to enjoy the story of Payne and Manny.So we see what type of male Manny really is in this book and we are shown how that will save Payne from herself.But this story isn't just about Payne. Its very much about her twin, V. In fact, being the older brother, I would say he dominates her book as he does her life. We get a second chance to see into his relationships because of Payne's existence cracking open his mental doors. As much as Payne has been revealed to reality, so is V going to have to be real to the ones he love.There is an underlining theme in this book about what life has "shunned" or "thrown away". The 2 main characters represent that because V was shunned by the Scribe Virgin when given to The Bloodletter who then in turn did it again by torturing him. Payne was shunned when she avenged that torture as well as shunned because she was not the ideal female but more warrior.Quinn and Blay are present in this book to some extent. Quinn goes through a whole self examination stage of how he has been "thrown away" by his family. He has also thrown away his chance for love. Blay feels he has been shunned by Quinn for the love he feels for him. Stalemate.The Band of Bastards walks into this book as a group of men that is shunned because their bloodline will not let them be anything better because of defects. They can't be brothers, there is something wrong with them, defective, so this is what they have chosen instead to do, to fight. Their honor system is as defective as what kept them from being brothers. We get to see some of their actions in this book.My impressions overall were is the book has some high points with the revelations about V, Manny & Payne's relationship, the Band of Bastard's escapades, and some initial story arcs for the future. The lower points were that the other brothers were almost non-existent in this book, the scenes with Quinn and Blay just hovered, and the ending was thin. I loved this book for all that it encompassed, just like all the others in the series.
    • 5/5
      JR Ward did a great job with Lover Unleashed. There were several story lines going on a the same time but I looked forward to all of them. The new characters that were introduced - the Band of Bastards - are a great addition and I am intrigued by them and want to know more about them. I hope JR continues their stories in future books. The love story of Payne and Manny was good - not as encompassing as Rhage and Mary or Z and Bella but I really was glad they ended up together. The part of the book I enjoyed most was the transformation of V. I love his character and really liked getting to know him better and see his relationship with Jane and with BUTCH!!! I look forward to future books and hope that JR writes the novella of Blay and Qhuinn soon. We need their story!!!
    • 3/5
      I will concede that this last induction in the Black Dagger Brotherhood is infinitely better than the last one. However, for me, Ward continues to struggle with the plot - as in, there are way too many subplots in the book. I mean, I enjoyed learning more about Vishous and his relationship with Jane. The major issue, is that it takes so much away from the romance between Payne and Manuel. It seems like Ward is concentrating too much on past relationships and introducing new threats, than on the actual love story between the two 'main' characters. Plus the resolution at the end - Manny and Butch? Gag me.
    • 4/5
      Very much enjoyed the interactions between V and Jane and V and Butch. I liked both Manny and Payne, just wish there had been more. I guess their parts just did not feel dramatic enough for me. I am going to assume we will find out more about Veck, otherwise the parts with him were a waste of space. Also if Xcor and his group become the new villain I will be happy; the lessers were getting boring. It was nice not having chapters from the point of view of whichever lesser was in charge. I was entertained but think more scenes with more Brothers is always good.
    • 3/5
      Surgeon Manny Manello has his work, his horse, and... not much else. He's brilliant and driven, and detached. Summoned by someone he thought was dead to the bedside of a spectacularly beautiful, critically injured woman, he's immediately enraptured. Although Manny knows that once he's repaired her injuries he'll never see Payne again, he pours himself heart and soul into making her whole - but losing her memory may cost him everything. Payne wanted to be free of Sanctuary. Now that she is, she's unwilling to live as a cripple, unable to walk or fight. If the human healer can't fix her, she's determined to die, and even reuniting with her brother isn't enough to change her mind. But can love heal all?I really wanted to love this book, but the whole Manny/Payne drama has a flat feel. Far more engaging? The sub-plot as V and Jane slam head-on into their first marital wall is wrenching and lovely. The brief moments as Quinn and Blaylock continue to suffer separately are something to look forward to, as well.Ultimately and unfortunately, this feels like a gap novel intended to put more players on the board. With Xcor and his boys, Murhder (who didn't show up at all here), and the ongoing will they-won't they and how much damage can they do to one another drama of Quinn and Blaylock, hopefully Ward has enough irons in the fire to give us another edge of the seat installment soon!
    • 5/5
      i enjoyed this so much more than i thought i would!! it’s been a hot minute since i read bdb so i’m kind of still adjusting back into everyone’s stories. but —
      i’m glad vishous finally chilled tf out; i loved payne and i’m excited that manny will be sticking around; kind of excited about xcor and throe; payne is a bad bitch, but we been knew that.
    • 5/5
      WHEN'S THE NEXT ONE OUT?!?!
    • 3/5
      I took a break from this series for a while after reading first eight books. I was loosing my interest a bit. It was nice to come back to this series after all this time, but unfortunately the story of Payne and Manny wasn't as grabbing as some others.

      I generally liked the story. Payne and Manny are a nice couple. But I felt that there is not enough plot in this book. So okay, I admit I skipped some parts about Butch ex-partner and the police investigation and the ones about Xcor. But still... The thing is there are many minor plot lines instead of one centred around Payne and Manny. We've got the problems in V and Jane relationship, Qhuinn with his thoughts about his live, and as I already mention The killer case investigation and Xcor and his guys adventures. The part about Payne and Manny is maybe a half of the book.

      Also, the drama between in their relationship seems a bit forced in my opinion. There is some strange problem that cause a break and then a minute later everything is okay.

      I will give this book 3.5 star.
    • 5/5
      Ohhh this is goooood!
    • 3/5
      It reminded me to much of Viscous story. It was very similar. I had to speed up narration bc I was getting a little bored. I loved all the other books thus far.
    • 5/5
      The meeting of Payne is sister to Vishous both were children of the Bloodletter and coming to a crossroads has made and created another turns to learn of another presumed son called Xcor who thought that the Bloodletter was his father. But life has a way of bringing out more to their doorsteps. This book gave way for another set of wheels that put things in place. Changing all for the race. Great book and did enjoy this very much!
    • 5/5
      Lover Unleashed is another great book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Despite the story lines being so intertwined, cliffhangers abounding and so much unresolved in each book, I still love the series. The stories and the characters are so brilliant I can’t help it. Love all the Brothers. Now that I am reading the series, I don’t know why it took me so long to start. It must be my growing pile of “To Read” and “Read Soon”. This series is now at the top of my list. A must read for paranormal fans.
    • 4/5
      I was falling asleep for the first 90 or so pages, then it picked up. This was not my favorite of the series. It got going pretty well, then it ended in what felt too "Disney" of a ending. So I liked the middle of the book, didn't love it.
    • 5/5
      I loved this book. Not as much as Zsadist's story still, but it was a good one. I loved how the story flipped between present day John and past Darius. And I loved finding out how everything was all connected. The battle with Lash was very entertaining, I was on the edge of my seat. And I truly think John and Xhex deserve each other. I'm intrigued by what happened at the end with Payne and can't wait to see what happens next.
    • 4/5
      I'd give this book 4.75 stars only because I liked Lover Avenged just a bit more.

      This was a well written book with the three subplots weaving through the main story and all coming together so well at the end!

      Now!!! when does the next BDB book come out and who will it be about?
    • 3/5
      I think I liked this one the best so far.These books are campy, cheesy, adventurous, and original. I hate that I love reading these.It reminds me of when I go to the grocery and buy something like fiery hot Cheetos, or bacon flavored SPAM. Or even those cheap pot pies in the frozen section, or a bag of pork rinds. I have to shop produce first because then I can...or ONE can hide them under the healthy food. You don't want people to know that you love those things but you can't stop buying them from time to time, or in this case, reading them. So I've heard....