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shellballenger's review against another edition
Type of read: Commuter Read.
What made me pick it up: I stumbled across the Black Dagger Brotherhood in early 2024 with Darius (Book 0) and I got sucked into this crazy, cracked-out, sexy, throwback-feeling, world of vampires fighting something more evil than themselves.
Overall rating: Vishous...oh you dark, broken, beautiful man. I feel like 'Lover Unbound' was one of the first in the series where Ward played with a new storyline dynamic. We had flashbacks, multiple character POVs, and more of a focus on the community (and ultimately the world that Ward has created) as a whole, rather than just one of the brothers. There are definitely some jaw-dropping moments - I, for one, was not expecting the big twist - and times when you are truly sucked into the book and what's happening with these characters. As I mentioned, 'Lover Unbound' continues to build the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood and the many characters within. We get more info on John and ultimately get to see him through his transition and learning more about his father, Darius , Fury, and Zsadist. We also get a bit more of a look into the ritual and pomp of the Scribe Virgin and that portion of the brother's world. I also loved that Jane was not the traditional FMC. She's got a little extra spunk to her and that's refreshing, although some of her character arc was extremely predictable. And I feel it's necessary to say, I appreciate that Ward didn't truly make Manny out to be a bad guy. It was refreshing to see a male character outside of the Brotherhood not get the creeper/bad guy rap.
I know I've said it before in previous reviews for this series, but I feel like I just have to say it again, this is just a good escape read. You don't have to think too much about it, you don't have to try and keep things straight (Ward does a great job dropping little reminders at the beginning of each book and throughout so you keep the characters and their traits straight), and you can just dive into a (slightly dated) world of sexy vampire warriors. I'm here for it.
Reader's Note: 'Lover Unbound' includes themes of death; dying; consensual sexual activity; consensual BDSM sexual activity with sub/dom relationships; violence; kidnapping; torture; murder; sexual assault; and character recollections of physical and sexual abuse. There's also a lot of LGBTQIA+ conversation within 'Lover Unbound, especially as it navigates the relationship between Butch and Vishous, Vishous's past sexual history and partners, and how everything continues to work and grow within their relationship with each other and with their mates . I'm not going to say that it's homophobic, rather, it's quite understanding and loving; however, I think it's the way the Brotherhood talks and just the wording Ward chooses that make it feel juuuuuuuuust a tish on the uncomfy side (which, realistically, might have been the goal).
What made me pick it up: I stumbled across the Black Dagger Brotherhood in early 2024 with Darius (Book 0) and I got sucked into this crazy, cracked-out, sexy, throwback-feeling, world of vampires fighting something more evil than themselves.
Overall rating: Vishous...oh you dark, broken, beautiful man. I feel like 'Lover Unbound' was one of the first in the series where Ward played with a new storyline dynamic. We had flashbacks, multiple character POVs, and more of a focus on the community (and ultimately the world that Ward has created) as a whole, rather than just one of the brothers. There are definitely some jaw-dropping moments - I, for one, was not expecting the big twist - and times when you are truly sucked into the book and what's happening with these characters. As I mentioned, 'Lover Unbound' continues to build the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood and the many characters within. We get more info on John
I know I've said it before in previous reviews for this series, but I feel like I just have to say it again, this is just a good escape read. You don't have to think too much about it, you don't have to try and keep things straight (Ward does a great job dropping little reminders at the beginning of each book and throughout so you keep the characters and their traits straight), and you can just dive into a (slightly dated) world of sexy vampire warriors. I'm here for it.
Reader's Note: 'Lover Unbound' includes themes of death; dying; consensual sexual activity; consensual BDSM sexual activity with sub/dom relationships; violence; kidnapping; torture; murder; sexual assault; and character recollections of physical and sexual abuse. There's also a lot of LGBTQIA+ conversation within 'Lover Unbound,
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Murder, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
pvbobrien's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Body shaming, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Grief, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child death, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Medical trauma, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
kaadee's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Ok, there’s a lot I have to say.
I hate and love the world building a lot. I mean, I’m a fan of Dune which I would consider one of the most in-depth, well done world building series ever written. So reading this, I can’t help but make critiques. There’s plot holes, a ton of them, but I’ve heard that more of the books closes them up. After 5 books, I still feel like I’ve read nothing. Over these 5 books it has literally spanned a year. Not even. I feel like over 5 books we should have some explanation of something, right? And when they do give us world building scenes, they’re poorly written and aren’t very detailed.
I’m gonna be honest though, I love the Scribe Virgin. I know some people absolutely despise her but I honestly see myself in her a lot. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “She was as she had always been:alone in the midst of the world she’d created”. God, I love that line. It adds a ton of depth to her character, especially over the course of the book with the sacrifice of the song birds. She’s well written, I just think everything else is shit. We barely get anything from the Omega, which is ok because the forelesser was killed last book. Ok. Understandable. Not a huge fan but I can get over it, besides I don’t like reading the lesser POV all that much.
Now the romance. Jane, a smart doctor or whatever is a typical woman. I mean, sure she’s smart and definitely a smart ass, but she has no substance. Mary is my favorite girl so far and I feel like Jane is just Mary in a different font. She has no motivation except for her dead sister and now V. Ugh. Give me something!!!! I hate that the author (A WOMAN) can’t even write a good character who is in fact the same gender as she is!! Like hello!!! You have tons of experience!
There are things I liked about Jane but they mostly have to do with V. I like that she’s open minded. That’s about it. I thought her ending was very weird, I mean, a ghost? Really? Was that the best we could do? Ok sure, I can look over it but at this point I have a whole list of things I’m trying not to think about anymore. I cant even write more about her because she has nothing to offer. I must admit though, the beginning with the ouija board was perfectly written. It was so good, I just wish they had gone a little more in depth with her figuring out his name. Anyway, that’s it for her.
V. An abused smart asshole who is in love with his best friend until Jane shows up. I love V and Butch’s friendship, they would have been cute together. Give us at least one lgbtq+ character PLEASE. And she did. And they didn’t even get together. Nope. V ends up with bland ass Jane. It’s fine.
Anyway. V is kinky as shit. Good for him. I mean, he was all weirded out by himself saying how was a pervert but come on the kink wasn’t even that bad. Bland. Also; he was a terrible dom. He never gave aftercare, or breaks, or even cared at all. I know it ties into his past blah blah blah and Jane is the first to get care from him bUT IT WAS STUPID. GOD I JUST WANT ONE GOOD BDSM SCENE THAT IS WELL WRITTEN AND CORRECT AND NOT SOME WEIRD UNCONSENSUAL/TERRIBLE DOM THING. ITS ALL I ASK FOR. IF YOURE NOT GONNA WRITE A GOOD WOMAN CHARACTER AT LEAST GIVE IS WELL WRITTEN SEX SCENES.
I also am not a huge fan of Phury. I know they’re setting him up for next book but he’s annoying me. I love John Matthew so goddamn much and his relationship with Z is perfect. I also love Blay and Qhuinn. Anyway. Yeah.
That’s all I have for right now considering it’s 2 in the morning and I haven’t slept.
I hate and love the world building a lot. I mean, I’m a fan of Dune which I would consider one of the most in-depth, well done world building series ever written. So reading this, I can’t help but make critiques. There’s plot holes, a ton of them, but I’ve heard that more of the books closes them up. After 5 books, I still feel like I’ve read nothing. Over these 5 books it has literally spanned a year. Not even. I feel like over 5 books we should have some explanation of something, right? And when they do give us world building scenes, they’re poorly written and aren’t very detailed.
I’m gonna be honest though, I love the Scribe Virgin. I know some people absolutely despise her but I honestly see myself in her a lot. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “She was as she had always been:alone in the midst of the world she’d created”. God, I love that line. It adds a ton of depth to her character, especially over the course of the book with the sacrifice of the song birds. She’s well written, I just think everything else is shit. We barely get anything from the Omega, which is ok because the forelesser was killed last book. Ok. Understandable. Not a huge fan but I can get over it, besides I don’t like reading the lesser POV all that much.
Now the romance. Jane, a smart doctor or whatever is a typical woman. I mean, sure she’s smart and definitely a smart ass, but she has no substance. Mary is my favorite girl so far and I feel like Jane is just Mary in a different font. She has no motivation except for her dead sister and now V. Ugh. Give me something!!!! I hate that the author (A WOMAN) can’t even write a good character who is in fact the same gender as she is!! Like hello!!! You have tons of experience!
There are things I liked about Jane but they mostly have to do with V. I like that she’s open minded. That’s about it. I thought her ending was very weird, I mean, a ghost? Really? Was that the best we could do? Ok sure, I can look over it but at this point I have a whole list of things I’m trying not to think about anymore. I cant even write more about her because she has nothing to offer. I must admit though, the beginning with the ouija board was perfectly written. It was so good, I just wish they had gone a little more in depth with her figuring out his name. Anyway, that’s it for her.
V. An abused smart asshole who is in love with his best friend until Jane shows up. I love V and Butch’s friendship, they would have been cute together. Give us at least one lgbtq+ character PLEASE. And she did. And they didn’t even get together. Nope. V ends up with bland ass Jane. It’s fine.
Anyway. V is kinky as shit. Good for him. I mean, he was all weirded out by himself saying how was a pervert but come on the kink wasn’t even that bad. Bland. Also; he was a terrible dom. He never gave aftercare, or breaks, or even cared at all. I know it ties into his past blah blah blah and Jane is the first to get care from him bUT IT WAS STUPID. GOD I JUST WANT ONE GOOD BDSM SCENE THAT IS WELL WRITTEN AND CORRECT AND NOT SOME WEIRD UNCONSENSUAL/TERRIBLE DOM THING. ITS ALL I ASK FOR. IF YOURE NOT GONNA WRITE A GOOD WOMAN CHARACTER AT LEAST GIVE IS WELL WRITTEN SEX SCENES.
I also am not a huge fan of Phury. I know they’re setting him up for next book but he’s annoying me. I love John Matthew so goddamn much and his relationship with Z is perfect. I also love Blay and Qhuinn. Anyway. Yeah.
That’s all I have for right now considering it’s 2 in the morning and I haven’t slept.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Car accident, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
krazyk8y's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Disability diversity is in these books as well a body shape diversity. However it does not have a very racially diverse main cast.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Torture
Minor: Gun violence and Sexual assault
the_disreputable_dog's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book was okay. I found the premise of kidnapping to a romantic connection to be pretty shaky, and it didn't feel like they did much emotional bonding before they were a couple. I did enjoy the part of the story where V interacted with his mother, however. I'll also be interested to see what happens in nextbook because I like the way it was set up and it has been pretty interesting it feels that it's been set up over the course of a few books and I will be interested to see how it plays out.
I will say though, I was extremely unhappy with the way that the relationship between Butch and V was handled. I felt that it would have been a good match, and so as a reader it did feel somewhat like they were breaking up even though they never really got together. I did not like how Butch basically said 'no homo' when talking to V about it. I found it to be pretty ignorant, and I almost quit reading at that point. It's just such a backwards way to handle that issue. I remember being a kid at the time that would have been acceptable, and thinking then how bad it was, and it still is bad now, and people finally seem to understand that, but it's still a disappointment to see the equivalent to 'no homo' reflected in this book. I know that was the way that some men were handling homosexuality, but it didn't make it a good thing then, and it's still not a good thing. I had higher hopes for their pair than that.
I will say though, I was extremely unhappy with the way that the relationship between Butch and V was handled. I felt that it would have been a good match, and so as a reader it did feel somewhat like they were breaking up even though they never really got together. I did not like how Butch basically said 'no homo' when talking to V about it. I found it to be pretty ignorant, and I almost quit reading at that point. It's just such a backwards way to handle that issue. I remember being a kid at the time that would have been acceptable, and thinking then how bad it was, and it still is bad now, and people finally seem to understand that, but it's still a disappointment to see the equivalent to 'no homo' reflected in this book. I know that was the way that some men were handling homosexuality, but it didn't make it a good thing then, and it's still not a good thing. I had higher hopes for their pair than that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Medical content, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Child death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Grief
Minor: Biphobia, Gun violence, Homophobia, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Torture, Medical content, Car accident, and Injury/Injury detail
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