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 (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 5)
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Book Description
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...
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
The newest in Ward's ferociously popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series bears all the marks of a polished storyteller completely at home in her world. Vishous, son of the Bloodletter, is a cunning, stone-hearted vampire warrior devoted to killing the wicked, undead vampire slayers known as the Lessers; after an ill-fated visit to a hospital, Vishous falls instantly and unexpectedly in love with a human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb. Soon, Vishous has brought the unwitting human back to the Brotherhood lair, where she returns his feelings, opening up a potentially cataclysmic conflict—Vishous is, against his will, destined to become the Primale, a warrior with multiple vampire wives who's meant to ensure the survival of the species. Ward has by now become an expert at fleshing out the stories of her supporting characters—each with his or her own novel—without overpowering the central story, and while the romance between Vishous and Whitcomb is genre-typical, Ward isn't afraid to break with convention in challenging, gratifying ways. Though not recommended for newcomers to Ward's universe or romance traditionalists, this fix will give Brotherhood addicts a powerful rush. (Oct.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
About the Author
After graduating from law school J. R. Ward began working in health care in Boston and spent many years as chief of staff for one of the premier academic medical centres in the U.S. She lives in the South with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever.
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More About the Author
J.R. Ward is the number one New York Times bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series of vampire books. She is a winner of the prestigious Romance Writers of America RITA award for Best Paranormal Romance and is a multiple RITA nominee. A graduate of Smith College, she was a double major in History and Art History with a medieval concentration in both and she still longs at times for a return to those days sitting in dark lecture halls, looking at slides of old triptychs and reliquaries. Prior to becoming a full time writer, she was a corporate attorney, serving for many years as the Chief of Staff of one of Harvard Medical Schools premier teaching sites. Her idea of absolute heaven is a day filled with nothing but her computer, her dog and her coffee pot and the Brothers, of course.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
134 of 152 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Lover Unbound garnered an instant impression from me on ending it. It was a hard journey, probably the hardest book to read of the series for me. I thought Ward had wrung out of me all the rough emotions I could possibly feel with Zsadist's book (Lover Awakened), but oh, how wrong I was. My first impression? Well, it was a mixed bag actually: disappointment, utter joy, a bit of a depression in regards to some characters, smiles for certain scenes, heartfelt sighs for others...and a definite piqued interest for continuing with the series. A mixed bag to say the least--more like a salad in which some ingredients were found exceptionally tasty and snatched up, others a bit wilted and set aside for pondering.
Vichous, resident IT geek and live wire (think the hand). He's had it tough the last several months. He's got some conflicting emotions to work through regarding his roommate, Butch, feelings he hates himself for. Meanwhile, the war with the Lessers isn't going away, but turning a corner instead into newer, possibly deadlier territory. Like all of the brothers, his life hasn't come without a price, and memories of his father's warrior camp impede his ability to heal on the inside. His way of dealing is to indulge some darker sexual preferences, but is it helping? When a Lesser roundup goes bad, V finds himself hospitalized, but in a human one where the brotherhood is in danger of exposure. There he meets Dr. Jane Whitcomb, a self-assured surgeon...his savior. If not for her, he'd most likely have died, so why not kidnap the brilliant doc to make sure the healing continues? There's something about her that sparks the "mine" instinct and V's not having it any other way. Only problem is there's this tiny little job he's got to handle for the SV and it may mean an end to what V wants and a beginning to what's best for the vampire race as a whole. Can V step down from what he wants? Is it really in a warrior's nature? Jane may have been more than he bargained for too, more than he can sacrifice this time. And for a brother that's made incredible sacrifices in the past, it just might be time to take a stand.
First off, I agree with some of the professional reviews--this is not the book to enter the series on. If anyone starts off with it, they're doing themselves and the books a disservice. This series is worth reading in order from book one. Vishous has had quite the interesting development in the last four books (in order: Dark Lover, Lover Eternal, Lover Awakened and Lover Revealed). It's probably safe to say that many readers developed some expectations--who wouldn't with these vamps? They're exceptionally developed, larger than life (in our minds) and full of some very engaging emotions. I realized though, that in doing so I was putting myself and the characters in a corner. Realizing this didn't make me appreciate the ending any more, which is different. Hard hitting, heavy and raw. This book WAS raw, gritty and in-your-face. It's the BDB though, that's what we've been getting. The author has stayed true to the roots of the series in that regard. Did I wish it could have been different for the main characters by book's end? Big yes. Jane felt too rushed, but the circumstances in which she entered the series were rushed too, so it could be explained that way. Regardless, I wished for more from/for her, and I suppose that is why the ending disappointed me. To me, the ending left a lot of questions; ones I hope will be answered in later books. She seems to still have an important role by the ending, so that gives me hope. The romance was a bit understated compared to previous books--there's a lot of detail about John Matthew and his friends included, a great set-up for Phury's book (next in the series titled Lover Enshrined, June 2008). Secondary characters do play a bigger role in this one and those parts were stellar. Even Zsadist continues to develop beautifully--Ward's not done with the individual characterizations! This book explored some deep emotions and a new take on the way romance can be written. While the ending left me feeling unsatisfied, I'm still convinced this is one bold, gutsy and talented author, which only lead me to wanting one thing in the end--Phury's book. We meet his possible mate and what we find out about her and the culture she arrives from is not to be missed. Lover Unbound is going to sure-fire please fans, or put them in reserve and on guard. Oddly enough, it did both for me. Sounds like a success to me.
Vichous, resident IT geek and live wire (think the hand). He's had it tough the last several months. He's got some conflicting emotions to work through regarding his roommate, Butch, feelings he hates himself for. Meanwhile, the war with the Lessers isn't going away, but turning a corner instead into newer, possibly deadlier territory. Like all of the brothers, his life hasn't come without a price, and memories of his father's warrior camp impede his ability to heal on the inside. His way of dealing is to indulge some darker sexual preferences, but is it helping? When a Lesser roundup goes bad, V finds himself hospitalized, but in a human one where the brotherhood is in danger of exposure. There he meets Dr. Jane Whitcomb, a self-assured surgeon...his savior. If not for her, he'd most likely have died, so why not kidnap the brilliant doc to make sure the healing continues? There's something about her that sparks the "mine" instinct and V's not having it any other way. Only problem is there's this tiny little job he's got to handle for the SV and it may mean an end to what V wants and a beginning to what's best for the vampire race as a whole. Can V step down from what he wants? Is it really in a warrior's nature? Jane may have been more than he bargained for too, more than he can sacrifice this time. And for a brother that's made incredible sacrifices in the past, it just might be time to take a stand.
First off, I agree with some of the professional reviews--this is not the book to enter the series on. If anyone starts off with it, they're doing themselves and the books a disservice. This series is worth reading in order from book one. Vishous has had quite the interesting development in the last four books (in order: Dark Lover, Lover Eternal, Lover Awakened and Lover Revealed). It's probably safe to say that many readers developed some expectations--who wouldn't with these vamps? They're exceptionally developed, larger than life (in our minds) and full of some very engaging emotions. I realized though, that in doing so I was putting myself and the characters in a corner. Realizing this didn't make me appreciate the ending any more, which is different. Hard hitting, heavy and raw. This book WAS raw, gritty and in-your-face. It's the BDB though, that's what we've been getting. The author has stayed true to the roots of the series in that regard. Did I wish it could have been different for the main characters by book's end? Big yes. Jane felt too rushed, but the circumstances in which she entered the series were rushed too, so it could be explained that way. Regardless, I wished for more from/for her, and I suppose that is why the ending disappointed me. To me, the ending left a lot of questions; ones I hope will be answered in later books. She seems to still have an important role by the ending, so that gives me hope. The romance was a bit understated compared to previous books--there's a lot of detail about John Matthew and his friends included, a great set-up for Phury's book (next in the series titled Lover Enshrined, June 2008). Secondary characters do play a bigger role in this one and those parts were stellar. Even Zsadist continues to develop beautifully--Ward's not done with the individual characterizations! This book explored some deep emotions and a new take on the way romance can be written. While the ending left me feeling unsatisfied, I'm still convinced this is one bold, gutsy and talented author, which only lead me to wanting one thing in the end--Phury's book. We meet his possible mate and what we find out about her and the culture she arrives from is not to be missed. Lover Unbound is going to sure-fire please fans, or put them in reserve and on guard. Oddly enough, it did both for me. Sounds like a success to me.
25 of 29 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
#5 is Darker Than the Others, but a Fitting Continuation to the Brotherhood. Characters are Still Great. Ending Felt Hollow.
September 29, 2007
Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Black Dagger Brotherhood Series:
Dark Lover
Lover Eternal
Lover Awakened
Lover Revealed
Lover Unbound
Lover Enshrined
****Order them all together. You won't want to wait in between books. The story never slows down. Excellent series!****
Although I didn't enjoy this book as much as the rest of the series so far, J.R. Ward's writing is still the best of the paranormal romance rage. At over 500 pages, "Lover Unbound" keeps your interest with only a few slow spots. Her original characters are still maintaining their personalities and their relationships to the ongoing plot. Her new characters are likable and good additions to the tale. Ward continues the story with plenty of action, emotion, and romance.
My disappointment was in the fact that Vishous's character lost some of his attachment to Butch, came across as a bit deranged, and didn't get to really "have" his woman in the end. (Without spoiling the ending for readers, they are together in the end but not in a way that left me feeling complete.) This Brother, who aches for physical affection and touch, is left without the warmth he thrives upon.
The Story:
Vishous ("V") is drowning in loneliness and depression. He is deeply attached to his best friend, Butch. Butch now has a female mate, so Vishous is feeling utterly isolated and deserted. As an outlet for his emotions, he goes hunting lessers. As he finishes off one enemy, another shoots him in the chest. A human sees the fight and calls 911. V is picked up by an ambulance and taken to a human hospital. When his brothers realize what has happened, they go to rescue him before the sun rises and causes his death.
V wakes feeling an undeniable possessiveness towards his female surgeon. She has opened his body and literally touched his heart while saving his life. When his brothers arrive to take him home, V insists that they bring the surgeon along.
Dr. Jane awakens in a strange room, finding her surgery patient sleeping on a bed. She is instantly protective of her patient, thinking the brothers may cause him to die from lack of medical care. When she realizes V is not human, she tries to find a way to escape. V promises to let her go as soon as he is well, using his injuries as an excuse to keep her as long as possible. When V is almost well, his brother Phury becomes gravely injured. Even though V is willing to keep his promise to free her, Jane surprises him by refusing to leave until she brings Phury back to health as well. Her commitment to life and her compassion for the wounded reaches beyond the species barrior. V is falling helplessly in love with this woman of incredible intelligence and unselfishness. He even finds his jealousy over Butch fading.
The Scribe Virgin has plans for V's future. She also has shocking news about his past. V's own hopes for the future are unimportant to her. She puts the weight of responsibility for the future of the Brotherhood on V's shoulders to get his compliance with her plans. It will mean having to give up Jane. V's glimpse at happiness is being stolen away. He has no choice but to erase Jane's memories of him and the Brotherhood, and release her back into her own world. Jane's mind is far more intelligent that the average human. The erasing is unable to remove her memories completely. She dreams of a man whom she loved deeply. Feelings of loss swamp her soul. Her need for the dream- man is too real to ignore, too painful to let go of.
What Worked or Didn't Work for Me:
The overall story of V and Jane works beautifully, however flashbacks from V's past interrupt it a bit too often for me. What is revealed in those flashbacks is important, but it goes much farther than necessary. Dark tortures are both committed upon V, and by him. The sweetness of his connection to Butch is spoiled by these actions from his past. Also, the development of V's relationship with Jane ended up meaning the ruin of his affectionate nature with Butch. In the beginning of the story, V hugs Butch while healing him from the sickness caused by lesser consumption. By the end of the book, while the two brothers are still very close, the physical connection is totally gone. It left me feeling bereft. I would have liked to see their women happy about the close bond between their men. While it was necessary for V's sexual attraction towards Butch to fade, the tender way the brothers comforted one another would have remained a welcome tie.
The love scenes are half steaming hot, half icily cold. The first love scene between V and Jane is ULTRA hot. Seeped in domination, the passion is equally thrilling for both. Later, when V pushes for "something extra" from Jane, her discomfort makes it very difficult for the reader to enjoy. Although she eventually gets into it, the coldness of the acts were a total turn- off for me. Whether the male or female is in control, there has to be a degree of personal connection.
At the end of the book, the couple does end up together (of course), but it is in a way that is not "real" enough for me. It goes without saying, you have to approach paranormal tales with a certain expectation of anti-realism. But this ending went beyond my ability to picture a physical bond between V and Jane. A final disappointment came from the loss of yet another physical connection...They both loved the way he would bite into her throat and taste her blood during sex. (Yum! Hot, hot, hot!) But that would also no longer be possible, because she doesn't have blood. Ward makes sure to mention that they can still feel each other and sex is just as pleasing to them both, but I couldn't believe it under the final circumstances. So in the end, V no longer has a solid physical bond with either Butch or Jane. Considering that the need for affectionate touching was V's greatest yearning, this ending was very empty.
Dark Lover
Lover Eternal
Lover Awakened
Lover Revealed
Lover Unbound
Lover Enshrined
****Order them all together. You won't want to wait in between books. The story never slows down. Excellent series!****
Although I didn't enjoy this book as much as the rest of the series so far, J.R. Ward's writing is still the best of the paranormal romance rage. At over 500 pages, "Lover Unbound" keeps your interest with only a few slow spots. Her original characters are still maintaining their personalities and their relationships to the ongoing plot. Her new characters are likable and good additions to the tale. Ward continues the story with plenty of action, emotion, and romance.
My disappointment was in the fact that Vishous's character lost some of his attachment to Butch, came across as a bit deranged, and didn't get to really "have" his woman in the end. (Without spoiling the ending for readers, they are together in the end but not in a way that left me feeling complete.) This Brother, who aches for physical affection and touch, is left without the warmth he thrives upon.
The Story:
Vishous ("V") is drowning in loneliness and depression. He is deeply attached to his best friend, Butch. Butch now has a female mate, so Vishous is feeling utterly isolated and deserted. As an outlet for his emotions, he goes hunting lessers. As he finishes off one enemy, another shoots him in the chest. A human sees the fight and calls 911. V is picked up by an ambulance and taken to a human hospital. When his brothers realize what has happened, they go to rescue him before the sun rises and causes his death.
V wakes feeling an undeniable possessiveness towards his female surgeon. She has opened his body and literally touched his heart while saving his life. When his brothers arrive to take him home, V insists that they bring the surgeon along.
Dr. Jane awakens in a strange room, finding her surgery patient sleeping on a bed. She is instantly protective of her patient, thinking the brothers may cause him to die from lack of medical care. When she realizes V is not human, she tries to find a way to escape. V promises to let her go as soon as he is well, using his injuries as an excuse to keep her as long as possible. When V is almost well, his brother Phury becomes gravely injured. Even though V is willing to keep his promise to free her, Jane surprises him by refusing to leave until she brings Phury back to health as well. Her commitment to life and her compassion for the wounded reaches beyond the species barrior. V is falling helplessly in love with this woman of incredible intelligence and unselfishness. He even finds his jealousy over Butch fading.
The Scribe Virgin has plans for V's future. She also has shocking news about his past. V's own hopes for the future are unimportant to her. She puts the weight of responsibility for the future of the Brotherhood on V's shoulders to get his compliance with her plans. It will mean having to give up Jane. V's glimpse at happiness is being stolen away. He has no choice but to erase Jane's memories of him and the Brotherhood, and release her back into her own world. Jane's mind is far more intelligent that the average human. The erasing is unable to remove her memories completely. She dreams of a man whom she loved deeply. Feelings of loss swamp her soul. Her need for the dream- man is too real to ignore, too painful to let go of.
What Worked or Didn't Work for Me:
The overall story of V and Jane works beautifully, however flashbacks from V's past interrupt it a bit too often for me. What is revealed in those flashbacks is important, but it goes much farther than necessary. Dark tortures are both committed upon V, and by him. The sweetness of his connection to Butch is spoiled by these actions from his past. Also, the development of V's relationship with Jane ended up meaning the ruin of his affectionate nature with Butch. In the beginning of the story, V hugs Butch while healing him from the sickness caused by lesser consumption. By the end of the book, while the two brothers are still very close, the physical connection is totally gone. It left me feeling bereft. I would have liked to see their women happy about the close bond between their men. While it was necessary for V's sexual attraction towards Butch to fade, the tender way the brothers comforted one another would have remained a welcome tie.
The love scenes are half steaming hot, half icily cold. The first love scene between V and Jane is ULTRA hot. Seeped in domination, the passion is equally thrilling for both. Later, when V pushes for "something extra" from Jane, her discomfort makes it very difficult for the reader to enjoy. Although she eventually gets into it, the coldness of the acts were a total turn- off for me. Whether the male or female is in control, there has to be a degree of personal connection.
At the end of the book, the couple does end up together (of course), but it is in a way that is not "real" enough for me. It goes without saying, you have to approach paranormal tales with a certain expectation of anti-realism. But this ending went beyond my ability to picture a physical bond between V and Jane. A final disappointment came from the loss of yet another physical connection...They both loved the way he would bite into her throat and taste her blood during sex. (Yum! Hot, hot, hot!) But that would also no longer be possible, because she doesn't have blood. Ward makes sure to mention that they can still feel each other and sex is just as pleasing to them both, but I couldn't believe it under the final circumstances. So in the end, V no longer has a solid physical bond with either Butch or Jane. Considering that the need for affectionate touching was V's greatest yearning, this ending was very empty.
22 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By T. D. Bell
Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
All in all I am disappointed. Not what I was so very much looking forward to. (I know! I ended that sentence with a preposition. Sorry.) Vishous has always been that one character whose inner workings (thoughts and feelings) were unknowable. I expected his story to be filled with dramatic tension. There was none. The V of the story did not live up to the V of former books or even that of his own past. When I read that he kidnapped a human doctor, I just knew there would ranting and raving on her part and implacable resolve on his. There would be his attempts to reconcile his usually emotionless self with the new emotions bonding would throw on him. Nope. Didn't happen.
There wasn't even any romance in the story. They fell in love and committed to each other in what 24 hours? The biggest love affair in this story was between Vishous and his mother (and I don't mean anything sexual by that statement), or maybe it was the romance between Phury and his conscience, but it sure as heck wasn't the one between V and Jane.
There should have been hundreds of pages of romantic and sexual tension, and there's nothing but slack. The best parts of the book were the dialogue betweenn Butch and V, and V and Jane, and the parts about John Matthew.
Speaking of Butch. Man, there was so much Ward could have done there. V's feelings for Butch combined with his feelings for Jane would have been HOT (still not talking sex, people)!!! His feelings for Butch drying up like a up-rooted dandelion just because he bonded to Jane? Disappointing.
Did I mention I found this book disappointing? But, as I said, well written. It just isn't much of a romance. Its just another addition to the Black Dagger Brotherhood series in which Vishous falls in love. And the ending? Talk about jumping the shark!!!!!
There wasn't even any romance in the story. They fell in love and committed to each other in what 24 hours? The biggest love affair in this story was between Vishous and his mother (and I don't mean anything sexual by that statement), or maybe it was the romance between Phury and his conscience, but it sure as heck wasn't the one between V and Jane.
There should have been hundreds of pages of romantic and sexual tension, and there's nothing but slack. The best parts of the book were the dialogue betweenn Butch and V, and V and Jane, and the parts about John Matthew.
Speaking of Butch. Man, there was so much Ward could have done there. V's feelings for Butch combined with his feelings for Jane would have been HOT (still not talking sex, people)!!! His feelings for Butch drying up like a up-rooted dandelion just because he bonded to Jane? Disappointing.
Did I mention I found this book disappointing? But, as I said, well written. It just isn't much of a romance. Its just another addition to the Black Dagger Brotherhood series in which Vishous falls in love. And the ending? Talk about jumping the shark!!!!!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Enthralling
Just like the other black dagger brotherhood books; it keeps you entranced. I didn't want to put the book down
Published 2 days ago by Crystal
3.0 out of 5 stars
Less intense
I wanted these two lovers to find there way together. Still as well written as the previous 4, the eagerness and intensity of their feelings seemed flat. Read more
Published 3 days ago by Angela Graves
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just wow
This book was just awesome. Okay, this whole series is awesome and just keeps me guessing and on the edge of my book. I couldn't get enough of this book.
Published 4 days ago by Wendy M. Schuffert
5.0 out of 5 stars
My favorite book so far!!
Who would have known Vishous would come out the way he did. I enjoyed this book so much, out of all of them so far it has had the most romance and both drama and comedy. Read more
Published 6 days ago by Elaw
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome
This is just another fine entry in the Brotherhood series. This made me cry at the end but it is so wonderful
Published 7 days ago by MICHELE MILLER
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Read!
Another great read. This one had me crying. Finding love and then losing it is a hard thing to face. Love how V handles his feeling toward Jane. J.R. Read more
Published 8 days ago by mary8808
3.0 out of 5 stars
Wanted to love, I just couldn't
Pro: Jane and V eventually work well together, lots of tension, serious tear jerk moments
Con: V not a strong character, at least not strong enough for heroine
Too many... Read more
Con: V not a strong character, at least not strong enough for heroine
Too many... Read more
Published 10 days ago by Kellybolden
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it
I look forward to all that JR Ward writes. The Black Dagger Brotherhood is a fabulous series and I always want more!
Published 12 days ago by Linda
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it.
As always J D Ward can tell a great story. You end up rooting for the good guys as well as the not so good ones. I hated putting it down before I was done reading it.
Published 12 days ago by Laurie Combs
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this book!
Ok where do I start? First, I wanted to say I absolutely LOVED this book! I loved V's story and his interaction with Jane. Read more
Published 13 days ago by Andrea
