LOVER AT LAST : BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD by J.R.WARDGenre: Paranormal M/M Romance
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.
My review:WARNING: This review contains spoilers.I've waited for this book a looong time. Ever since Lover Enshrined, where the possibility of Qhuay was first introduced.
Things that I liked in this book:
Theres more I'm sure, but this is just off the top of my head.
- The drool-worthy cover.
![](https://www.perusingtheshelves.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=etbgmsl99bpbbd8h0b5o35v366&action=dlattach;topic=78731.0;attach=503855;image)
- Qhuinn and Blay finally get their HEA (literally). I know that the summary says "they finally become one" but I kept waiting for Ward to drop some bomb and demolish their HEA which didnt happen thankfully.
- There wasnt a lot of the Layla-Qhuinn-Blay love triangle drama.
- JRW really tried her best to make L likeable and she succeeded there with me.
- The side benefits of Assail/Sola , Trez/Selena, and Xcor/Layla keeps me wanting more of the BDB series.
- The amazing and hot sex. Especially the headboard scene and the couch scene. I know that this might be an issue to some of her readers, but I read a lot of m/m and i wished for more action.
- Qhuinn's romantic proposal.
- Blay's reaction to the proposal.
- Qhuinn asking Blay's dad's permission.
- The prelude which gave a little insight to Qhuinn-pre-transition.
- Male bonding over Tom Ford.
- Beth and Layla bonding
- Qhuinn gets inducted.
- Qhuinn crying at the end of the airplane scene.
- Qhuinn's relationship with Blay's parents.
- Qhuinn in a tux! and pierced.
Things that were a no-no:
- Blay lying to Qhuinn almost throughout the book about being in a relationship with Saxton. This is too vindictive and not at all like Blay.
- Saxton gets hurt ( though JRW did hint at a happy ending for him, atleast i hope thats what she meant by this:
" At least Blay had gotten his true love.
Now, if only Saxton could find his.") - While I'm happy that there wasnt a lot of the love triangle drama, it wasnt really believable. JRW mentioned that you always remember your first and Q was Layla's first. Besides that, they're having a baby! You want me to believe that no romantic feelings were and can be involved??!!
- The fact that this book wouldnt have spanned over 600 pages if Qhuinn and Blay had actually talked really bugs me. Makes me wonder if Blay's refusal to get his head out of his ass and see that Qhuinn wasnt having sex/in love with Layla and Qhuinns inability to say anything except I'm sorry / thank you to him were just page fillers.
I get that Qhuinn coming to terms with his sexuality and the emotional abuse that his family put him through is the major plot in this book.....I just wish he had done that sooner. - Their actual relationship as a couple is portrayed only in the epilogue even though the sex started long before that.
- The issues between Qhuinn and Blay werent really resolved except in some said "talks" between them after the confession in the bar.
Over all, Lover At Last is good and for you, if all you're looking for is Qhuay's HEA and not for the logic behind it. But for me, it was just plain disappointing.
My rating: 3 starsEdit: I added the intro and the genre after I saw the guidelines.