PNR Review: Lover At Last: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood [Hardcover]

I've finished "Lover at Last" the 11th book in her Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward.

Product Description

“The hottest collection of studs in romance” (New York Times bestseller Angela Knight) returns as #1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward brings together two of the most beloved people in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world — at last.

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: it seems Qhuinn has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young. It’s hard for Blay to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. And Qhuinn needs to come to terms with some dark things before he can move forward.

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.

About the Author

J.R. Ward is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. She lives in the South with her family.

Product Details
Hardcover: 608 pages
Publisher: NAL Hardcover; 1 edition (March 26, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451239350
ISBN-13: 978-0451239358

My Review:

Qhuinn and Blay are the main storyline but there are four others interwoven into theirs:

1.  Xcor and Layla
2.  Assail and Sola
3.  Trez/IM and a Chosen
4.  Xcor and The Band of Bastards

If you haven't started this series the romance between Qhuinn and Blay started in Lover Enshrined with a hot kiss between the two.  They have been best friends since childhood who have been there for each other for love and support but that almost was severed when Blay's feelings for Qhuinn nurtured into an attraction which Qhuinn couldn't handle knowing that Blay wanted him as a lover.

Qhuinn resisted and pushed Blay away by putting up a front that he couldn't be gay or even remotely attracted to men and he enjoyed having sex with woman.  We learn he was banished from his family because of different colored eyes one green and the other blue though I don't believe that was the only reason.  This pushed Qhuinn to embrace being a man by doing manly things like getting tattoos, piercings, working out, etc.

This caused Blay to turn to Saxton Qhuinn's cousin as his first male lover (Lover Mine) and Qhuinn took Layla a Chosen's virginity during her needing because they both wanted a child of their own to love (Lover Reborn).  Saxton has made it clear that Blay isn't spoken for but Qhuinn thinks it's too late to claim him.

In Lover At Last Blay is in a long-term committed relationship with Saxton and Qhuinn has finally admitted to himself and Layla that he loves Blay.  Their relationship is broken because Blay treats Qhuinn with scorn and disdain and they can't even have a civil conversation.

Saxton breaks up with Blay because he's fallen in love with him but knows it won't be returned ever (though it hurts he will recover).  Saxton seems to be getting over Blay by sleeping with someone else and enjoying the nightlife while visiting his aunt.

Meanwhile it looks like Layla is losing the baby and Qhuinn is taking it very hard.  Blay is there for support and Qhuinn begs him to use him to get back at Saxton for cheating on him.  Blay can't stand to see Qhuinn in so much pain so he asks Payne to help with Layla and it looks like she is still pregnant.

Boy do Qhuinn and Blay get it on - many times and it was so hot and sexy (the lube thing didn't bother me because they both were really into it).  Especially the furniture breaking and the couch scenes.  I really liked the last chapter I thought it was really tender and caring.  I can't wait till their mating ceremony and hopefully that is in the next book!

I wish that Blay was honest with Qhuinn about the status of his relationship with Saxton sooner (though I understand why he didn't - he's trying to protect himself).  I also wished that Qhuinn told Blay how he felt about him instead of keeping it to himself which would have prevented the problem and they would have been together sooner. 
 

Favorite Quotes:

Blay:

"Just so we're clear, your cousin is giving me what I need.  All day long.  Every day."

"You disgust me".  "You need to get the "___" out of my life."  You stay the hell out of my business!"

"Aren't you going to ask me why Saxton and I were never going to work?"

"Because I was, and I remain, utterly and completely and totally ... in love with you."

"Back off!"  "He's with me."  "We are!"

"You suck!"

Qhuinn:

"Yes I do, don't I?"  "And you like me to."

Blay's parents:

"People! For the virgin sribes sake!  My beautiful, healthy, smart, priceless son is gay - this is nothing to mourn!"

"I couldn't be happier for you both!"

"This is so wonderful.  I have another son - two sons!  Come here, I have to hug you.  Two sons!"

5/5 - Qhuinn and Blay
4/5 - Rest of the story

Thanks Penguin Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!

*I will update more later today or tomorrow!