Then, when she does finally become mobile and has a chance to be “normal” again, she acts more like a giddy young girl than a 300-year old fighter. Some of this is understandable, considering how crushing it would be to be faced with permanent paralysis as a warrior, but far too much time is spent on this period of weakness and inactivity for Payne to really grow as a character.

Payne’s personality is nearly unrecognizable compared to the tenacious & serious, almost savage, amazon she was introduced as in a previous novel. “Lover unleashed” is more more applicable to V, as he learns to relinquish his vicious self-control… literally, un-leashed from the “predilections” that trapped him in his previous destructive BDSM spiral. Payne is more “unleashed” in her sparring sessions with Wrath in the previous books than she is throughout this entire novel. The title of this book is a little misleading, assuming it is supposed to describe the featured couple or “warrior”. If you already know you want to read this book, WAIT til after you finish it to read my review, then see if we agree! If you have not read the BDB series and are looking for a review to decide if you should, then look at either Dark Lover (BDB #1) or Lover Eternal (BDB #2) as this newest one is good, but by no means the highlight of the series. WARNING: This review will include some spoilers, most minor or mid-range but some possibly large ones involving the plot’s turning points. Manny and Payne share an instant connection, but will she ever walk again and how will he deal with the news that Jane really isn’t gone and vampires actually do walk among us? When Doc Jane realizes the damage is too great for her to repair, she goes on a hunt for the one man she knows has a chance of saving Payne: Head of Surgery, Dr. Prominent Characters: Payne, Manny, Vischous, JaneĪfter suffering a paralyzing injury, Payne’s life (as well as her mobility) is in jeopardy.Series: The Black Dagger Brotherhood – book #9.A good read – not as spectacular as some of the previous BDB novels, but definitely worth picking up!

Payne’s twin brother Vishous and his mate Jane have a rough ride in store for them as well, as they work through V’s frustration & anger at the decisions made by his and Payne’s unconventional parents. Her healer Manny, a world class surgeon and head of surgery at the local hospital faces some difficult circumstances himself when his efforts to save Payne begin to impact his career. With her life in jeopardy and her mobility possibly permanently impaired, Payne faces some difficult decisions.

Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward