Lover Mine
Paranormal Romance
April 27, 2010
Hardcover, 512 Pages
NAL
Reviewed by Mandi
Why I read: BDB is my favorite series.
Favorite quotes/moments from the four main players (and Lassiter :)
John Matthew: The sob that breached his throat actually made a sound.
Xhex: “John?” She said.
As it was dark, he whistled a What?
”You are such a male of worth, you know that. You really are.”
Qhuinn: …Qhuinn’s mouth dropped open. But not because he was shocked and not because he wanted in on the action.
He simply couldn’t breathe. It was as if his ribs had frozen along with his heart.
No…no, goddamn it, no…
Blay: It had always been about Qhuinn for him. Always.
Lassiter quote: “Oh and I’m not with him at the moment because everyone needs to be alone. Plus I got to have my O fix.”
The angel turned away, his blond-and black hair swinging, “And you can shut it. Oprah’s awesome.”
Four weeks have passed since the end of Lover Avenged. As the brothers fought in the big battle against Lash to free Rehvenge, Xhex mysteriously disappeared. Rehv, who is staying up north in the sympath colonies has been searching for her, but with no luck. That leaves the brothers to assume Lash has her – but no one knows where Lash is. They are pretty sure he is taking over the drug trade in Caldwell, and every night have been tracking down leads from low life druggies.
John Matthew is in love with Xhex and desperate to find her – but only his good friends Blay and Qhuinn are privy to his frantic emotions. John Matthew knows there is a good possibility Xhex is dead – and couldn’t bear the other brothers mourning his loss if that is to be the case. On the other hand, he knows Xhex would panic if she is found, and the brothers expect an immediate mating ceremony. So for now, he keeps his feelings somewhat under wraps. He walks around the shell of a man he used to be – unable to sleep, barely eating, and has outcasted himself in the mansion. He goes to a private tattoo parlor and gets her name inked on his back. Something for just him, and for the love of a woman who he is missing desperately.
What John Matthew doesn’t know is that Xhex is in fancy digs in Lash’s brownstone, but she is kept in an invisible prison. She can’t leave the bedroom, some unknown force field keeps her contained. She is actually invisible to everyone but Lash and that is the room Lash loves to have her in. His plan at first is to torture as she killed his female in the previous book. But as he starts to fight with her, and realizes just how hard core feisty she is, he gets turned on. And in his warped way, he loves her and goes to her every night, now not so sure he wants her gone.
One thing keeping John Matthew from going insane is the fact that lessers are impotent – but the one thing he doesn’t know is Lash is not an ordinary lesser.
Another big storyline in this book is Blay and Qhuinn. Blay is gay, and has been in love with Qhuinn for a while now. Qhuinn loves to have sex – with women – but there was that kiss in Lover Enshrined that Blay can’t quite shake. Qhuinn knows Blay is in love with him, yet that doesn’t stop him from having sex with a female while Blay is only a few feet away. But things start to change when Qhuinn’s cousin, Saxton comes to town to do some legal work for the shadows Trez and iAm. Saxton immediately hits on Blay, and Qhuinn turns jealous.
Lover Mine, in my opinion, really brings the romance back to the BDB world. I didn’t love Lover Enshrined and I had some issues with Rehv and Ehlena in Lover Avenged. I have loved John Matthew for some time now and J.R. Ward did not disappoint me with his story. When Xhex finds her way back to John, she is not in good shape. Lash is not gentle with her while he has her. She is literally starved and physically abused. John becomes her rock and her support, and she lets him.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” She took what he offered and pressed it against both eyes. “I hate being a girl. I really fucking despise being a girl.”
As she went on a rant about estrogen, and skirts, and pink nail polish, and frickin’ stilettos, he fed her Kleenex after Kleenex, gathering up the red-stained ones she’d used.
“I never cry, you know that.” She glared over at him. “Ever.”
He nodded. And handed her another cocksucking tissue.
That is not to say Xhex has lost her toughness. I am not always a huge fan of JR Ward’s heroines, but I love what she does with Xhex. She is a survivor, and very independent, but in this book, she doesn’t push John Matthew away. She comes to realize he is the one for her and doesn’t fight it. There is a moment when the brothers are searching for her, and she is in her invisible prison – she can see them, but they can’t see her. She sees the despair on John’s face as he frantically searches for her – and it is a turning point. And in true J.R. Ward style we get lots of wafting bonding scents, protective urges and baring of fangs.
I also love that Xhex doesn’t know sign language (and John is a mute). Their communication takes work, and it is a nice twist. Their romance scenes are hot, and there are several. Like I said, this felt much more romance oriented than her last few books.
The other two that get big page time is Qhuinn and Blay. The angst and sexual tension between these two kills me!! I mean, break out the Rolaids, because I am stressed! I don’t want to go into what happens, or what path they go on in this book, but their feelings are explored very much and I really like their scenes together. I read a lot of m/m romance books and I honestly didn’t know what to expect from J.R Ward in this area. She brings out emotions in these two that will kill you. For as much as I was anticipating John’s story, Qhuinn and Blay gave me a story that blew me away.
We also see Payne, who at the end of Lover Avenged is stuck on the other side with her mother the Scribe Virgin. Payne’s book is next and I was actually surprised her story is not set up more. Lover Mine has a lot of focus on John Matthew and Xhex, and Blay and Qhuinn. The other brothers play very small roles, but I think that has been a complaint in the past. Too much has been going on. I love that the romance takes center stage, and I love how it is played out.
There is another small storyline involving a television crew for a paranormal investigations show filming in North Carolina. It threw me – there is something that comes of it at the end, but I am not sure why we had to go the route of this tv crew to get there. It didn’t make a lot of sense to me and felt very oddly out of place. I also thought the flashbacks to the 1600’s where we get a glimpse into Darius’ life was a little slow going. It ties into present day nice and tidy, but JR Ward has such a good story going on in present day, I wanted to stay there.
J.R. Ward gives John Matthew and Xhex a love story they deserve. I couldn’t have asked for a better romance between these too. Added in the tension between Qhuinn and Blay and this book is definitely one of my favorites.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recent Reviews:
Wicked Little Pixie – 5/5
Come back tomorrow for a chance to win a signed copy of Lover Mine.
Sounds soooo good. Me wants now! I can't wait to get my copy. Won't sleep till I finish it.
Great review hon!
It was hard to put it down to sleep :)
This sounds so very promising Mandi!!! I really love the fact that romance gets a center stage again and Blay and Qhuinn *whoop* I love those two together!! Thanks for a great spoiler free review! I'm counting the days until I have my copy now :) Okay, I already did that but now even more so.
I can't wait to hear your thought Leontine! :)
The wait is KILLING me! ARGH. The upside is all the early reviews have been positive – for all the reasons you mentioned. It seems Xhex has fast become fans favorite heroine (move over Bella!) which is ironic, because I know a few fans were iffy about her and her androgynous, tough exterior.
QHUINN & BLAY! Omigod, omigod, omigod! I *love* them – and I almost want the angst and upset because I think that will lead to a more fulfilling HEA for the two of them. But at the same time I know I'm going to cringe and cry when I read the inevitable hurt Qhuinn will cause Blay.
ARGH! I need my copy, like, yesterday!
Great review!
Danielle – I was worried more that Ward would make Xhex to mushy..but she meets in the middle great. I really, really loved her as a heroine.
Q and B – she is making us work…making us work hard..and I love it.
I've been patiently waiting to read this,but as more reviews come in I'm becoming impatient :)
Great review Mandi.
Thanks :)
WOW! The romance is back? Me so happy! I can't wait to get my delayed copy from Book Depo (tryin to make its way through volcanic ash).
Sounds like the magic is back – yay!
Damn ash!! I hope it clears ;)
Great review, Mandi. Even though I did not like Xhex and JM together, and I couldn't stand their interaction in the last book, it sounds like this book finally gets some emotional connection and romance for the couple. I am really looking forward to reading it (already pre-ordered on amazon!) even though Tohr doesn't have a big role. Bummer. I am really praying he gets some healing.
You get a tiny bit with Tohr :)
Awesome review. This is the book that's going to decide for me if I go back to buying them or keep waiting for my turn at the library.
Right now, they're library reads for me, but you're making this story sound so intriguing, I might have to break down and buy it.
I hope you like it as much as I did! :)
Great Review as always!! I'm about halfway through Lover Avenged.
Hey sugar momma! ;) lol Ok I totally skimmed this review b/c Im WAY to excited about the book to spoil the fun but Im glad you liked it! CAN NOT WAIT! EPP!
Ok, first off I'd like to say a lot of you people get up wayyy to early. :)
Second, great review Mandi. I only skimmed it because I haven't received my copy yet.
Xhea has always been a fav of mine-I like her no nonsense kick arse attitude. So her and JM in this book is going to make my year.
Randi – cool! You will be already for Tues :)
Monrow – Can't wait to talk with you about it!!!
Tori -Come on girl and wake up! ;)
Woot! ive been waiting and waiting for this review Mandi, im so happy Ward has gone back to more romance in her books and focused on the two main leads, Phurys book was a disappointment in that after id read it i could only remember all the side stories.
Soooo excited to get this book and love on JM and hate on Lash.
great review Mandi, you just made me more eager for Lover Mine if its possible =D
Is it crazy that reading your review has made me anxious for book 9 in the BDB series!? I'm already counting down to (I'm assuming) next year! And I haven't even read Lover Mine myself. lol And what are we all going to do after book 10 comes out?! We'll all be lost little puppies, won't we?!… *hyperventilates a little*
Oh, Good Lord! I can't wait for this book to come out. I abso LOVE John Matthew. He's my fav along with Butch. And Blay and Quinn, sigh…love them too!
Waiting for my friend to buy it..when it comes in paperback :(
Sparkly – Lash gets lots of hatin' on in this book!
Rumour – I know!!! LOL..I NEED book 9. And book 10..and err…yeah :)
Lisa – Oh JM..le sigh
Blodeuedd – oh noes!
OMG! When I saw Lover Mine go up on your currently reading spot, I was REALLY hoping you would put your review up before the book came out! (Plus, can I tell you how jealous I was you had a copy!?). I can't get enough info on it. I honestly have never counted down the days to book release like this one.
What I love best about Xhex is she's so different for most heriones. She's flawed like the rest of us but over time you just keep rooting for her more. Thanks SO much for posting!
Oh, I'm so glad to hear Ward is back to the romance! Phury's book was disappointing and Rhev's book was not my favorite either. Can't wait to see JM and Xhex. I was worried Xhex would be too "butch" for a story but it sounds like Ward made it work. And Qhuay – bring it on!!!!!
Monica – I have been dying for JM's story ever since I met him in Lover Eternal :) I just love him with Xhex..to me she did the romance perfect. Xhex comes a long way in this book…
Patti – Lash really beats down Xhex…her road to recovery brings out a softer side..but she is still a toughie :)
Thanks for that review. I am so going to stay up all night for this one! So glad John/Xhex and Quinn/Blay will each have a HEA.
Diva – I stayed up too..and don't jump to conclusions about B/Q *cough cough*
Mandy, great review! I'd given up on the series, but you are tempting me! Maybe I'll pick up the paperback when it comes out. :)
Oops, I really thought I'd spelled your name with an "i". Sorry!
Kmont – This one was so good..of course I'm a JM junkie :)
And I'll answer to anything ;p
The whole ghostbusting reality show scenes was the lamest thing in the history of the BDB books. But Qhuay made up for it big time.
At first I couldn't stand Xhex, much like I couldn't stand V, but now Ward has changed my mind yet again.
Tv crew was just soooo out of place. I don't care what end result we had..very blah.
I lurve Xhex.
Qhuinn… Blay…. Saxton… *sob*
I'm a BDB virgin! (Yes, they exist ;)). I'm wondering if this is a series that needs to be read in order? Or can I just jump in with this installment? Because this sounds good. Very nice review, Mandi! :)
Janna – I def think it has to be read in order…I mean – you wouldn't be lost and you would prob enjoy..but there is a lot of history with each of the brothers that comes up in each book.
I'm a BDB virgin too – I think I need to start the books though – they sound so good! Reminds me a little of the Demonica series with the tough and sexy brothers angle.. though once I start the series I probably won't sleep for days trying to read them all at once :D
Heather – if you like Demonica – You will LOVE this series!!
Thanks Mandi, I remember that :)
::Chants:: oh my god oh my god – I can't wait to read this. This is the book we've all been waiting for, the series we're all addicted to.!
Come on April 28th get here already dammit!
AHH! I want to read it now! I feel like I've been going through withdrawl and now thats its so close I just want it lol. At least I got a little taste today.
OK Mandi, so you got the book early AND you are giving away a copy tomorrow? Are you going for the coolest blogger in the world award? I’ll vote for you!
I, like everyone else, can’t wait to read this…
Oh Mandi, Mandi, Mandi!! This is a great review!! There is just no other series like BDB. xoxo
OMG! I can't wait! This is killing me! Thanks for the review. :-)
You know it took me the longest time to get into this series. Not because it wasn't good, but because I hated the covers and thought it was a completely different type of story (where the women are just too wimpy). I'm so glad that the stories are still good with this latest one! Thanks for the review. I can't wait to get my next book in the series to read!
WHOOT I am so excited to read this.
Great review Mandi – thank you! I've been feeling more and more disillisioned with the BDB books, but your review has given me hope that we might be heading back in the direction of the earlier book. And YAH for lots of Qhuinn & Blay page time!
…but there was that kiss in Lover Enshrined that Blay can’t quite shake.
I so need to read that scene again *grin*
Great review Mandi! I can't wait for Lover Mine! This is one of my most fav. series. I'm glad the romance is back. How strange for Paynes' story for the next book isn't more set up like in previous books. Though, I'll happily take more Blay and Quinn! ;)
Lover Enshrined was my least fav. also. :(
Ohh, I want this book!
I loved Zsadist's book! Hes my fav!
How the hell did you get your hands on this book already???!! I want to read this! I even pre-order my copy like a week ago! I need this book! Gah.. and yes, BookFreak, I agree. Z is my fav too
WAHOOO!!!! J.R. Ward is bringing back the romance!!!!! YAAAYYYY!!!
Great, GREAT review Mandi! You gave me exactly what I needed while also keeping me completely in the dark. Perfect. Thanks, girl!
HUGS, VFG
I SOOOOO WANT THIS!!!!!!!
*ahem*
BTW, I'm not thanking you for this review, Mandi. It's just too much like bragging.
A mute, a star-crossed romance between two guys, and an Oprah shout-out? Maybe I should start reading these books.
KC – I can't wait for you to read it!
Jamie – I know..withdrawal is hard!
Lizzie – LOL..I need to celebrate..this is my fav series!
FV – Looking forward to your review
Ivy :)
Melissa – the women can be a bit wimpy..but this one is a goodie!
Lily :)
Orianna – I lurve that scene ;)
Kitt – I know..I kind of wanted more Payne, but at the same time I'm glad more of the focus was on JM/X
BookFreak -Z is a lot of people's fav..he is covered in baby gear in this one :)
Kayla – gulp..sorry! LOL!
VFG – I can't wait for you to read this!! Remember your BDB week last year? That is when I found your blog.
Kris – I want to hear your thoughts on the boys!!!
Heidenkind – you are sooo missing out!
wow, you didn't let me down with your review, now i so can not wait to next week, keep debating if i should actually by the hardback or download it on my nook,,,,,decisions, decisions..
thanks for your review
I can't wait to get my copy in the mail! I ordered it from Amazon and really hope it comes in early. Can't wait to go to her book signing in KY in early May.
Great review Mandi! I am eagerly anticipating the release of LM. Though i won't be buying a hardcover copy, I'll just be glad to know it's out. Hopefully my library will be getting a copy or I'll have to wait until the paperback comes out in Nov. I still have yet to read Butch's and Vishous's stories, because the reviews weren't so great and i am kind of on the fence about them and i wasn't much on Phury's story. Too much crap about the Wizard, blah, blah, blah. I thought the first 3 where the best, although i loved Lover Avenged, i thought it was a lot better than Phury's story. So I'm glad to read that LM is bringing the romance back to the BDB universe. I love the quote with Xhex crying and ranting about skirts, pink nail polish and estrogen. That is so typical Xhex, it made me laugh, but it's also so sweet. I am so glad that JM and Xhex are getting the story they deserve. Thanks so much for a great, informative and insightful review!
Can't wait to read this one. But, I'm freaking #76 in the queue for it at the library! I may break, and get the audio.
So excited to read JM and Xhex's story! :-)
Eeep! I can't wait to read this book. This is the book I've been waiting for from this series. John Matthew, Qhuinn and Blay. I cannot wait!
Great review! It just makes me even more anxious to get the book, which yes, I have pre-ordered. LOL
Awesome review! You're a lucky girl to read the book before anyone else. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I can't wait to read! Cheers!
Great review, Mandi!
I managed to get my hands on a copy of Lover Mine yesterday and finished it around midnight. I hadn't realized how much I needed my BDB fix! Yum!
I was also thrown by the stupid tv crew thing – what is this, General Hospital? I also have to say that I was hoping for a little more detail on the m/m thing but I guess I'll have to see what comes next.
Overall, there was a lot going on in Lover Mine, but I really enjoyed it. I can't wait for the next book!
Holy cow! This sounds like we are getting the old BDB series back :) I can't wait!
Great review, Mandi! I too LOVE JR Ward; she's amazing. And the brothers are freaking awesome. I can't wait! :)
WOW!!! I can't wait to get my hands on this book. I am so excited. Less than 1 week to go.
well, nobody's posted "after reading" comments. nobody liked?
i did.
big time.
as in i really didn't expect to like it that much.
notice i didn't say "it was great". it wasn't really, mainly due to the fact that it sprawled over so many points of view. i understand JRW needed to set up the scene for later novels but still it was a bit too much to cram in. i found myself skipping points of view that didn't interest me. which to be honest was 40% of the book.
now, the other 60% rocked! JM & Xhex are great together, the chemistry's terrific, the love story's of the "awwww" type.
however, what really stood out here was Blay and Qhuinn. i'm so psyched for their novel.
and yeah, lassiter…. mandi, do you know if he gets a story. i hope so. i love him.
btw, i'm happy the scribe virgin's getting back to her old glory. she got me worried there for a while.
Yes, Lassiter gets a story!! Just don't know when yet :)
I loved B and Q and JM and Xhex!!
Now to get psyched for Manny and Payne :)
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