J.R. Ward's Lover Unbound

What can I say about this book?

I loved it.

It’s my new favorite of the series.

V is an awesome, complex hero and Jane is a strong enough heroine to handle him.  Their first love scene is a scorcher of the kind that I started reading it, dropped the book mid-way through and collapsed in a fit of Oh, my Gods!, and then had to collect myself and take several calming breaths before I could continue.

I was mollified but not satisfied by Ward’s handling of V’s relationship with Butch.

I was a little disquieted by the speed with which V got over Butch.

Here’s the interesting thing: after I finished the book, I read a few other reviews, including very thoughtful ones by HelenKay and Jane, both of which I agree with in large part.  The series is flawed, there are inconsistencies, and I am never entirely happy with the endings of the books and the Scribe Virgin’s role (or non-role) in said endings.

That said, though, to me it’s a mark of Ward’s genius that even with the flaws, the books are compulsively readable.  The language is so vivid, the characters so flawed and ultimately amazing, the world so fascinating, that I wouldn’t dream of missing the next installment of the series.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Ward is a brilliant author, one of the best writing today, IMHO, and a flawed book from her is still a pretty damn good read.