Lover Mine
In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other – vampire warriors, defenders of their race…
Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 8
John Matthew has been through his vampire transition and take the life of the Brotherhood with a vengeance, but he still can’t shake the nightmare of his past and is unsure of his future as a warrior hero. He’s made a promise to honour the Brotherhood and their fight with the slayers at all costs, until the love of his life is kidnapped and he is forced to make a choice that could his life and the Brotherhood’s for ever…
Lash has taken Xhex and is keeping her in an invisible prison, hidden in plain sight. After weeks of searching, the Brothers can’t find a single trace of her. John Matthew is out of his head, mourning the loss of her as if she were his bonded mate, despite the years of constant rejection.
To Lash’s surprise, and horror, his body begins to change, rot actually, slowly evolving into the Omega 2.0…but the transformation weakens him and Xhex is able to bust out of the wards.
When Xhex finally escapes after nearly a month of abuse she is dancing on the edge of death. John finds her and with the help of the Brothers and their mates, bring Xhex back from the brink…
It’s John’s unwavering devotion and deep sympathy for Xhex that finally breaks her down. Their relationship begins to blossom, but they both realize it will never come into full bloom. “[Xhex's] end game doesn’t include anyone else but herself.”
John and Xhex agree to hunt Lash together and go their seperate ways, but when John is nearly taken out by a lesser Xhex begins to question the strength of her feelings. When John offers Xhex the final strike at Lash, giving her some closure after the abuse he dealt her, she realizes she can’t live without John.
True to a J.R. Ward novel, Lover Mine is contructed of layers of plot. It’s not just the vast history of each character that I admire for their depth, it’s the simultaneous and ongoing storyline that introduce new characters and sheds light on characters we know and always wondered about.
In Lover Mine we finally get to really know Darius, the Brother killed in the very first book of the series. As reader’s we knew that he was a ferocious warrior, Beth’s and John’s father and that somehow his soul is carrying on within John. But through reading Darius’ journal, some of the why’s of John’s hebaviour are uncovered, and both Thorment and Xhex’s beginnings are revealed.
As expected the relationship between John Matthew and Xhex is both frustrating and satisfying. I enjoyed both characters, particularly Xhex. Tough chicks rule! But I did wonder if someone quite so emotionally damaged would recover so quickly…
Besides the characters of focus, we have Lash and the Omega and the lessers. I believe I almost, almost felt a twinge of sympathy for Lash…until the story continued and I was reminded what an absoulute freak of nature he is. Was. Loved the scene where John pins Lash to the ground so Xhex could kill him. Really hope I’m not the only person who found the unraveling of events romantic…
I was pleasently surprised by the focus put on Qhuinn and Blay’s relationship. I wondered if Ward would bring the gay relationship into the light, and I’m happy she did. I doubt I’m the only one feeling a little torn. I like Blay, he’s in love with Qhuinn, who I don’t paricularly like. I do like Saxton though…but somehow I get the feelings he’s not a permanent character in the series.
Through Payne’s insights we are introduced to another important characters in Xhex’s life. I’m looking forward to reading more about Payne, Vishous’ estranged twin sister, in Lover Unleashed. I like her spirit and love that she can keep up with Wrath in a fight.
What I wasn’t too hot for, but which is typical of a J.R. Ward novel, is too much long winded despcription that slowed the story flow down and had me skimming. Thankfully Ward toned down the slang in this novel, so it’s quite possible to read without a Ward’s Dictionary.
