In the first of our new Paranormal features Aimée Duffy will review Lover at Last by J.R. Ward.

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.

The title, Lover at Last, is apt for the buzz that has surrounded the release of the newest instalment of the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series. As always, J.R. Ward doesn’t just give you one story, but several all rolled into a massive book I devoured in forty-eight hours. The story follows not only the Quay relationship that has intrigued fans worldwide, but also introduces new characters, follows Wrath’s struggle to keep hold of the throne, delves into the queen’s craving for a child, has an interesting insight to the Shadows, and reveals a new edge to the war between the vampires and the lessers.
I would have preferred the story to focus more on the relationship between Quinn and Blay, but the side stories were fast paced enough that I didn’t want to skip them. At the beginning of the book Quinn has impregnated the chosen, Layla, but there are problems with the pregnancy which were really touching. Not only does J.R. Ward keep the story moving fast, but she also has a skill of using her characters (all of them!) to pull on your heartstrings.
On the other side of the love affair, Blay is splitting from his long term lover, although this is something he neglects to mention to Quinn. He’s under the apprehension that he’d never be more to Quinn than a quick ride, even though the two have been best friends forever. I could accept his anger, and understand the need Blay had to keep his feelings hidden, but…
Personally I felt the conflict between the two as far as Blay being involved with someone else could have been resolved with a simple conversation, and there wouldn’t be much to create tension after that. However, there were some personal issues that came into effect for Quinn about half way through the book that added to the will-they-won’t-they-omg-I-can’t-stand-the-waiting.
The breaking down of Quinn as a character during the last few books in the series was very emotional to me. He’s not only having to deal with worry about his future young, the on-going war with the lesser, a surprise nobody expected (even though re-reading John’s story I can see it was quite clearly hinted at by Lash, but shhh *spoilers*) and another threat against the throne. The fact that Blay was there through it all with him, wanting but knowing he can never have, made Lover at Last one of my favourite in the series. And did I mention hot? And not just in the main plot either.
If you haven’t picked up this series yet I highly recommend that you do. Dark Lover, Wrath’s story, is book 1 and the best place to start IMO :o)

Available on Amazon