I’m not going to write a review so far after the fact (though I’m itching too), but I’ve got to let off steam. I pretty much concur with most of the reviews I’ve read. I found this book to be far more entertaining than the last two. But it wasn’t due to the Romance. It was because of the Quinn/JM/Blay storyline.

Frankly, it made me a bit blue, b/c I was a Phury fan, and I had hoped he would get a great story. Instead he was turned into a weak pathetic mess. And dumb to boot. Can’t imagine what Cormia saw in him. And they were barely together. It doesn’t help that I hate the Primale storyline, and can’t warm up to the Chosen. I hope they are foisted on us no more. I will scream if Qhuinn is paired with a fembot. This stuff is creeping me out!

Anyway, I’m so addicted, so I will stick around for Rehv’s (the really, really good pimp’s)story, and will pray for a good heroine.

Did anyone else find themself overusing the word “so” after reading LEn?

I was disappointed by Lover Awakened – not sure why

Cuz you are a freak? How can you not love the goodness that is LA? sheeze ok you are saved by liking LR. LOL hmmm do you like Marissa? I often thing I am the only person who just loved Marissa/Butch.

Knowing you, you didn’t like her.

I thought LE was a great book to get us back and set up where we are in the world building. This was awesome fiction and sadly the romance suffered for it. It was still a good love story in a way but not NEAR enough time was spent with them. And hello this is one fucking huge ass book… so where were you going to put more?

I hope the next one is a bit heavier on the romance. Because really Ward does it well and I have missed it in the last two. Lucky for me neither brother was a fave so I was ok. Well not the ghost thing. STILL hating on the ghost thing.

I looked at LEn the same way as you, Gwen. That this series is more a “family saga” of sorts with romantic elements to it. Which is fine by me at this point because I’m so emotionally vested in all the BDB characters, but I still would have liked to be more convinced about why Phury and Cormia love each other.

I love the build up for JM & Xhex’s relationship. That was really well done. True to both their characters, you know?

Once I got past that hurdle, I just took it as it came. GREAT story/ies.

The scene I loved most was John and a particular male (who I won’t name to avoid a spoiler), once he was back in the mansion recovering. When this male opened his arms and they hugged, crying, I bawled. Yes – I was a a big ol’ bawl baby. I still tear up when I think about that scene. It was PERFECT.

I’m thrilled by how many story arcs have opened up after LEn. I’m truly looking forward to Rehv’s book now. Too bad it won’t be until May 2009!

post and contest will be up at noon

I feel like Ward got back to something here… But she got back to something here.

I agree with you here, Gwen – but for me, I don’t think it was back enough -that or all the other makes into something much different.

(huge concession on my part – I used to skim over the Lesser scenes …).

I’m joining in on your confession. I also read them a lot more this time – Lash is just too villainous.

Rhev is becoming one of my favorite characters. I’m expecting he’ll get his own book. (Am I right or wrong?)
I loved the first four books – so much love. The fifth, not at all. The sixth, yes – is moving [the series back] on up (for me).

Fabulous review, Gwen!

And Gwen, I completely agreed with you when you said, “There was so much “other” story in this book, I even hesitated to call its genre “romance,” though there is undoubtedly romance in it.” I think that’s what makes Ward so fascinating to read. Romance? Absolutely. Sex? Oh yeah . . . but in the end she’s all about story. And Phury’s was a hell of a ride.

Keep ‘em coming, JR