Lover Unleashed is the ninth book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by American author, J.R. Ward. While this novel mainly concerns the story of Payne and Dr Manny Manello, there are, as usual, several subplots: Blaylock consoles himself with Qhuinns cousin, Saxton, while Qhuinn and the Chosen, Layla, come to an understanding; Vishous and Jane have a difference of opinion that threatens their relationship; Butch helps Vishous come to terms with the damage done by his parents; Butchs old partner in the CPD, Jose de la Cruz, and his new partner, Thomas DelVecchio, have some interesting encounters; and Xcor brings his band of bastard fighters from the Old Country to Caldwell to challenge the King. Once again, the plot is original, with several twists to foil predictability. The world Ward has created is certainly a compelling one that she comprehensively supports with plenty of information about what, who and how. Ward develops her characters so well that the reader is bound to invest some emotion. I didnt expect to enjoy this one quite as much as I did. Readers will look forward to the next book in the series, Lover Reborn.