A review by morbidlyobtuse
Lover Arisen by J.R. Ward

  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

I find Erika likeable, and Balthazar is a fun guy. Their chemistry isn't even spectacular but the banter is enjoyable.

Not the worst, definitely not the best.

I started reading this series after a friend recommended it, since I enjoyed Laurell K Hamiltons work. 

Now that we're over 20 books in (I'm also counting the spin offs and the Jim Heron books), I just can't tell you why I'm still reading them. Probably because they're so easy to read, I can fly through a book in about 6 hours (not sure if that's a compliment).

The world building is interesting and I think that's the main thing I like about the series. The over-arching plot is interesting and at this point I just want to know what she's going to do with Lassiter. After that's been answered, I'll probably hop off this train (though the Wolven angle might pull me back in. Despite the sex in that being just as shit as in the BDB series).

Lover Arisen is basically a rehash of every other story Ward has written. To be fair, love story wise someone who reads her books already knows this. She's a one trick pony. A good pony, but still, after 20+ books, I would expect at least some evolution in the basic elements of the writing.

But no. Especially the sex scenes are stale and repetitive. I skimmed over a lot of them since there is no passion or heat left in them. Hell, I think the books might actually be better if the sex scenes were left out at this point. 

Anyway, not great, not 50 shades horrible, and if you're still with the series to find out what's up with the original characters (like Lassiter) and you have a spare few hours, it can't hurt to read it.

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