Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #3)

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Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood #3)

4.48 of 5 stars 4.48 · rating details · 73,064 ratings · 3,622 reviews

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 - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Of these, Zsadist is the most terrifying member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a pas...more

Mass Market Paperback, 434 pages

Published September 5th 2006 by Signet

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Mar 21, 2013 Blacky *Mistress of doom* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-paranormal, favorites, best-of-the-best, mine, of-course, bestest-of-the-best, 5-stars-for-quality, 5-stars-for-enjoyment, favorite-pnr

“I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came… and I was awakened.”

Beautiful.
Don't know what more to say about this book.
Amazing and beautiful and those 5 stars don't do it justice.
Z is definitely my favorite BDB Brother <3

"He couldn’t stand to have anyone put their hands to him…though he wished he’d let Bella find a piece of his flesh just once. With her, he might have been able to handle it."

The story

**this will be spoileris...more

105 likes · like · see review

Apr 10, 2012 KatLynne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: g-paranormal-romance, part-of-a-series, vampires, buddy-read, 2012-reads, favorite-treasures, hero-alpha-warrior, hero-favorite-smokin-hot-sexay, hero-scarred, hero-tortured-flawed, heroine-i-loved, heroine-with-backbone-smart-strong, intensely-emotional, keeper, library-ebook, made-me-cry, made-me-laugh, one-of-my-favorite-series, series-black-dagger-brotherhood, smokin-hot-steamy, tattooed-bad-boy-hotties

My dear friend Karla and I went on this emotional roller coaster of a ride together. It was so much fun and I enjoyed every minute! Her unique way with words and her humor kept me in stitches. Thank you sweet Karla for reading this with me and to all our friends for their encouragement along the way!

Whew...What a story! There is no way I can do a review and do justice to this book. Zsadist's story was everything and more that I was told. I have fallen hard for another one of JRW's brothers! Be...more

64 likes · like · see review

Aug 07, 2012 Ren rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, there-are-hot-men, vampire, my-nom-nom-boyfriend, reviewed, wow-fantastic-baby, good-translation-cover, had-translated, own-paperback, own-and-read

Never do a review like this, but, this is my fans letter to Zsadist , hero of Lover Awakened :D (okay, Roarke, Raphael, Bones, Eidolon, and all my harem, I'll do love letter for you all. PROMISE!)

Once upon a night , a lonely time in a one single room at Jakarta, Indonesia...

Dear Zsadist,

My heart will always broke for you.
You such an arrogant ass!
Oh yes, but you have a reason because of that...
You hurt Bella's feeling!
Oh yes, but you can't help it even you love her...
You think you not deserve h...more

37 likes · like · see review

May 18, 2013 Lisa Jayne rated it 5 of 5 stars

5 ZSADIST STARS.

If I was choose to drop the F BOMB in any review, this book would be IT ...

I loved this book, if I haven't quite made myself clear yet, then let me just tell you I have an unhealthy Fixation on all things BROTHERHOOD. This is (so far) my favourite book and brother of the series, and if possible I'm more addicted then ever.

Zsadist THE ultimate in the alpha kingdom of vampires ~ Broken, destroyed, scarred, damaged, dark, dangerous and I LOVED him.

Zsadist is my favourite of the brot...more

24 likes · like · see review

Feb 19, 2012 Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: J.R Ward fans and paranormal romance fans

Shelves: tortured-bad-boys, vampires, warriors, books-i-go-rabid-over, books-i-own, my-hottie-harem, pnr, author-j-r-ward, keep-a-spare-pair-of-knickers, favorites, ebooks

Jesus, I hated Zsadist before this book. I thought of him as a ruthless killer, and he is. But there is another side of him that is revealed in this book. With Bella, Zsadist's tortured soul is exposed. You see a much darker side of him that is painful and I feel ashamed to say that I am captivated by him. Knowing him, that is the last thing he would want. Zsadist has no patience for those who show sympathy or pity him. And I respect him more for that.

This is one of the more darker books of the...more

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Feb 18, 2012 Dina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

4 1/2 stars

"Everyone" has already read this book, so I'm just going to rant a bit...

Zsadist had me intrigued since I read Dark Lover, because he was pretty much an outcast within the Brotherhood and I knew there had to be something "good" inside him. I also knew that his story would be "scary" (for lack of a better word) and, boy, I was not mistaken! I thought Sin MacAllister from Kinley MacGregor's Born in Sin was the most tortured hero in Romancelandia but, compared to Z's, Sin's life was a m...more

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Feb 26, 2009 Shawna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: jr-ward-jessica-bird, pnr-vampires, favorites, yowza-hotness, i-read-own-faves-keepers, made-me-cry, 2008-post-gr-reads, hero-im-gaga-over, heroine-i-adore, badasses-hunks-in-leather, hero-abused-scarred-tortured-angst, hero-antihero-gamma, best-top-favorites, heroine-abused-traumatic-past-rape, favorite-romance-series, erotic-romance-erotica-romantica, sizable-packages, hero-celibate-virgin-virginesque, series-black-dagger-brotherhood, favorite-romance-couple-hh-pairings, tattoos-piercings-body-art, hero-cold-cruelbrute-dark-dangerous, hero-i-wanna-marry, cheating-hearts-fidelity-issues, pregnancy-fertility-baby-kids-drama, hero-gigolo-prostitute-escort, aar-top-100-romances-2007-2010, hh-disfigured-injured-scarred-ill, hh-sweet-nice-paired-vs-gruff-cynic, favorite-love-scenes, hh-warrior, 5-stars-or-higher, hh-post-traumatic-stress-disorder, hh-physical-mental-disability-ill, heartbreaking-gutwrenching-romance, angsty-dark-heavy-lotsa-drama, hh-love-commitment-marriage-phobic, controversial-memorable-event-scene, hero-tattalizing, a-all-time-fave-heroine, a-all-time-fave-hero, tearjerker-tugs-at-heartstrings, hh-resist-cause-im-no-good-for-you, a-all-time-best-of-best-fave-dik, heroine-in-pursuit, hero-brooding, hero-black-sheep, hero-bad-guy-ruthless-villainous, hero-recluse-loner-lonewolf, hero-silent-quiet-type-reticent, heroine-plucky-lively-feisty-spunky, a-all-time-best-top-50-fave-dik, best-secondary-characters-ensemble, badass-kickass-motha-fucka, best-endings-epilogues, heroine-classy-lady, brothers-sisters-cousins-family, hh-phobia-disorder, hero-dark-scary-cool-dangerous-dude, hero-uber-tortured-zsadist-esque

5++ stars - Vampire Romance

Lover Awakened is my top favorite in the BDB series. Zsadist is my most beloved brother/warrior and Bella is a darling BDB heroine. The love story between Zsadist and Bella is touching and heart-wrenching. Zsadist is a tortured soul worthy of redemption, and Bella's fight for him and for their love is ultimately what saves them both. I LOVE this book! I'd give it much higher than a 5 star rating if I could! I wish J.R. Ward would give us more of Zsadist and Bella's sto...more

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Mar 09, 2011 Buggy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: shelf-09, top, paranormal-rom, shelf-08, lit-boyfriend, cryin-over-u, tortured-hero, vampalicious, shelf-10, scars-r-sexy, re-read, tattooed-hero, heartbreaking-hero

Opening Line:"Goddamn it, Zsadist! Don't jump--"

~ZSADIST YOU BROKE MY HEART~
This is an amazing book and my favourite in the series. LOVER AWAKENED tells the agonizingly painful story of Zsadist, a former blood slave and most feared member of the Blackdagger Brotherhood. After Zsadist rescues the beautiful, aristocrat Bella from the Lessoning Society's torture facility she refuses to leave his side (or bed.) Craving the strength and security she now finds only with him. And it's with her growing...more Opening Line:"Goddamn it, Zsadist! Don't jump--"

~ZSADIST YOU BROKE MY HEART~
This is an amazing book and my favourite in the series. LOVER AWAKENED tells the agonizingly painful story of Zsadist, a former blood slave and most feared member of the Blackdagger Brotherhood. After Zsadist rescues the beautiful, aristocrat Bella from the Lessoning Society's torture facility she refuses to leave his side (or bed.) Craving the strength and security she now finds only with him. And it's with her growing love and patience that this reluctant hero ultimately `awakens'. It's a bumpy ride for our pair and this relationship will leave you in tears, both of joy and sadness as we witness Z's transformation from the `cold one' into a male of worth. A multilayered novel L.A of course has several stories and POV's running simultaneously and the action never stops. Full of suspense, erotic and ultimately heartbreaking.

Introduced briefly in the past two books, we now get to find out what made Zsadist the way he is. A confirmed sociopath who avoids all relationships, Z is scarred, pierced, tattooed, violent and illiterate. He's the most feared Brother and distrusted by all because of his intimidating and just downright mean nature. He enjoys pain yet can't bare any kind of physical contact due to the years of physical and sexual abuse he suffered during his time as a blood slave. Zsadist makes for an unlikely romantic hero but JR brilliantly gains your sympathy and you will grow to love this misunderstood and abused character.

Phury as Zsadist's twin plays a major role here, and through a series of flashbacks we learn the details of Z's enslavement and Phury's daring rescue of him. It's a striking scene resulting in the loss of his leg and Z's brutal scarring. Phury has spent his life consumed with fixing his twin and is riddled with guilt, sacrificing time and again and it's starting to take a toll. Now exhausted, he's playing a deadly game with the `red smoke' and despite his vow of celibacy can't help being attracted to Bella.

We also get to know Rehvenge the Sympath club owner of Zerosum and John Mathew's story starts to unfold as he begins his training and accepts the love of a family. Of course all the Brothers get some attention so we get shots of Wrath, Rhage, Vishous, Butch and their respective `Shellans.' Some of my favourite scenes involve the Brothers just going about their daily business, little interludes in the kitchen, or hanging out playing pool and teasing each other. Unfortunately the Lessers continue their torment making things personal now as their leader Mr. O attempts to reclaim Bella and a shocking loss occurs within the Brotherhood family that will be felt throughout the rest of this series.

Z and Bella's love story takes center stage throughout though and is utterly fascinating. From the moment of rescue Zsadist won't let anyone else near Bella. And despite being frightened of him she wants him. To Bella he is perfect and she slowly begins to seduce him. Z is subsequently terrified, feeling dirty and hating his body's response to her. When the two finally kiss however...sigh. Ultimately Z's feelings of unworthiness force him to push her away. Into the arms of a male of worth, those of his twin brother. When Bella goes into her 'needing' though which twin will ease her suffering? The celibate one or the one who can't bear to be touched?

The climax of this book is simply unput-downable. With a suicide mission forcing one twin to sacrifice everything for the life of the other and a HEA that brings tears to your eyes as we get a rare glimpse of the future. Each book in this series just gets better and better but JR has outdone herself here. I would give this more *s if I could and can't recommend it enough (less)

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Jul 23, 2011 Beth F. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, vampires, 2008, favorites, kindle, 2011

I.NEED.TO.BUY.THIS.BOOK. I.NEED.TO.OWN.THIS.BOOK! Oh, my sweet peas and carrots! I lost count on how many times the bottom on my stomach dropped out and sank somewhere down by my feet only to bungee jump right back up and fly straight through the top of my head in sheer delight. Oh yes, this book was dee-licious!

I got married in July 2008 and brought the first two books in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series to keep myself amused on the honeymoon flight. They were cracktastic and addictive and f...more I.NEED.TO.BUY.THIS.BOOK. I.NEED.TO.OWN.THIS.BOOK! Oh, my sweet peas and carrots! I lost count on how many times the bottom on my stomach dropped out and sank somewhere down by my feet only to bungee jump right back up and fly straight through the top of my head in sheer delight. Oh yes, this book was dee-licious!

I got married in July 2008 and brought the first two books in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series to keep myself amused on the honeymoon flight. They were cracktastic and addictive and fun and I eagerly added the next title to my queue on booksfree.com (the site I’ve been relying on ever since I put myself on an economical and restrictive book diet that prohibits the purchase of books I won’t reread). Fast forward to October 2008 and I’m still waiting for Lover Awakened, the third book in the BDB series.

The availability of this book has never been on track for the rate that I have returned books and others were repeatedly bumped to the top and sent out instead. Things were getting serious and I was going into some major BDB withdrawal but I lucked out recently when a friend graciously offered to lend me not only this book, but also the fourth, fifth and sixth in the series (thanks Jen!)

And now that I’ve finally had a chance to read this installment, it comes as no surprise that the waiting list is so long. This book is beyond hot!

Zsadist is one twisted mofo and I’ve been extremely curious as to how Ward was going to portray him in a way that would make me sympathize with his unusual tastes. Personally, I think it was a success. Zsadist was a perfect blend of anger, dementia, anger, anger, terror, anger, confusion…and…and…timid tenderness? Which, wow, totally floored me.

***spoilers past this point***

The second book in this series, Lover Eternal, had bothered me for several reasons, one being that the author spent waaaay too much time building up for number three and left a cliffhanger completely neglected at the very end of number two. To me, a cliffhanger means ending the book with an unsatisfying shocker that leaves your reader nearly in pain but eager for the next installment (ie Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series which I’m still twitching in anticipation for!) But in Lover Eternal, the fact that Bella had been kidnapped by a bad guy and had not yet been recovered is not even mentioned at the very end. Instead, Rhage and Mary go on to have their own piss-poor happily ever after and to be quite frank, the fact that they never even mentioned Bella’s kidnapping or even expressed some concern over their friend’s predicament cheapened both of them as individuals in my eyes.

Fortunately this one was totally different. Bella was rescued. Bella was messed up. Bella had a freaky new tattoo. Bella decided Zsadist’s room was the only place she’d feel safe (hmm). Zsadist tweaked out. Zsadist had complete meltdowns on numerous occasions and when Bella finally leaned in and kissed him for the very first time, I almost fell off the couch. It was that good.

Also of noteworthy mention is that the number of times the word “shitkickers” appeared in this novel’s pages was significantly down (thank god). The number of times one Brother said to another Brother, “bla bla bla bla bla bla, true?” was down (what a relief). And references to rap artists I don’t listen to was also down (yesssss!) Overall, I think this book was a complete success and I need to own a copy I can love and cherish forever. I love crack laced with rat poison!
(less)

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May 22, 2008 Daisiemae rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone needs to read these books

Recommended to Daisiemae by: All of my friends here. They have such great taste!

Shelves: vampire-paranormal, books-read-in-2008, books-to-i-will-never-part-with

Amazing. Do these books keep getting better? I was warned by Mom that I would need some tissues with this one. She was right.
I can't say that Zsadist is my favorite brother. I love his tormented soul. He past to finding his way back from the darkness in his soul to the light was a emotional rollercoaster for me. The amount of abuse he endured was heartbreaking. I definately thought that he had found his "shellan" with Bella, they are so well matched.
Bella is another heroine I actually liked. F...more

36 likes · like · see review

Apr 11, 2012 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: author-jr-ward, reviewed-by-me, must-reread, pnr-romance, keepers, top-couples-of-all-time, vampires, 5-stars, series-black-dagger-brotherhood-war, pnr-vampires, top-heroes, favorites, mind-candy, heroes-id-do-ten-ways-to-sunday

And finally, 04/11/2012, my re-read over.

My favorite scene from the book: (view spoiler)...more
And finally, 04/11/2012, my re-read over.

My favorite scene from the book: (view spoiler)[

He glanced back down at the pencil in his hand and then turned to the table. Flipping the spiral notebook to a new page, he bent way over and labored on top of the paper for quite a while. Then he ripped the sheet free.

His hand was shaking as he held it out. "It's messy."

Bella took the paper. In a child's uneven block letters there were three words: I LOVE YOU

Her lips flattened tight as her eyes stung. The handwriting got wavy and then disappeared.

"Maybe you can't read it," he said in a small voice. "I can do it over."

She shook her head. "I can read it just fine. It's… beautiful."

"I don't expect anything back. I mean… I know that you don't… feel that for me anymore. But I wanted you to know. It's important that you knew. And if there's any chance we could be together… I can't stop my job with the Brotherhood. But I can promise that I'll be so much more careful with myself—" He frowned and stopped talking. "Shit. What am I saying? I promised myself I wouldn't put you in this position—"

She crushed the paper to her heart, then launched herself at him, hitting his chest so hard he stumbled back. As his arms came around her with hesitation, as if he didn't have any idea what she was doing or why, she wept openly.

In all her preparations for this meeting, the one thing she had never considered was that the two of them might have some sort of future.

When he tilted up her chin and looked down at her she tried to smile, but the crazy hope she felt was too heavy and joyous a burden.

"I didn't mean to make you cry—"

"Oh, God… Zsadist, I love you."

His eyes flared so wide, his brows nearly hit his hairline. "What… ?"

"I love you."

"Say that again."

"I love you."

"Again… please," he whispered. "I need to hear it… again."

"I love you…"

His response was to start praying to the Scribe Virgin in the Old Language.

Holding Bella tight, burying his face in her hair, he gave thanks with such eloquence she started to weep all over again.

When the last laudation had been murmured he switched back into English. "I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came… and I was awakened."

(hide spoiler)]

Doing a re-read 04/09/2012

I just read this part:

"I've only ever had you to live for. If you die I have nothing. I'm utterly lost. And you are needed here."

Zsadist tried to reach out, but couldn't lift his arms as Phury stood up.

"God, Z, I keep thinking this tragedy of ours is going to be over. But it just keeps going, doesn't it?"

And I sobbed harder this time reading it than I did almost exactly 3 years ago when I read it the first time.

I adore Zsadist. He is, by far, my favorite brother. Tormented, he has given up on finding love, believing himself both unworthy and unlovable. (less)

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Jan 27, 2012 Suzanne the Mighty ~Satin Seductress~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 1-series-i-am-rabid-about, author-goddess-j-r-ward, paranormal-romance, 1-would-sell-my-firstborn-to-posses, va-va-voom-vampires, crazy-interesting-character, hot-male-in-my-harem, perfectly-pierced, 1-top-5-bestest-series, action-adventure, hero-i-wanna-hug, mad-bad-and-dangerous-to-know

Oh Z, your book is such an emotional rollercoaster. This book starts so many story lines going, Tohr's tradegy, John's tradegy, Rehv's introduction, the beginning of a downward spiral for Phury, V's visions... But through all the other drama happening is Zsadist's transformation, which is beautiful and painful all at once.

Zsadist...

...Mighty Death Stare

The black eyes in that ruined visage were like the shadows of a deserted house, full of things that probably would hurt you.

...Makes Me Cry

"I.....more

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Nov 24, 2008 Julie (Mom2lnb) rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of PNR Romance

Shelves: desert-island-keepers, read-2008, paranormal-romance

Reviewed for www.thcreviews.com

Lover Awakened is an amazing story that takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride from start to finish. It is, in my opinion, the best of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series so far. I loved the way that the author took a character who was described by his own twin brother as not merely broken, but ruined, and carefully put him back together piece by piece. This was a powerful story of redemption and unselfish love at it's finest. While I often get emotio...more

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Mar 26, 2013 Karen Booklover rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favourites

I'm so glad I read this book !! It was awesome beyond measure , and overwhelming in so many parts!!!!!

Z ! I'm totally in love with Z!!!!!!!! Till the last book , I used to think that there's no way I could fall in love with Z *facepalm* , but I was so so wrong !!

It was again a book about the relationship and bond two brothers and (view spoiler) my heart stopped right there. And the last bonding moment between the two brothers in the hospital...more

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May 08, 2013 Anna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bff-buddy-reads-2013, hand-to-my-heart-and-tears-falling, christy-jacked-me-upppp

Well hello Sexy Zsadist

With your come-hither eyes ........

That gorgeous face

And those nipple rings

Damaged and deranged soul

My heart Is filled to the brim. Loved Z 's book

Just when I thought my heart couldn't take anymore......he takes it to a whole other level

For the record. Zsadist belongs to Lisa Jayne. Noted ❤

8 likes · like · see review

Jan 22, 2013 Pam rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 6, vamps, my-favs

5+ Stars

”I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came and I was awakened.”

Zsadist and Bella's story had me on an emotional roller coaster; it was crazy how real it all felt. I LOVED every second of it! I’m not even gonna try to put what I felt into words or go into every detail, because I seriously don't think I can :|
…………………………………………………………………
Bella is a regal aristocratic vampire, who fell in love with Z at first sight. ”For her, he...more

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Apr 21, 2013 Christy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: abuse, alpha-males, angst, bad-ass-heroines, book-boyfriends-with-issues, cliffhangers, emotional, favorites, made-me-cry, messed-up-reads, paranormal, panty-dropping-hot, pierced-and-tatted-guys, sweet-guys, unforgettable-reads

5 STARS!!!!!

photo 6249c14b-72d0-4966-a3bd-411c8c4ffe7c_zps5dba661f.jpg

And I thought it couldn’t get any better than Rhage’s book... I was wrong!
Z’s story was just beautiful. I loved it!

Reader beware... If you haven’t read the first two books, there may be some small spoilers.

“I'm not broken, I'm ruined. Do you understand the difference? With broken maybe you can fix things. Ruined? All you can do is wait to bury me.”

photo 864af230-b66d-45e5-a429-2c98707b8ec4_zpsed21088b.jpg

(Just add the scar and this is my PERFECT Z)

photo 766a7626-617f-495c-a57f-1831aa0c0112_zpsc6aaff7a.jpg

Zsadist is the broken warrior of the BDB. He had a different upbringing than the rest o...more

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Oct 28, 2011 Ceridwen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: america-and-environs, for-teh-ladies, necrophilia, sexy-nihilists, urban-fantasy, zombies

These Black Dagger books are superfun hangover reading material. There's a fair amount to laugh at, both cattily - all the clothes-horsing by ridiculously cut guys - and earnestly - the dialogue can be very, very funny. And given the high stakes of the world here, Ward does seem to take on some really heavy themes not necessarily dealt with in vampire chick-lit - themes like rape. This is the one where she really takes it on, and, I think, deals with it in a pretty sensitive way.

Wait, let's jus...more

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Jun 11, 2008 k8inorbit rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, thesisreading

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Oh. My. God.

I'm not even sure I can convey the complete absurdity of this book. Any description I try to make is typically interrupted by my own peals of laughter at the general ridiculousness and/or groans of immense pain.

The hero, Zsadist-- yes, he is actually named that-- is a self-proclaimed misogynist. (Yayz!) Profoundly psychologically damaged after several years of torture, abuse and slavery at the hands of an evil female vampire, he spends most of his time moping about, feeling angry,...more

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Mar 13, 2013 Kellie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdb, these-books-are-the-shit, panty-melting-moments, hot-hot-alpha-s

March 11th 2013

God I still love Z.. My fav brother! Bella is the shit too

April 6th 2012
Theres enough reviews about this but I just wanted to say WOW and that I absolutely F'N LOVED IT!! Now I can see why everyone loves Z!!!

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Mar 07, 2009 Felicia rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: vaginal-urban-fantasy

Same feeling as #1 for me: Not really sold. I felt like things were pretty confusing, and the dudes are so animalistic, it was kinda grody. I just got a little confused and didn't care about any storyline but the main one. There's so much going on, it's kinda crazy. Yes, I will give it one more try. Why not, it's a Kindle download away, LOL!

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Nov 06, 2011 Pete rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: jrw

J. R. Ward is an awesome story weaver. The tapestry of Lover Awakened contains finely woven needle point throughout the romance, and surrounding embroidery of multiple plot lines and layering. PTSD lives well in PNR books and manifests itself extremely well in Lover Awakened with flashbacks, nightmares, arousal, distrust, and anger. Most folks feel PTSD is a curse of post military combat, but with sexual situations with vampires and lessers, J. R. Ward has leveraged and articulated the exacerbat...more J. R. Ward is an awesome story weaver. The tapestry of Lover Awakened contains finely woven needle point throughout the romance, and surrounding embroidery of multiple plot lines and layering. PTSD lives well in PNR books and manifests itself extremely well in Lover Awakened with flashbacks, nightmares, arousal, distrust, and anger. Most folks feel PTSD is a curse of post military combat, but with sexual situations with vampires and lessers, J. R. Ward has leveraged and articulated the exacerbations very eloquently.

I was drawn into this book from the very first page, and the captivation lasted until the very last pages where some of the biggest surprises and action take place. This book is packed with powerful emotional punches.
(view spoiler)(less)

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Jul 24, 2009 I ♥ Bookie Nookie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: genre-pnr-uf, species-vampires, genre-paranormal, zz-reviewed

Holy crap! Bella is either crazy or a saint. I am going to have to settle for a crazy, horny saint. I would be terrified of this vampire warrior who skates a fine line between hero and villain--leaning more towards villain. More power to her!

Of course we know they end up together--that is a given. The best part of this book is the "event" (I won't spoil it for you) that brings Z out of his fog and what truly brings them together--were are talking major sizzle here.

✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nooki ...more

6 likes · like · see review

Dec 28, 2012 ♥Rachel♥ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.5 Stars.

Good? No, that didn’t go far enough. She’d made him feel…alive. Awakened.

Lover Awakened is the third in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series telling Zsadist and Bella’s story. Each one of these tales basically wraps up and then moves to another brother and his love interest. However, Bella and Zsadist’s story started in the previous book, Lover Eternal with Bella showing interest in Zsadist. She’s from an aristocratic family in the vampire culture and he is a former blood slave subjec...more 3.5 Stars.

Good? No, that didn’t go far enough. She’d made him feel…alive. Awakened.

Lover Awakened is the third in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series telling Zsadist and Bella’s story. Each one of these tales basically wraps up and then moves to another brother and his love interest. However, Bella and Zsadist’s story started in the previous book, Lover Eternal with Bella showing interest in Zsadist. She’s from an aristocratic family in the vampire culture and he is a former blood slave subjected to the lowest of lows growing up. He’s also the Brother with the scariest reputation, and most keep their women away from him. His tale is a sad one which is slowly revealed. Z’s intrigued and horrified at the same time, with Bella’s interest, but he can’t stop thinking about her. They have an encounter that has Bella running, scared, and hurt, but you know it won’t end there.

When Bella is captured by the enemy, the Lessers, Z goes berserk and becomes obsessed with rescuing her. When she is finally found, Bella won’t allow anyone but Z near her, and this begins the unraveling of Z and his fears. He pushes her away, because how can she lower herself to be with him? He views himself as dirty, and below anything she deserves. Still, he doesn’t want anyone near her either.

I enjoyed the slow, incremental steps these two make towards each other. They’ve both been through so much so they really are perfectly matched. When he shows unprecedented tenderness to Bella, your heart fills with hope for them.

”She is more beautiful than I have words for.” He lifted his eyes to Phury’s. “And last night I was blessed beyond measure to serve her.”

As usual, the chapters that focus on the Lessers bore me to tears and I basically skim, and get through them as quickly as possible. This installment also focuses on John Matthew, the deaf, mute, and homeless vampire we met in the previous book. He hasn’t gone through his transition, so like all the male warrior vampires in this story, he’s small and weak until the change. He’s taken in by another vampire couple who give him love and acceptance, a first for him. You can see they’re setting up things for him in the future as a warrior. I have to say that while I’m interested in his story, these chapters slowed the story down for me and I just wanted to get back to Bella and Z’s story.

This is a fun, sexy, and addicting series that I plan on continuing on with in the future. I guess we get Butch and Marissa’s story next. Can’t wait for that one! (less)

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Apr 12, 2013 Neyra rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-pnr, best-of-all, kindle-reads, outdo-yourself-challenge, urban-fantasy

"Sweet Virgin above." A strangled noise came across the cave. "I will not strike you. You are safe... with me you are safe. You are found, my brother." [Phury to Zsadist]

Oh, sweet heavens, how could I possibly form a coherent review? I feel my emotions swirling around in my chest every time I think of Zsadist's story and I want to burst into tears at the injustice of it all...

If I wasn't enthuse for BDB by the second book, WARD made a believer out of me with Zsadist and Bella's story. I wasn'...more

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Jun 11, 2011 Tai the Lioness rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, summer-11, favorites, strong-best-heroines, ptsd-suffering-scarred-heroes, great-sex, abusive-relationship, beta-hero, characters-change-for-the-better, children, contemporary-romance, diff-between-being-alive-and-living, emphasis-on-family, favorite-heros-my-husbands, favorites-of-all-time, fucked-up-situation, hero-tattoos, heroines-bad-past-suffering-abused, instant-chemistry, its-raining-men-hallelujah, kidnapping, life-and-death, mercenary-bounty-hunter, morbid, opposites-attract, oppression, pregnancy, proved-me-wrong-romance, rough-road-to-hea, purest-love, struggle, tears-tears-tears, theme-loyalty, vampire

Highly recommend this to anyone who likes Redemption, reformed males, realistically happy endings, amazing heroines, and a plot that actually is key to the romance.

I'm not one for synopsises in reviews so I shall get straight to the reviewing. AMAZING. This book was truly a story of the redemption of a lost man. It chilled me. The prose is simple. I wouldn’t call this a literary masterpiece,however, it is an emotional masterpiece. It is beyond touching. There's some magic to these words. People...more

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Nov 07, 2011 Natasha rated it 5 of 5 stars

So, I just realized I've never done a review on one of my favorite books ever. I don't know why I skipped this, maybe because I couldn't write anything to do it justice? I'm not sure, what I do know though is that I completely love this book. J.R Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series is one of the most addictive series for vampire fiction/ urban fantasy / paranormal romance fans. I haven't read a book in this series that I didn't enjoy. I love them all but my favorites are Zsadists story(this o...more So, I just realized I've never done a review on one of my favorite books ever. I don't know why I skipped this, maybe because I couldn't write anything to do it justice? I'm not sure, what I do know though is that I completely love this book. J.R Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series is one of the most addictive series for vampire fiction/ urban fantasy / paranormal romance fans. I haven't read a book in this series that I didn't enjoy. I love them all but my favorites are Zsadists story(this one) and Vishous's story(Lover Unbound). I don`t want to give away to many spoilers, so I won`t make it super long. Anyway, on with the review.

Lover Awakened is the third book in the BDBH series by the amazing J.R Ward. It follows the story of Zsadist and Bella. Zsadist's story really begins in Lover Eternal when he meets Bella, and Lover Awakened starts off right where Lover Eternal ends, with Bellas disappearance. Zsadist is known for many things and one is that he mainly treats his Brothers with lack of respect and often makes his brother to do things that the gentle Phury detests. He has been an outcast his whole life, he has never loved or been loved. (Besides by his softer sided brother Phury, and even he can't get close enough to him to be 100%). Zsadist is looked at as a monster and a woman killer; noone really knows Zsadist, not even himself, but what people think they know about him..is completely wrong. Sure, he's done his share of unmentionable things, but you have to realize he's never known any different, he can't know how to show kindness if none was ever shown to him.

Throughout the book Zsadist is mainly pushing Bella away. He thinks he's not worthy of her and thinks of himself as broken and unfixable. Bella is captivated by Zsadist in ways she didn't understand. She feels a connection with him and even though he hates to admit it to himself or anyone, he has that connection with her also. She calms him and makes him feel things he has never felt before. Bella comes from a very high class vampire family and even though she was currently looked upon as 'used goods', she was still looked at a female of too high standards to be with the sadist Zsadist. But Bella doesn't think that way, nor would she want others to, but some people are harder to convince than others. And one person who is hard to convince is her stubborn, alpha vampire male brother Rhvenge. Which causes a few conflicts towards Bella`s goals and happiness.

All around this is amazing story. It was touching and heart wrenching. The writing was beautiful and the characters were perfect. I found this story was put together the best of all the books in the series and has great twists and surprises. I HIGHLY recommend this series to those who haven't read it yet. What are you waiting for? :)(less)

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Apr 25, 2009 Ami rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy-paranormal-futuristic

Unfortunately, I must say that I was a bit disappointed with it. It was not as good as I thought it would be. After being enchanted with Rhage's story in the 2nd book, this was definitely a let down.

Here is my problem with it ... this is supposed to be Zsadist and Bella's story. However, I felt that other characters seemed to be taking over. It moved back and forth between Zsadist, Phury, John Matthew ... and from the middle, Revhenge ... it got to the point that I wondered, who was the actual m...more

4 likes · like · see review

Apr 01, 2013 Pavlina Michou rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: hot-male, pavlina, vampire, favorites, favorite-boys

The best book so far!!!!!! All around this is amazing story. It was touching and heart wrenching. The writing was beautiful and the characters were perfect.Zsadist's past was torturous.
Zsadist has a terrible history of sexual violence, and this book details his recovery.
I cry a lot in this book..
I love him, and that just makes me sad, because everyone treats him like crap and everyone calls him soulless, and no one is smart enough to realize that he actually has a heart and is not some evil ps...more

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Dec 19, 2007 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of paranormal romance novels

Shelves: paranormal-romance

Sometimes the end of a novel is so wonderful and satisfying it makes everything you endured to get there worth it. This is definitely one of those novels. This is Book Three of "The Black Dagger Brotherhood" series, and it tells the story of Zsadist and how he finds his mate, Bella.

Zsadist's past was torturous. After he was rescued he internalized that horror, and it created a painful present. The path to a happy future would be frustrating, painful, and depressing for Zsadist, and that sums up...more

8 likes · like · see review

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Is it Just me or Does Bella Seem like Jr Wards Favorite?	26	264	May 12, 2013 03:22pm
J. R. Ward (BLACK...: Lover Awakened (Book 3)	120	222	Mar 18, 2013 09:28am
Black Dagger Brotherhood	102	523	Dec 15, 2012 02:38am
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did anyone else cry?!?! Spoilers	22	263	Dec 03, 2012 02:13pm
J. R. Ward (BLACK...: Lover Awakened Re-read! July 1-31, 2012	53	112	Nov 29, 2012 03:17am

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About J.R. Ward

J.R. Ward is a New York Times and USA Today Best Selling author of erotic paranormal romance. She lives in the south with her incredibly supportive husband and her beloved golden retriever. After graduating from law school, she began working in healthcare in Boston and spent many years as Chief of Staff of one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation. Writing has always been her passi...more

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Books by J.R. Ward

Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #1)

Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #2)

Lover Unbound (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #5)

Lover Revealed (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #4)

Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood, #7)

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“I was dead until you found me, though I breathed. I was sightless, though I could see. And then you came...and I was awakened.” — 1,989 people liked it

“Z: "You know, this was a hell of a lot easier when you were out cold in the back of that truck."

Phury: "That was you?"

Z:"You think it was Santa Claus or some shit?” — 459 people liked it

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Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood #3)

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